Laid-back island living and dolphin spotting on the Mekong
A charming riverside town set on the banks of the mighty Mekong in northeastern Cambodia, Kratie is best known for its wildlife and stunning natural scenery.
It is the best place in Cambodia to see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong River in diminishing numbers. A pod of these endangered dolphins can be found 15 kilometres north of Kratie in a stretch of water by the Kampi village, known to our local guides.
Kratie’s picturesque riverfront is strewn with sandbars and islands, and it’s here that you’ll catch some of the best Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. Locals and tourists alike head down to the river each night to watch the sky light up with brilliant colours.
Visit Ko Trong, a small, beautiful island set in the middle of the Mekong River. The island is an authentic slice of rural Cambodian life, with no cars and a slower pace. It’s an unspoilt haven of lush fruit orchards and vibrant wildlife and makes for fun exploration by bike or tuk-tuk.
A sustainable tourism project has been developed by the local community to create more opportunities for the inhabitants of Ko Trong. Wayfairer Travel supports this project, and you’ll have the chance to work alongside locals: planting trees, tending fields, or learning how to fish.
Kratie is the perfect stop to escape the bustle of the cities and enjoy a laid-back, idyllic atmosphere. With a countryside adorned with emerald rice fields, blooming lotus farms, and sleepy wooden villages, this is the Cambodia you came to see.
Your Luxury Kratie Trip Ideas
A trip to Kratie is a special feature of our Complete Cambodia Holiday, where you’ll enjoy a two-night stay on the island of Ko Trong. You’ll travel the mighty Mekong River by local ferry, visit one of the last sanctuaries where you can spot the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin, and you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the locals of Ko Trong to learn about their way of life.
Complete Cambodia Holiday
This Complete Cambodia Holiday includes all the essential sights required for a comprehensive Cambod...
Discover MoreWhen to go to Kratie
The best time to visit Kratie is during the dry season from November to February when there is lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures. This is also the best season to spot the Irrawaddy dolphins and take a kayak tour along the Mekong River.
November and December are particularly great months, as the rain is less frequent, and it is cooler, with the heat yet to arrive. June to October is the monsoon season, and flooding is widespread during this time. This is not the best time to go to enjoy the beautiful scenery, as the rice fields are often completely underwater. It is, however, the season with the fewest crowds.
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