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ក្រចេះNorth-East Cambodia12.49° N · 106.02° E
A quiet Mekong river town where rare Irrawaddy dolphins live just upstream. Here is how to see them, what else to do and how long to stay.
Kratie is a small, sleepy town of old shophouses on the banks of the Mekong, famous for the sunsets over the river and for the Irrawaddy dolphins that live in deep pools just to the north. These rare freshwater dolphins are endangered, and the stretch near Kampi village is one of the few places where they can still be seen.
Kratie also makes a lovely break on the long overland route between Phnom Penh and southern Laos. Beyond the dolphins, you can cycle around the rural island of Koh Trong, visit hilltop pagodas and simply watch river life go by.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so Kratie can break a long drive between Phnom Penh and the Lao border.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
About 15 km north of town, small boats take you out to the deep pools where the dolphins live. Early morning or late afternoon is calmest.
Take the small ferry across to this river island and cycle its quiet loop past villages, orchards and a floating village.
A hill pagoda on the road to Kampi, with steps, shrines and views over the Mekong.
Kratie's riverfront faces west, so evenings bring wide, golden sunsets over the water.
The hundred-column pagoda at Sambor, north of Kampi, a peaceful site that is worth combining with the dolphins.
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Customise My TripKratie is reached by road from Phnom Penh, usually as part of an overland route north along the Mekong to Stung Treng and southern Laos. A private car lets you stop at villages and pagodas along the way.
Places that pair well with Kratie, with approximate travel times.
The dry season, roughly December to May, is the best time to see the dolphins, as the river is lower and they gather in the deep pools. The rainy season brings higher water and makes sightings harder, though the countryside is greener.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppSightings at Kampi are very likely, especially in the dry season, but they are usually brief glimpses of backs and fins at a distance. Boats keep away from the dolphins to protect them, so bring binoculars and patience.
One night is enough for the dolphins and a sunset. Two nights lets you cycle Koh Trong and visit Sambor without rushing.
About 4 to 5 hours by road. Most travellers combine Kratie with Stung Treng and continue north into southern Laos.
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