Kratie Travel Guide

This remote town on the Mekong in eastern Cambodian is most popular with backpackers, who come to see the nearby Irrawaddy dolphins and the town's many temples.

Worth It?
Yes, it is certainly worth it for getting away from the usual Cambodian tourist haunts of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and for seeing the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin.
What to Do
go Irrawaddy dolphin watching, bird watching upstream to spot the Mekong wagtail, visit the town market for local handicrafts, Phnom Sombok temple.
Best Time to Go
the dry season months November through February is the best time to visit Kratie.
How Long?
One or two days is ample time to spend in Kratie.
Trivia
Kratie is home of the Irrawaddy dolphins and the Mekong wagtail bird.

The best thing about Kratie is that it's not as heavily touristed as the other main centers in Cambodia although this shows in the distinct lack of tourist infrastructure. There are, however, loads of cheap budget accommodation options in the town, which is perfect if you're a backpacker looking to get off the beaten path.

Kratie Province proper extends farther east and north to the Vietnam border. Colonial architecture is in evidence around the town and there is also a fairly lively market to pick up some local handicrafts and fruits. Around the town is the biggest allure, with the curious Irrawaddy dolphins nearby and the Phom Sombok temples.

Travel to Kratie - Getting There

As Kratie is between airports - Stung Treng and Phnom Penh - the only way here is by road or boat. It is about three hours from Phnom and Stung Treng by bus respectively.

Kratie Things to Do

Kratie Attractions

Irrawaddy dolphin watching
most people come to Kratie to see the dolphins, which are north of town.
Phnom Sombok
this temple north of town has a hilltop setting and interesting paintings inside, and makes a good stop off after returning from seeing the dolphins.
Bird watching
another popular attraction in Kratie is to try and see the local Mekong wagtail bird (Motacilla samveasnae), which is endemic to Cambodia.
Cham basket weaving villages
three basket weaver villages lie 10 miles south of Kratie, of which Chheu Teil Ploch is the most interesting.
Kratie Market
this favorite market lies on the main road in town and has local foods and fruits along with cheap handicrafts.
Sambor
located around 25 miles from town, Sambor features pre-Angkorian temples, including Wat Sorsor Muoy Roi ('temple of 100 columns').
best of the world Best of the World Best in the Country Best in the Country Recommended Recommended