Kratie, Cambodia
Kratie, Cambodia is a tranquil and charming town located on the banks of the Mekong River. It is famous for its rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, beautiful French colonial architecture, and picturesque countryside.
Trip to Kratie, Cambodia
Day 1: Arrival and Night Market
Upon your arrival in Kratie, you’ll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling down, you can head out to the night market to explore the local cuisine and culture. The market offers a range of street food, souvenirs, clothes, and much more. You can try some of the popular dishes such as Khmer Noodle Soup, Fried Rice, or Fried Banana with Coconut Milk. The night market is an incredible place to relish the authentic Cambodian experience.
Day 2: Mekong River and Dolphins Watching
Take a scenic boat ride on the famous Mekong River to spot the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins on the Kampi Riverfront. The river dolphins are fascinating to watch and are a unique experience that you should not miss. You can also explore the nearby fishing villages and check out the local lifestyle.
Day 3: Kampi Rapids and Monastery
In the morning, you can visit the Kampi Rapids, which is located 16 km north of Kratie. The rapids are a series of small waterfalls and obstacles that create a shallow, rocky section of the river. The area offers a serene environment to unwind, and you can even take a dip in the water to cool down. You can then head to the Phnom Sambok Pagoda which is an ancient monastery on top of a hill overlooking the Mekong River. You can hike or take a motorcycle taxi to the summit and enjoy the stunning views.
Day 4: Chhlong and Wat Roka Kandal
You can head out to the beautiful riverside town of Chhlong, which is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. The town offers some stunning colonial-era buildings, old pagodas, and French architecture. You can also take a stroll through the traditional Cambodian markets and enjoy some authentic dishes. You can then head to the Wat Roka Kandal, which is one of the most revered temples in Cambodia. The temple is known for its intricate murals, beautiful architecture, and serene surroundings.
Day 5: Koh Trong Island and Sunset Cruise
Take a ferry to the nearby island of Koh Trong, which is known for its rustic beauty, traditional Khmer houses, and mesmerizing sunsets. You can rent a bicycle and explore the entire island, meet the locals, and indulge in some fresh fruits and other local delicacies. You can then head back to Kratie town and hop on a sunset cruise on the Mekong River, which is a great way to end the day.
Day 6: Phnom Penh Day Trip
You can take a day trip to the capital city of Phnom Penh, which is around 4 hours drive from Kratie. The city offers a plethora of attractions such as the Royal Palace, National Museum, Killing Fields, and much more. You can also explore the local markets, indulge in some street food and shop for some souvenirs.
Day 7: Departure
On the last day of your trip, you can relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel before departing Kratie for your next destination.
