Tourism of Kratie
Kratie is among the provinces in eastern Cambodia. The administrative centre of the province can be Kratie town. Although on the riverbanks of the Mekong, which stretches for over 140 km along the town line from north to south, it really is surprisingly among Cambodia’s least populated provinces.
Beyond the riverbanks are dense mangrove forests house to abundant wildlife and flora. Kratie can be a favorite destination among the tourists who arrive in large numbers to experience the vibrant ecosystem and a whole river town with colonial architecture and authentic Cambodian countryside.
Things to Do
Irrawaddy Dolphin and other Wildlife:- Surrounded by the expansive Mekong, Kratie is the most popular place in the country to see Irrawaddy dolphins. These endangered dolphins thrive in this part of the Mekong, and tourists opt for tours to watch them in their natural habitat. Along with the dolphins, Kratie is home to rare birds, turtles, crocodiles, and fish.
Island Day-Trips:- Several islands surround Kratie, which are seasonal day trip options for tourists wanting to get away for an island holiday. The province is also home to the mountain ranges of Phnom Pram Poan and Phnom Prech, both housing thick forests.
Food in Kratie
You’re not in Kansas anymore, or Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for that matter. If you’ve become used to dining out on excellent food for buttons, you may need to adjust your settings.
Heng Heng: Junction St. 10 and Riverside, Kratie; T: (072) 971 613; open daily 06:00 – 21:00.
Jasmine Boat: Soramarith Quay (opposite St. 8), Kratie; T: (096) 33 11 998; eat@jasmine-boat.com; http://www.jasmine-boat.com; open daily 06:00-22:00.
Kraches Krong: Between St. 5 and St. 6, Kratie; T: (011) 660 242; open daily 05:00-21:00.
Le Bungalow: Soramarith Quay (just south of St. 5); T: (023) 215 651; bungalow.kratie@gmail.com.
Le Tonle: Street 3, Kratie; T: (072) 210 505; letonlettc@gmail.com; http://www.letonlettc.com; open daily 06:00-22:00.
Red Sun Falling: Soramarith Quay (below St. 8); T: (011) 465 606; open daily 06:00-23:00.
Sorya Cafe: Soramarith Quay (beside Canadia Bank); open daily 07:00-21:00.
Tokae: St. 10 (just beside the market); T: (097) 3391 285.
You Hong: St. 8 (north side of the market); T: (012) 957 003.
What is the best time to visit Kratie?
The best time to visit Kratie is between October and January. The weather is not hot, and the humidity is less during these months. Dolphins spotting is best during this time as well as many cruise options are open to the tourists. From late February, summer sets in slowly with March to May being the hottest months. Monsoon begins in late July and lasts until September, with the city witnessing landslides and floods.
Local transport in Kratie
You can get around Kratie by hiring a Tuk-Tuk or renting a motorbike daily. Cabs are available too if you want to commute more comfortably. You can also hire bikes to explore short distances. Boats are available if you’re going to go to any of the nearby islands.
3 Days Itinerary
Day 1: Explore the town on a walking tour to see the colonial architecture. Take the Irrawaddy Dolphins tour in the late afternoon, and be back in the city for sunset along the riverfront from the downtown. Dine-in one of the restaurants and shops in the local market.
Day 2: Visit Phnom Sombok Pagoda in the morning. Next head to Mekong Turtle conservation centre in the afternoon. Follow this up with a sunset boat tour to enjoy the views of Cambodian Countryside and vibrant sunset. End the day with tasting local street food in the downtown close to the riverfront and the market.
Day 3: Take a day trip to nearby Koh Trong Island.
Tips When Arriving Kratie
Kratie has very few ATMs, and most of the transactions are done in cash. So it is usually better to carry some money before arriving in the city.
Kratie has fewer accommodation options that fill fast during the high season. So it is recommended to book the guesthouses and hotels in advance.