About Kratie
A Guide to Mekong Sunsets, Dolphin Watching and more! This guide unveils the allure of Kratie Province, offering insights into traveling from Phnom Penh, lodging recommendations, and the top attractions including the renowned Irrawaddy dolphins.
Culture & History
Attractions
Eat & Drink
Shopping
Places to stay
Something Different
Eco & Wellness
Services
Things to Do in Kratie Province
Dolphin Watching
Embark on a mesmerizing cruise along the Mekong River and witness the enchanting Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat. Head to Kampi, located just 15km north of Kratie town, for the best dolphin-spotting experience.
Koh Trong Island
Discover the idyllic charm of Koh Trong Island by renting a bicycle and exploring its picturesque landscapes. From traditional stilted houses to lush rice paddies, this island offers a glimpse into rural Cambodian life.
Krong Kracheh Pagoda
Marvel at the splendor of Krong Kracheh Pagoda, a glittering jewel nestled in the heart of Kratie town. Step inside to admire its ornate architecture and soak in the peaceful ambiance of this sacred site.
Sunset on the Mekong
Unwind in the evening with a breathtaking sunset cruise along the Mekong River. Relax at one of the riverside restaurants or bars, savoring panoramic views as the sun sets over the tranquil waters.
The 100 Pillar Pagoda
Adorned with intricate designs and vibrant frescoes depicting Buddhist mythologies.
The Mekong Turtle Conservation Centre
dedicated to protecting the Cantor’s Giant Softshell Turtle.
Accommodation Options
Unwind in the cozy confines of Kratie’s accommodation offerings, ranging from budget-friendly homestays to luxurious resorts.
Embrace the authentic charm of Pomelo Homestay on Koh Trong Island or indulge in the elegance of Rajabori Villas Resort for a truly memorable stay.
Higher-end accommodation in Kratie
- Soriyabori Villas – Traditional bungalows with luxury finish
(Around $100 per night) - Privada Lodge – Historic sunset rooftop bar and grill
(Around $50 per night)
Budget accommodation in Kratie
- Silver Dolphin Guesthouse
- Nomad Guesthouse
- Le Tonle
- HeangKanha Guesthouse
- Sorry Guesthouse
(All around $15 to $25)
Where to Eat & Drink in Kratie Province
Savor delectable Khmer and international cuisine at renowned eateries, such as:
- Tokae Restaurant
- Le Tonle Training Restaurant.
- Mekong MoJo Restaurant & Bar Kratie
- Street Three Eatery Kratie
- Jasmine Boat Restaurant
- Le Tonlé Restaurant and Guesthouse – International, Asian
- Sorya Cafe – Pizza, Cafe
- Street Three Eatery Kratie – Upscale eatery with a focus on Asian flavors
- The German Restaurant – German, European
- Mekong Mojo – Asian, with focus on vegan and vegetarian food.
What should I bring when visiting Kratie Province in Cambodia?
Prepare for your Kratie adventure with essential travel resources, from booking flights and accommodations to organizing transportation and obtaining visas. Equip yourself with a Lonely Planet guidebook for Cambodia to navigate through this enchanting destination effortlessly.
Pack Your Essentials
Ensure a hassle-free journey by packing essentials such as a reusable water bottle, rain jacket, and sturdy day pack. Don’t forget to carry rehydration tablets and a Cambodia guidebook to enhance your travel experience.
How can I travel from Phnom Penh to Kratie Province?
You can reach Kratie from Phnom Penh by bus, minivan, or private car. If traveling from Siem Reap, you can bypass the capital by changing buses in Kampong Thom or Kampong Cham.
For bus travel, four local companies operate the Phnom Penh-Kratie route: Virak Buntham, Thang Vang, Sorya, and Heng Sokkhoeun Express. Heng Sokkhoeun Express and Thang Vang offer the quickest minivan service (5-6 hours). Tickets cost $10 and depart from a location about 1km west of Phnom Penh’s Central Market.
Sorya bus provides a cheaper option at $9 per person but takes longer (approximately 7 hours). Two buses depart Phnom Penh daily at 7am and 9:30am from the Sorya stop near the Central Market.
There was previously a Cambodia Post VIP Van servicing this route, but it is no longer operational.
Alternatively, private car travel is preferable due to the road conditions between Phnom Penh and Kratie.
Top Tip: For travelers passing between Cambodia and Laos, Kratie makes an ideal stop, being only a 3-hour drive from the border.
Should you visit Kratie Province in Cambodia?
Kratie, a serene rural town in Cambodia, offers a tranquil escape typical of the countryside. Its modest center hosts a few hotels and eateries perched alongside the Mekong River.
As an advocate for off-peak travel and exploring lesser-known destinations, I often recommend Kratie to fellow travelers (hence this guide!). Personally, I find it delightful, though I acknowledge it may not suit everyone’s tastes.
If you’re drawn to nature, eco-tourism, and wildlife, Kratie warrants a visit. Likewise, if temples, markets, and small-town charm appeal to you, Kratie should be on your itinerary, especially if combined with a stop in Kampong Cham, my favorite spot in Cambodia.
The primary consideration when deciding to visit Kratie is travel time. The journey from Phnom Penh to Kratie takes a minimum of 4 hours by taxi, considerably longer by bus. If your time in Cambodia is limited, you might hesitate to spend so long on the road, especially if you’re not continuing north afterward.
History of Kratie Province in Cambodia
The provincial capital, Kratié town, lies within Kratié Municipality.
Kratié, once a part of the ancient Kingdom of Funan in the early first millennium, later became absorbed into the realm of Chenla in the 6th century after Funan’s decline. Sampheak Borak, the former Royal Capital during the Chenla Era, lies within Sambo District.
Kratié boasts the Vihear Sasar Muayroy Pagoda, constructed in the 16th century, with ties to the Khmer legend of Krapeur Nen Thun, the Crocodile Monk. Several temples dating back to the 8th century, such as Khvas Pi, Pram, and Koh Kring, adorn the area with their ancient halls, Khmer houses, and French-inspired architecture. Along the Mekong River near Kratié thrived one of Cambodia’s most densely populated regions in the pre-Angkorian era.
Kratié (Khmer: ក្រចេះ, Krâchéh [krɑˈceh]), alternatively spelled Kracheh, is a northeastern province of Cambodia, bordered by Stung Treng to the north, Mondulkiri to the east, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham to the west, and Tboung Khmum and Vietnam to the south.
Geography of Kratie Province in Cambodia
Kratié’s forests, less dense and more open than elsewhere in Cambodia, primarily consist of deciduous trees shedding their leaves during the dry season.
The Mekong River traverses the province from north to south, covering approximately 140 km of its expanse. Known for its biodiversity, the river is home to Irrawaddy dolphins, various fish species, and a plethora of avian life. The flow of the Mekong River in Kratié town experiences significant variation. The area is characterized by numerous seasonally flooded islands, and plans were underway in 2007 by the Cambodian government to construct a dam near Kratié town. Additionally, the province boasts lush forests, the Phnom Pram Poan mountain range, Phnom Prech, and extensive rubber plantations. Eastern Kratié serves as an important bird habitat.
The province predominantly features dense forest cover, with visible remnants of craters from Operation Menu bombings during the Vietnam War, some of which now hold water. While agricultural activities exist, they occupy a smaller proportion of land compared to other regions of Cambodia.
Kratié experiences a monsoonal climate, characterized by a cool season from November to March, a hot season from March to May, and a rainy season from May to October. Flooding is a recurrent phenomenon, with the Mekong River overflowing by up to 4 meters during the rainy season.
Renowned for its picturesque riverside vistas, verdant villages, and rice paddies, Kratié is also celebrated for its river dolphins.
The fisheries of Kratié contribute to the Upper Mekong River Zone, supporting migratory species and subsistence fishing, albeit without significant commercial fishing activity.
