In this guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Kratie, from a cycling trip on Koh Trong to exploring the lively local market. I’ll also help you plan your visit with practical tips on how to get to Kratie, where to stay and how to organise your dolphin-spotting and kayaking trips.
While seeing the rare Irrawaddy dolphins is an unforgettable experience and without a doubt Kratie’s biggest draw, the town itself is far more than just a dolphin-spotting stop. Life moves slowly here. Dusty riverside roads, wooden houses on stilts and golden sunsets over the Mekong create a setting that feels peaceful and authentic.
Cycle through the quiet countryside, take a boat to the island of Koh Trong, visit local pagodas or simply watch daily life unfold along the riverfront. Kratie is the kind of place where you naturally slow down and enjoy Cambodia beyond the busy highlights of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Read next: Unique Two Weeks In Cambodia Itinerary + Map
There’s enough things to do in Kratie to keep you busy for a day or two. Check out my favourites below. But whatever you do, don’t miss out on the dolphins.
1. Go Kayaking with Irrawaddy Dolphins on the Mekong River
If there’s only one thing you do in Kratie, then it’s definitely a kayaking trip on the Mekong river. Why? Because this is the only place on the river in Cambodia where you have the chance to encounter the Irrawaddy dolphins.
Sadly there’s only 92 of this rare dolphin species left. Unlike the famous bottlenose dolphin, the Irrawaddy dolphin is a little bit shy. This means you shouldn’t expect them to swim along with you as you kayak through their habitat.
Nevertheless, when you see them it’s really an amazing experience. But, apart from the moments you meet the dolphins the rest of the kayaking trip is pretty awesome as well.
You will kayak through rapids, get out of your kayak in the middle of the Mekong for snacks on one of the river islands. And you can go for a swim in this unique location.
How to book your encounter with the Irrawaddy dolphins?
Kratie is small and there’s only a few operators offering trips to see the dolphins.
- Option 1 | Book your kayaking trip with Sorya Kayaking
- Option 2 | Book this 4-hour tour to see the dolphins and Phnom Sombok
Option 1 is what I did and I highly recommend this way. Just your small group kayaking, not disturbing the dolphins with sound pollution from boat engines.
2. Bicycle trip on Koh Trong Island
The other best thing to do in Kratie is to visit the island of Koh Trong that sits in the middle of the Mekong river. Koh Trong is a picturesque island that is perfect for a (half-) day of cycling through rural villages, lush farmlands, and fruit orchards.
Take your time to leisurely cycle around the island’s 9-kilometer loop, but stop occasionally to interact with the friendly locals. Most of them are very used to visitors, and will go about their day.
Getting to Koh Trong
Getting to Koh Trong is easy: there’s a very convenient ferry that departs frequently from the river banks close to the Sorya Guesthouse.
The ferry across should take around 15-20 minutes and upon arrival you can rent a bicycle for a few dollars.
Consider staying overnight on Koh Trong
For a deeper cultural experience you could also consider joining a homestay program to immerse yourself in the traditional life of the island’s residents.
Alternatively, for the best in comfort on the island book a stay in the traditional Soriyabori Villas Resort. Of course you could also return to Kratie on the same day as you arrive.
3. Shop at the Kratie Morning Market
Another must-do in Kratie is to visit the bustling morning market. Here, you’ll find vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods.
In addition to being a great spot to sample regional snacks like sticky rice treats and tropical fruits, it’s the perfect place to observe the morning bustle.
Be sure to arrive early, as the market is most active in the early hours. Going early gives you the best chance to soak in the local culture and mingle with residents as they go about their daily shopping.
4. Explore Phnom Sombok
Next on the list is Phnom Sombok. This small hill just outside Kratie is the perfect place to visit for panoramic views of the Mekong River and the surrounding countryside.
After visiting the market, make your way to this peaceful spot. The short climb to the top is well worth the effort. Expect to be greeted by colourful murals and statues of the hilltop pagoda.
Furthermore, Phnom Sombok is an ideal location to escape the heat and enjoy some quiet time. Don’t forget to take in the views and snap a few photos before heading back into town.
Tip: You can book your trip to Phnom Sombok in combination with the Irrawaddy dolphins right here. Ask your tuk tuk driver to also stop at the Kampi rapids for a swim.
5. Visit the Kampi Rapids to cool down
If you’re looking to cool off, the Kampi Rapids, located about 15 kilometers north of Kratie is a perfect destination. During the dry season, you can swim in the cool waters or relax on bamboo platforms by the river.
Additionally, this area offers a great place to enjoy a picnic while keeping an eye out for the Irrawaddy dolphins, which are often seen nearby.
How to visit the Kampi Rapids? | Visit the rapids as part of your kayaking trip, or alternatively hire a small boat at the Kampi stairs that lead into the Mekong.
6. Walk around the centre of Kratie
Kratie is rather small, but worthy of a wander around town. After the morning market you can check out the beautiful pagoda opposite the bus station.
Another great thing to do is to stroll along the Mekong river boulevard. Best to do this early in the morning or late at night because of the heat. At night it’s also fun to check out the colourful children’s playground that has some cool attractions.
If you need to cool down take a seat at one of the bars or restaurants on Road No. 3. Or grab a bubble tea at Cloud Tea & Coffee and soak up the a/c.
7. Sunset at the Mekong riverside
The sunsets in Cambodia are breathtaking, but along the Mekong they’re even better with the sun casting a warm glow across the river. It’s the perfect peaceful conclusion to a day of exploring Kratie’s highlights.
My two favourite places to view this golden hour spectacle are:
- The sandy shores on the eastern side of Koh Trong island
- Pete’s Pizza Pasta Café in Sorya Guesthouse
Map of things to do in Kratie
Check out the map below to find all of the things to do that are mentioned in this Kratie travel guide.
Planning Your Trip to Kratie
Are you planning your trip to Kratie and through Cambodia? Then check out some of the most important tips below.
For even more tips that make trip planning easy, check out my favourite travel platforms and websites on the travel resources page.
Where to stay in Kratie
Road No. 3 is the most happening street for visitors, but it’s still kinda quiet. There’s some places to stay in this street and nearby.
- Privada Lodge | Colourful hotel next to the food market with rooftop bar
- Sorya Guesthouse | Modern rooms with sunset views from the restaurant
- Nomad Guesthouse | Basic rooms in a charming guesthouse on Road No. 3
If you’re considering a stay on the island of Koh Trong, then check out the traditional Soriyabori Villas Resort.
Places to Eat and Drink in Kratie
Finding a decent meal in Southeast Asia is usually not too difficult and the same goes for Cambodia. Find some of the places I visited during my time in Kratie that I find worth visiting.
- Street Three Eatery | This restaurant is Kratie’s number one hotspot for any foodie. Locally sourced and home made Khmer and Southeast Asian staples will certainly satisfy your tastebuds.
- Privada Rooftop Bar & Grill | This French owned establishment has a pretty cool rooftop bar with tasty BBQ food.
- Pete’s Pizza Pasta Café | I had a very cheesy pizza here. But the sunset views and lively atmosphere make this a must-visit while in Kratie.
- Cloud Tea & Coffee | The best place in town if you need to cool down. The a/c blasts out cold air, but the iced (bubble) teas and iced coffees are worthy of a visit even without a/c.
How to get to Kratie
You can easily book your transportation to and from Kratie on 12Go.asia. I mainly used Virak Buntham Express and Sarah Transport to get around Cambodia.
Some popular routes to and from Kratie are from:
- Siem Reap to Kratie or Kratie to Siem Reap
- Stung Treng to Kratie or Kratie to Stung Treng
- Mondulkiri to Kratie or Kratie to Mondulkiri
- Phnom Penh to Kratie or Kratie to Phnom Penh
Alternatively, you can arrange your transportation through Cambodia with your hotel or guesthouse.
Get Travel Insurance for Cambodia
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Honestly, it might sound cliché, but I firmly believe it’s true. Travel insurance gives me peace of mind, because if something happens I don’t have to worry about expensive bills.
Find my recommendations for travel insurance below:
- Under 50 years old? | My recommendation is to check out Heymondo Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance. It covers all your trips for a year up to 60 days per trip. You can also get insurance through Heymondo for trips with specific travel dates. As a reader of Next Journey Ahead you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance.
- Over 50 years old? | Older than 49 and travel a lot? Then you want to check out World Nomads travel insurance. They also offer annual travel insurance, or you can insure trips with specific travel dates.
- Digital Nomad? | If you’re always on the move then I recommend checking out the Nomad Insurance of SafetyWing. This insurance company offers subscription based insurance. That means it renews every month until you cancel. But you can also insure specific travel dates.
Staying Connected in Cambodia with an eSIM
In all my travel guides my advice is to check before you travel whether your phone and data provider also got you covered in Cambodia. If not then you can buy and install a Saily eSIM in your phone.
I always prefer Saily when my data plan from home doesn’t cover my travel destination. You only ever have to install the eSIM once, and then use their app to buy country data packages. Super easy!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Kratie
My visit to Kratie turned out to be one of my favourite experiences in Cambodia. I knew I was going to love kayaking in the Mekong River, but I didn’t know how much yet. And that visit to Koh Trong made my trip really unforgettable.
Have you been to Kratie, or do you have any questions? Then leave a comment below, or reach out to me on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you. Also sign up to my newsletter to receive adventurous itineraries and travel guides as they get published.
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