Kratie, Cambodia – Witnessing rare Irrawaddy dolphins swimming freely in the Mekong River is a unique experience that tourists shouldn’t miss when visiting northeastern Cambodia. Besides that, Kratie City is one of the most beautiful and famous tourist destinations in Cambodia, attracting visitors with its diverse landscapes and many exciting activities. With the Kratie exploration tips that Ha Tien Vegas will share in this article, we are confident that you will have a truly fulfilling and memorable trip to Cambodia!
IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS – SYMBOL OF THE MEKONG RIVER
Irrawaddy dolphins (or “cá nược” in Vietnam) are small, shy dolphins with a distinctive dark gray color, pale belly, and round head. They can grow up to 2.75m long, weigh 150kg, and live in groups of six. They are one of the three rare dolphin species that can live in both freshwater and saltwater.
According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), there are currently only 66-86 individuals left on the 180km stretch of the Mekong River from Kratie to the Laotian border – an alarming number indicating a high risk of extinction for this species.
Irrawaddy dolphins spend most of their time foraging and usually dive for less than 2 minutes. They don’t jump as high as regular dolphins, but sometimes perform adorable low jumps. Their average lifespan is about 30 years, with females giving birth every 2-3 years.
KRATIE – AN IDEAL DESTINATION
Kratie is a small town of about 13,000 inhabitants located on the banks of the Mekong River, bordering Binh Phuoc province in Vietnam. It retains many old French architectural structures interspersed with modern buildings, creating a picturesque landscape with long stretches of white sand.
The section of the river north of the town is the main habitat of the Irrawaddy dolphin pod. From January to May (the dry season), when the water level is low, the dolphins congregate in 9 deep pools, creating ideal conditions for observation.
DOLPHIN WATCHING EXPERIENCE
JP Klovstad, a 63-year-old Norwegian photographer who frequently visits the area, shared: “I paid $7 to go out a few hundred meters by boat. Seeing dolphins surfacing and playing right in front of me was spectacular.”
How to: Rent a boat at the Kratie river pier for about $7-10 per person for a 1-2 hour trip. Local boat drivers know the dolphin spot and timing, so visitors are almost guaranteed to see them.
Nearby Accommodation: Kampi Resort is located right in the dolphin-watching area, where visitors can enjoy a boat ride to admire the sunset on the river.
EXPLORING MORE KRATIE
100-Pillar Pagoda (Sambor): Located 36km north of the city center, this pagoda, famous for its 100 pillars built from clay and plaster, is an ideal destination to learn about local architecture and history.
Phnom Sambok Pagoda: Situated atop the mountain of the same name, 11km from the city center, this renowned religious site offers peace and beautiful views.
Đảo Kaoh Trong
Exploring Kaoh Trong Island is a delightful and peaceful experience that Cambodian tourists shouldn’t miss when visiting Kratie. This small island, nestled in the Mekong River and just a few minutes by ferry from the city center, is ideal for enjoying the fresh natural surroundings and tranquil village life.
Visitors can rent bicycles or hike along the island’s trails to admire the lush green fields, orchards, and traditional Khmer houses. The island’s friendly and hospitable people offer a wonderful opportunity to learn about local culture. With its rustic beauty and close connection to nature, Kaoh Trong Island is sure to please those who love relaxation and peace.
Kratie Market
Exploring Kratie Market is a must-do activity when traveling to Kratie, Cambodia. Located right in the heart of the city, Kratie Market is a bustling hub of commerce, offering a great opportunity to learn about the unique local life and culture.
Mekong Turtle Sanctuary
Exploring the Mekong Turtle Sanctuary is a unique and meaningful activity when visiting Kratie, Cambodia. Situated along the Mekong River, the Mekong Turtle Sanctuary was established to protect the rare Cantor softshell turtle, which is facing extinction due to habitat threats.
Cuisine: Don’t miss specialties such as freshly grilled corn cakes, dried buffalo meat, and grilled beef.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Best time to visit: January-May (dry season), especially mid-April to experience Khmer New Year.
Getting there from Vietnam:
- By road: From Ho Chi Minh City via Moc Bai border gate (Tay Ninh), it takes about 5 hours. If you want to visit Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, it’s best to go to these two places first (6-9 hours from Ho Chi Minh City), stay overnight, and then go to Kratie the next morning.
- By Air: Flights from Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi to Phnom Penh have resumed after Covid-19, with round-trip tickets costing 6-8 million VND.
By Local Transportation: Rent a motorbike for independent exploration; guesthouses are willing to provide information. Local people are friendly and helpful.
Estimated Costs:
- Dolphin watching: 7-10 USD/person
- Motorbike rental: 5-7 USD/day
- Accommodation: 10-30 USD/night depending on the level of accommodation
Kratie offers a rare opportunity to witness rare dolphins in their natural habitat and discover the peaceful beauty of the Mekong Delta – a memorable experience on the legendary river.
Tags: #MekongDolphin #Kratie #Cambodia #IrrawaddyDolphin #MekongTourism #NatureConservation
Source: VnExpress, compiled