Kratie Travel Guide
Kratie is a must-visit destination in Cambodia. This guide covers everything you need to know about Kratie, including where to go, what to do, where to stay, and what to eat.
- Introduction to Kratie
- List of Places to Visit in Kratie
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Kratie
- Best Things to Do in Kratie: Activities and Tours
- Sunset Boat Tour on the Mekong
- Waterfall Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Kratie
- Food and Drink Scene of Kratie
- Where to Stay in Kratie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Mekong Dolphin Hotel
- Rajabori Villas Resort
- What to Buy in Kratie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Silk Scarves
- Krama
- Local Culture and Customs of Kratie
- Best Time to Visit Kratie
- Do’s and Don’ts of Kratie
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Kratie: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Kratie
- Where to Go Next from Kratie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Stung Treng
- Siem Reap
- Conclusion
Introduction to Kratie
Kratie is a charming province located in eastern Cambodia, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people. Situated along the Mekong River, Kratie is a popular stopover for those travelling between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Visitors to Kratie can expect to find a range of attractions, from stunning waterfalls and scenic countryside to Buddhist temples and colonial-era architecture.
List of Places to Visit in Kratie
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Wat Rokar
Wat Rokar is a 12th century Buddhist temple located in Kratie’s town centre. It is known for its intricate carvings and elaborate traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and take in its peaceful surroundings.
Old French Colonial Buildings
Kratie features a number of well-preserved colonial buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the notable buildings include the Governor’s House, the Tax Office, and the Market Building. Visitors can take a walking tour of these historic sites and learn about the region’s colonial past.
Natural Attractions of Kratie: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Kampi Dolphin Sanctuary
Located on the Mekong River, the Kampi Dolphin Sanctuary is home to a population of Irrawaddy dolphins. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the dolphins up close and learn about their habitat and behaviour.
Koh Trong Island
Koh Trong Island is a small, rural island located in the middle of the Mekong River. Visitors to the island can explore its lush vegetation, fruit orchards, and traditional village life. Cycling is a popular way to get around the island.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kratie
Mekong Riverfront Cycling Trail
The Mekong Riverfront Cycling Trail follows the banks of the Mekong River and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside. The trail is 15km long and is suitable for all skill levels.
Kratie Countryside Cycling Tour
The Kratie Countryside Cycling Tour takes visitors through scenic rice paddies and local villages. The tour includes visits to local markets and farms, providing a unique glimpse into rural Cambodian life.
Best Things to Do in Kratie: Activities and Tours
Sunset Boat Tour on the Mekong
Watching the sunset over the Mekong River is a must-do activity in Kratie. Visitors can take a boat tour during the early evening hours to witness the beautiful colours of the sky and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Waterfall Tours
Kratie is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including the Phnom Sambok Waterfall and the Chhlong Waterfall. Visitors can take a guided tour to these scenic spots, where they can swim, hike, and take in the natural beauty of the area.
Week-Long Itinerary for Kratie
Day 1: Explore Kratie Town and visit Wat Rokar temple Day 2: Take a cycling tour of the Kratie countryside and visit nearby villages Day 3: Visit the Kampi Dolphin Sanctuary and go on a boat tour to see the Irrawaddy dolphins Day 4: Take a guided tour of the Chhlong Waterfall and nearby countryside Day 5: Head over to Koh Trong Island and explore rural island life Day 6: Visit Phnom Sambok Waterfall and nearby attractions Day 7: Take a day trip to the nearby town of Stung Treng
Food and Drink Scene of Kratie
Must-Try Dishes
Amok
Amok is a traditional Cambodian dish made from fish, coconut milk, and spices. The dish is steamed in banana leaves and served with rice.
Lok Lak
Lok Lak is a popular beef stir-fry dish that is often served with fresh vegetables and a side of rice.
Local Beverages
Angkor Beer
Angkor Beer is a popular Cambodian beer, brewed with high-quality malt and hops.
Palm Wine
Palm wine is a sweet alcoholic beverage made from fermented palm sap. It is popular with locals and visitors alike.
Where to Stay in Kratie: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Mekong Dolphin Hotel
The Mekong Dolphin Hotel is a luxury hotel located near the town centre. It offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and stunning riverfront views.
Rajabori Villas Resort
The Rajabori Villas Resort is a peaceful retreat located on the banks of the Mekong River. It features traditional Khmer-style villas, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
What to Buy in Kratie: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Silk Scarves
Kratie is known for its high-quality silk scarves, which are made by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Krama
Krama is a traditional Cambodian scarf that is worn by locals as a head covering or scarf. They come in a range of colours and patterns and make a great souvenir.
Local Culture and Customs of Kratie
Kratie is known for its friendly and welcoming people, who are proud of their cultural heritage. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
Best Time to Visit Kratie
The best time to visit Kratie is between November and February when the weather is cool and dry.
Do’s and Don’ts of Kratie
Do:
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites
- Try local cuisine and beverages
- Be respectful towards locals
Don’t:
- Touch or disturb animals in the Kampi Dolphin Sanctuary
- Wear revealing clothing in public places
Safety and Health
Safety in Kratie
Kratie is a safe destination for visitors, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. Visitors are encouraged to take normal precautions such as keeping their valuables secure and avoiding unsafe areas at night.
Health in Kratie
Visitors to Kratie should take basic health precautions such as washing their hands regularly and using insect repellent to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses.
Getting to Kratie: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Kratie
The nearest major airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, which is located approximately 5 hours away by car or bus.
Bus Stations Near Kratie
Kratie has a bus station located in the town centre, which serves a number of destinations throughout Cambodia.
Other Options
Visitors can also take a ferry from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap to reach Kratie.
How to Get Around in Kratie
The best way to get around Kratie is on foot or by bicycle. Tuk-tuks and moto-taxis are also available for longer journeys or when travelling with luggage.
Where to Go Next from Kratie: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Stung Treng
Stung Treng is another charming town located in northern Cambodia, known for its natural beauty and welcoming people. It is located just a few hours away from Kratie and is easily accessible by bus or car.
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is a popular destination in Cambodia, known for its stunning temples and rich cultural history. It is located approximately 7 hours away by car or bus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kratie is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Cambodia. With its natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming people, it offers visitors a unique and unforgettable travel experience. From stunning waterfalls and scenic countryside to Buddhist temples and colonial-era architecture, Kratie has something for everyone. So pack your bags and come explore this beautiful part of Cambodia!
