What to do in Kratie? Top 5 things to do in Kratie - Cambodia

With its peaceful atmosphere, its marked rurality and its architectural remains of the French presence that maintain a sweet nostalgia, Kratie, located on the banks of the Mekong, is a charming stopover during your trip to Cambodia. Especially since this endearing city is the starting point for beautiful excursions in the delightful countryside.

***

1- Stroll in the city of Kratie

Kratie is a peaceful city where it is good to walk around to observe local life, especially at the market and its surroundings which are very lively in the morning. It is pleasant to stroll around the city to admire the decrepit facades of the old colonial residences and to discover the temples and pagodas that dot the city including the Wat Roka Kandal pagoda. Founded at the beginning of the 19th century, it is one of the oldest still standing in Cambodia. Note that the nave of the pagoda has preserved its framework and its 30 wooden pillars and that its walls present superb murals stenciled on lacquer.

It is also very pleasant to walk at the end of the day along the banks of the Mekong to contemplate the sunset, among the most beautiful in the country, and to mingle with the local population who like to come there with their families to relax. Many street stalls to eat and have a drink.

2 - Walk on the island of Koh Trong

This timeless island set on the coffee-colored waters of the legendary Mekong River is a very popular destination for travelers wishing to discover a Cambodia full of rural authenticity. On foot or by bike, you will stroll on small paths through lush nature, between banana plantations, market garden areas, green rice fields, century-old trees and mango trees where it is good to catch your breath while contemplating the river activity of the Mekong including that of the floating Vietnamese fishing villages.

You will also appreciate the kindness of the inhabitants and their beautiful wooden houses on stilts of traditional Khmer architecture. Some families can also welcome you for the night in the simplicity of their homes. Travelers looking for comfort will choose to spend the night in one of the 13 wooden villas, rivaling elegance with their superb antique furniture found throughout Cambodia, the Rajabori Villas Resort.

During your getaway to Koh Trong Island, try to observe the Cantor's Giant Softshell Turtle, a rare species of soft-shelled turtle that often takes refuge in the sand and mud on the west bank of the island.

3 - Irrawaddy freshwater dolphin watching

This is one of the must-do activities during a stay in Kratie. Fifteen kilometers North of Kratie, a beautiful motorized pirogue ride on the Mekong in an enchanting natural setting, where islands, sandbanks and outcropping rocks mingle, will allow you to observe the Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins. A rare and endangered species that is distinguished by its bluish-gray skin, its protruding head, its rounded shape and its short dorsal fin. Seeing them frolic in the water as a family is a magical spectacle even if this species does not make spectacular jumps like its ocean cousin. This is an excursion to do preferably just before sunset when they stick their heads out of the water the most and enjoy a magnificent light.

4 - The temple hill of Phnom Sombok

Still a few kilometers north of Kratie, is the temple hill of Phnom Sombok. A staircase of 300 steps bordered by a hedge of colorful statues representing monks in brown robes carrying their alms bowls allows you to access the site of Phnom Sombok which is a Vipassana meditation center. At the top of this hill, modern statues illustrate the life and teaching of the Buddha and you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the Mekong and the plain.

5 - The village of Sambor and the temple of 100 columns

About forty kilometers North of Kratie, taking a small road that reveals the beautiful Cambodian countryside, you arrive at Sambor Village which was one of the first capitals of the Chen La Kingdom. To see the temple of Wat Sor Sor Muy Roi or the temple of the hundred columns built on the banks of the Mekong on the former site of the royal palace at the time of Chen La. Completely destroyed by the Khmer Rouge, a modern and colorful temple was built in its place. It is the largest in Cambodia and a very important place of pilgrimage in the region.

When to go to Kratie?

The best season to go is during the dry season from November to May.

Related articles:

>> Top 10 tips and tricks for a successful trip to Cambodia

>> What to do in Battambang? Top 8 things to see

>> Tour 3 weeks in Vietnam, an exciting tour of the Dragon

>> Vietnam tour 15 days: What to do? What itinerary ideas do you have?

>> Tour 1 week in Vietnam: Good deals for a 7-day tour in Vietnam

>> Tour in Vietnam in one month: 3 options to absolutely enjoy!

>> When to travel to Cambodia?

>> Tour to the Mekong Delta: itinerary ideas in 1,2,3,4,5,6 days to know

>> Vietnam Cambodia tour 2 weeks: What to do?