Kratie – The Real Cambodia

Without a doubt, Angkor Wat is Cambodia’s immediately recognisable national icon but there is much more to this beautiful country. If you want to see the real regional Cambodia where tourists are few and far apart, head to the northeast township of Kratie where you’ll find something special.

Life in Kratie is very different from that of the larger cities as agriculture is the main source of income. The pace is slow and most people live on or near the banks of the Mekong River. It’s a sleepy township with markets, a few basic shops here and there plus a few restaurants.

Apart from strolling through the township, there are a few wonderful ways to pass some time. A boat trip on the Mekong spotting the Irrawaddy dolphins is a must. These rare mammals are not that hard to spot because they tend to live in a small section of the river where the water is deeper and where the fish live. However, while they might not be that hard to spot, they are very hard to photograph – they pop up briefly for a quick breath of air every 5 minutes or so and unless you are ready to press the shutter in an instant, you may be disappointed with your snaps.  The boats leave from a jetty (I use the word loosely) about a 15-minute drive north of the township.

Another great thing to see and do in this area is to walk among the traditional wooden houses to the north of the town. The locals especially the children – are keen to interact with you. Do this in the afternoon because when the sun sets on these homes, it’s hard to find a more tranquil setting!

If this sounds like your kind of destination, join Blue Dot Travel for one of our unique adventures.  Click here for more information about our small group or private tours.