Welcome to a Mekong Town
Kratie Welcome Tour
Distance: 7km return
Transport
Options: Walking, Bicycle, and horse cart
Itinerary: Hire bicycle or horse cart. Start early in the morning or mid-afternoon to catch Rokakandal market. For a full day, combine with Koh Trung Island tour.
Highlights:
- Horse cart ride and shady streets
- Colorful local markets
- A journey from Wat to Wat
Horse carts are part of Kratie life. The drivers have formed an association to conduct tours. also take one on the Town Trail and dolphin Discovery Trail.
Around Town, Governor office, Tourist Office, Post Office, Bank and Western Union, Hospital, Town Pier, Night Market, Kratie Market, Rokakandal Market, Bicycle Hire, Bus Departure, Local Trasport Center, Wat Serey Santhor Vong, Wat Rokakandal, Heritage Vihear and Craft Store, Future Museum
Mekong discovery Mountain Bike Trail From the Laos Border to Kratie, Distance: 190km
Transport
Options: Bicycle
Itinerary: Ride from Dong Krolor Boder check point to Ou Svay and organize home stay. As a side trip arrange boat to Anlung Cheuteal Dolphin Pool and add trekking experience.
From Ou Svay ride either south along Highway 7 to Stung Treng or organize boat trip with your bike through spectacular Ramsar Wetlands.
Overnight in Stung Treng, consider range of half-day tours.
Take river road to Sraer Krasang and then either arrange boat to Koh Khnhear or ride to Highway 7 via Toul Dey Krohorm (Red Mountain). Enjoy a swim at Ou Reussie Kandal, head south along highway 7, then turn west Koh Khnhear. Stay overnight in community guesthouse.
Boat to Koh Rogniv and take ox cart track down center of island to Koh Phdau. Overnight in home stay or take boat to Sambour and overnight at 100 Pillar Wat (Sarsar Mouy Rouy).
Continue to Kratiej via Kampi Dolphin Pool and Phnom Sambok. Overnight in Kratie and enjoy the half day tours on offer. From Kratie travel south via Chhlong.
Highlight:
- Riding off the beaten track
- Wat and Village home stays
- Carbon free travel through biodiversity hot spots
- Following the mighty Mekong River
Kratie Provincial Trails, Kratie’s West to East Bank Trail
Distance: 44km return day tour + 22km return for overnight option
Transport
Options: Bicycle or Motor
Itinerary: Head south from Kratie past WatRokakandal. Turn right after bridge at PeamTe village for ferry crossing. NorthfromPreak Prolong along dirt road past Wats and villages to Vodthonak ferry, visit Lingas behind Wat. Cross to Thurn on east bank then turn south along sealed road to Kratie via Kampi and WatSambok.
Overnight Option: From thurn north to 100 Pillar Wat stay. Return to Kratie next day.
High lights:
- Mekong River Ferry crossings
- Quiet ride through riverside villages
- Famous Kampi dolphin viewing
- Wat Stay (Overnight option)
Kratie lies at the southern end of one of the most ecologically important parts of the Mekong River, where the largest remaining population of Mekong River Dolphins survive. The east bank section of the trail passes the Kampi Dolphin pools.
Kratie Half Day Trails, Dolphin Discovery Trail
Distance: 16km one way
Transport
Options: Bicycle, Motor, Horse cart, and mini bus
Itinerary: North from Kratie past peace Monument roundabout along sealed road towards Kampi.
Highlights:
- spectacular river scenery
- Buy sticky at ThmorKreae
- Panoramic SambokMaoutain views
- Dolphin boat tours at Kampi
At Kampi you can catch glimpses of Mekong River Dolphins. If you’re very lucky you may spot a Dolphin tail. They spend the dry season in deep pool refuges north of Kratie. Tour boats will take you closer to these shy, sensitive mammals.
DO NOT DISTURB. Make sure your river guide turns off the motor when you get within 100m of the dolphins – they will appreciate the quiet. If you listen carefully, you might hear a dolphin breath through the blowhole on the top of its head.
KahTrung Island Trails, KohTrung Island Trail, Distance: 9km circuit
Transport
Options: Bicycle, motor, and horse cart
Itinerary: Hire bicycle and take local ferry from Kratie waterfront. After arriving at Koh Trung cross the sand and turn north (right) onto dirt road. Continue round island and take southern spur to floating village. Return to ferry landing.
Overnight Option: home Stay or Guesthouse
Highlights:
- A relaxing, shady trail through rural life
- Friendly people
- Tropical fruit and vegetable crops
Ask the schoolchildren to teach you how to count 1 to 10 in Khmer.
The ferry back to Kratie leaves when it is full or when there are enough people waiting on the other side to make the trip worthwhile.
Kratie Provincial Trails, 100 Pillar Wat and KohPhdau Trail
Distance: 35km one way to Sambour + 15km around KohPhdau
Transport
Options: Bicycle or motor
Itinerary: North from Kratie via Kampi then left at Sandan roundabout towards Sambour. Boat from Sambour to KohPhdau (bicycle only). Ride south to tip of KohRoughniv and north to AnpilTuek.
Option 1: Overnight stay at 100 Pillar Wat (SarsarMouyRouy).
Arrange Wat Stay and cultural performance through Wat Committee.
Option 2: Overnight home stay at KohPhdau village. Arrange home stay through CRDT.
Highlights:
- Cultural performance at 100 Pillar Wat
- Wat and village home stays
- Dolphin viewing
- Shady ride through riverside villages on KohRoughniv
- Expansive river views
Steung Treng Provincial Trails, Between Steung Treng and the Border, Distance: Steung Treng to Uo Svay 55km
Transport
Options: Motor, car, mini bus, boat and bicycle
Itinerary: There are many options for this trail. Travel to Uo Svay: by boat from Steung Treng via Ramsar site; by bus or motor via Highway 7; by bicycle from Laos border. From Ou Svay, organize local boat to Anlung Cheuteal Dolphin Pool. Stop at river guard post for information.
Trekking Options 1: Phnom Bong Khouy mountain: a 3hr return trek to great river views. Pick up a guide from Preah Rumkel Commune village on the way.
Trekking Option 2: Explore the forest trail around Ou Svay Commune.
Sopheakmitt Water Fall: Short boat ride from Anlung Chheuteal and hike depending on river levels.
Home Stay: Contact CEPA to arrange home stay at Ou Svay.
Highlights:
- Dolphin viewing
- Trekking in forests
- Birdwatching along Ramsar wetlands
- Home Stay experiencing village life
- Stunning waterfalls at border.
Steung Treng Half Day Tours, West to Tala Barrivat, Distance: 2-3km return
Transport
Options: Walking or Bicycle
Itinerary: Ferries leave regulary from Steung Treng port. At Thala Barivat follow main street west to Prasat Preah Srey. Return to village center and visit Nopaana Orphanage behind the New Wat, then explore the river road to the southwest.
Highlights:
- Ancient pre
- Angkorian temples
- Volunteer at local orphanage
- Views of river junction
Mistaken identity: Prasat Preah Srey is sometimes called Prasat Preah Ko because of the ox (ko) statue in front of it. The temple was built in the early 7th century when the area between Kratie and southern Loas was ruled by the King Jayavaraman I.
He is renowned for re-uniting the warning states of Chendla, which then disintegrate after his death-Ox (Non Tin) was his favorite form of transport. You’ll find the smiling ox near the temple facing east towards the gods.
Steung Treng Half day Tours, North to Koh Khan Din and Sticky Rice
Distance: 35km return
Transport
Options: bicycle, motor, boat and walking
Itinerary: Take ferry across Sekong River. Ride north toward Highway 7. Turn left at school then right at Mekong River.\ and follow river past Baksie Resort and Koh Khan Din. Return to Steung Treng via highway 7 and HangKhou Ban village to watch sticky rice production (after 2pm).
Option: Take boat to Koh Khan din and trek back 14km to Steung Treng along river road.
Highlights:
- Shady village and riverside tracksa
- Lunch and boat tours at Baksie Resort
- Sticky rice production
- Beautiful island views at Ramsar site
Steung Treng half day Tours, South to Srae Krasang and Distant Dolphins
Distance: Bicycle 40km return, motor 65km
Transport
Options: Bicycle and Motor
Itinerary: Depart early. Ride west from Stueng Treng along waterfront, then south past Koh Sampeay to Damrie Phong for a swim in Ou Dong Mourn Creek and dolphin viewing from banks of river. Continue to Srae Krasang.
Cyclists return via same route in time for sunset at Wat Thom Raing Sey. Motor takesdirt road via Tuol Dey Krohorm (Red Hill) east to Highway 7, then south for a swim at Ou Reussie Kandal rapids before returning to Steung Treng.
Options: Organize boat from Koh Sampeay or Srae Krasang to Koh Preah and Dolphin Pools.
Highlights:
- Swim in creeks
- Dolphin viewing from land boat
- Buying local citrus fruit
- Sunsets over the Mekong
Fishing by traditional methods has been going on for centuries without harming the river life. It supports a subsistence lifestyle, with families selling what they don’t need.
At Damrie Phong, there are deep pools in the river used as retreats by Mekong River Dolphins and other large river life, especially in the dry season. To see the dolphins stop beside the river bank and watch and wait until they come to the surface to breathe.
Although river guards have reduced illegal activities, beyond their control are threats of pollution (pesticides, heavy metals, plastic particles and industrial waste).
Kratie Welcome Tour
Distance: 7km return
Transport
Options: Walking, Bicycle, and horse cart
Itinerary: Hire bicycle or horse cart. Start early in the morning or mid-afternoon to catch Rokakandal market. For a full day, combine with Koh Trung Island tour.
Highlights:
- Horse cart ride and shady streets
- Colorful local markets
- A journey from Wat to Wat
Horse carts are part of Kratie life. The drivers have formed an association to conduct tours. also take one on the Town Trail and dolphin Discovery Trail.
Around Town, Governor office, Tourist Office, Post Office, Bank and Western Union, Hospital, Town Pier, Night Market, Kratie Market, Rokakandal Market, Bicycle Hire, Bus Departure, Local Trasport Center, Wat Serey Santhor Vong, Wat Rokakandal, Heritage Vihear and Craft Store, Future Museum
Mekong discovery Mountain Bike Trail From the Laos Border to Kratie, Distance: 190km
Transport
Options: Bicycle
Itinerary: Ride from Dong Krolor Boder check point to Ou Svay and organize home stay. As a side trip arrange boat to Anlung Cheuteal Dolphin Pool and add trekking experience.
From Ou Svay ride either south along Highway 7 to Stung Treng or organize boat trip with your bike through spectacular Ramsar Wetlands.
Overnight in Stung Treng, consider range of half-day tours.
Take river road to Sraer Krasang and then either arrange boat to Koh Khnhear or ride to Highway 7 via Toul Dey Krohorm (Red Mountain). Enjoy a swim at Ou Reussie Kandal, head south along highway 7, then turn west Koh Khnhear. Stay overnight in community guesthouse.
Boat to Koh Rogniv and take ox cart track down center of island to Koh Phdau. Overnight in home stay or take boat to Sambour and overnight at 100 Pillar Wat (Sarsar Mouy Rouy).
Continue to Kratiej via Kampi Dolphin Pool and Phnom Sambok. Overnight in Kratie and enjoy the half day tours on offer. From Kratie travel south via Chhlong.
Highlight:
- Riding off the beaten track
- Wat and Village home stays
- Carbon free travel through biodiversity hot spots
- Following the mighty Mekong River
Kratie Provincial Trails, Kratie’s West to East Bank Trail
Distance: 44km return day tour + 22km return for overnight option
Transport
Options: Bicycle or Motor
Itinerary: Head south from Kratie past WatRokakandal. Turn right after bridge at PeamTe village for ferry crossing. NorthfromPreak Prolong along dirt road past Wats and villages to Vodthonak ferry, visit Lingas behind Wat. Cross to Thurn on east bank then turn south along sealed road to Kratie via Kampi and WatSambok.
Overnight Option: From thurn north to 100 Pillar Wat stay. Return to Kratie next day.
High lights:
- Mekong River Ferry crossings
- Quiet ride through riverside villages
- Famous Kampi dolphin viewing
- Wat Stay (Overnight option)
Kratie lies at the southern end of one of the most ecologically important parts of the Mekong River, where the largest remaining population of Mekong River Dolphins survive. The east bank section of the trail passes the Kampi Dolphin pools.
Kratie Half Day Trails, Dolphin Discovery Trail
Distance: 16km one way
Transport
Options: Bicycle, Motor, Horse cart, and mini bus
Itinerary: North from Kratie past peace Monument roundabout along sealed road towards Kampi.
Highlights:
- spectacular river scenery
- Buy sticky at ThmorKreae
- Panoramic SambokMaoutain views
- Dolphin boat tours at Kampi
At Kampi you can catch glimpses of Mekong River Dolphins. If you’re very lucky you may spot a Dolphin tail. They spend the dry season in deep pool refuges north of Kratie. Tour boats will take you closer to these shy, sensitive mammals.
DO NOT DISTURB. Make sure your river guide turns off the motor when you get within 100m of the dolphins – they will appreciate the quiet. If you listen carefully, you might hear a dolphin breath through the blowhole on the top of its head.
KahTrung Island Trails, KohTrung Island Trail, Distance: 9km circuit
Transport
Options: Bicycle, motor, and horse cart
Itinerary: Hire bicycle and take local ferry from Kratie waterfront. After arriving at Koh Trung cross the sand and turn north (right) onto dirt road. Continue round island and take southern spur to floating village. Return to ferry landing.
Overnight Option: home Stay or Guesthouse
Highlights:
- A relaxing, shady trail through rural life
- Friendly people
- Tropical fruit and vegetable crops
Ask the schoolchildren to teach you how to count 1 to 10 in Khmer.
The ferry back to Kratie leaves when it is full or when there are enough people waiting on the other side to make the trip worthwhile.
Kratie Provincial Trails, 100 Pillar Wat and KohPhdau Trail
Distance: 35km one way to Sambour + 15km around KohPhdau
Transport
Options: Bicycle or motor
Itinerary: North from Kratie via Kampi then left at Sandan roundabout towards Sambour. Boat from Sambour to KohPhdau (bicycle only). Ride south to tip of KohRoughniv and north to AnpilTuek.
Option 1: Overnight stay at 100 Pillar Wat (SarsarMouyRouy).
Arrange Wat Stay and cultural performance through Wat Committee.
Option 2: Overnight home stay at KohPhdau village. Arrange home stay through CRDT.
Highlights:
- Cultural performance at 100 Pillar Wat
- Wat and village home stays
- Dolphin viewing
- Shady ride through riverside villages on KohRoughniv
- Expansive river views
Steung Treng Provincial Trails, Between Steung Treng and the Border, Distance: Steung Treng to Uo Svay 55km
Transport
Options: Motor, car, mini bus, boat and bicycle
Itinerary: There are many options for this trail. Travel to Uo Svay: by boat from Steung Treng via Ramsar site; by bus or motor via Highway 7; by bicycle from Laos border. From Ou Svay, organize local boat to Anlung Cheuteal Dolphin Pool. Stop at river guard post for information.
Trekking Options 1: Phnom Bong Khouy mountain: a 3hr return trek to great river views. Pick up a guide from Preah Rumkel Commune village on the way.
Trekking Option 2: Explore the forest trail around Ou Svay Commune.
Sopheakmitt Water Fall: Short boat ride from Anlung Chheuteal and hike depending on river levels.
Home Stay: Contact CEPA to arrange home stay at Ou Svay.
Highlights:
- Dolphin viewing
- Trekking in forests
- Birdwatching along Ramsar wetlands
- Home Stay experiencing village life
- Stunning waterfalls at border.
Steung Treng Half Day Tours, West to Tala Barrivat, Distance: 2-3km return
Transport
Options: Walking or Bicycle
Itinerary: Ferries leave regulary from Steung Treng port. At Thala Barivat follow main street west to Prasat Preah Srey. Return to village center and visit Nopaana Orphanage behind the New Wat, then explore the river road to the southwest.
Highlights:
- Ancient pre
- Angkorian temples
- Volunteer at local orphanage
- Views of river junction
Mistaken identity: Prasat Preah Srey is sometimes called Prasat Preah Ko because of the ox (ko) statue in front of it. The temple was built in the early 7th century when the area between Kratie and southern Loas was ruled by the King Jayavaraman I.
He is renowned for re-uniting the warning states of Chendla, which then disintegrate after his death-Ox (Non Tin) was his favorite form of transport. You’ll find the smiling ox near the temple facing east towards the gods.
Steung Treng Half day Tours, North to Koh Khan Din and Sticky Rice
Distance: 35km return
Transport
Options: bicycle, motor, boat and walking
Itinerary: Take ferry across Sekong River. Ride north toward Highway 7. Turn left at school then right at Mekong River.\ and follow river past Baksie Resort and Koh Khan Din. Return to Steung Treng via highway 7 and HangKhou Ban village to watch sticky rice production (after 2pm).
Option: Take boat to Koh Khan din and trek back 14km to Steung Treng along river road.
Highlights:
- Shady village and riverside tracksa
- Lunch and boat tours at Baksie Resort
- Sticky rice production
- Beautiful island views at Ramsar site
Steung Treng half day Tours, South to Srae Krasang and Distant Dolphins
Distance: Bicycle 40km return, motor 65km
Transport
Options: Bicycle and Motor
Itinerary: Depart early. Ride west from Stueng Treng along waterfront, then south past Koh Sampeay to Damrie Phong for a swim in Ou Dong Mourn Creek and dolphin viewing from banks of river. Continue to Srae Krasang.
Cyclists return via same route in time for sunset at Wat Thom Raing Sey. Motor takesdirt road via Tuol Dey Krohorm (Red Hill) east to Highway 7, then south for a swim at Ou Reussie Kandal rapids before returning to Steung Treng.
Options: Organize boat from Koh Sampeay or Srae Krasang to Koh Preah and Dolphin Pools.
Highlights:
- Swim in creeks
- Dolphin viewing from land boat
- Buying local citrus fruit
- Sunsets over the Mekong
Fishing by traditional methods has been going on for centuries without harming the river life. It supports a subsistence lifestyle, with families selling what they don’t need.
At Damrie Phong, there are deep pools in the river used as retreats by Mekong River Dolphins and other large river life, especially in the dry season. To see the dolphins stop beside the river bank and watch and wait until they come to the surface to breathe.
Although river guards have reduced illegal activities, beyond their control are threats of pollution (pesticides, heavy metals, plastic particles and industrial waste).