Kratie is a thriving travel hub and the natural place to break the journey when travelling overland between Phnom Penh and Champasak in southern Laos. It is the place in the country to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong River in ever-diminishing numbers. A lively riverside town, Kratie (pronounced kra-cheh) has an expansive riverfront and some of the best Mekong sunsets in Cambodia. There is a rich legacy of French-era architecture, as it was spared the war-time bombing that destroyed so many other provincial centres. It was one of the first towns to be ‘liberated’ by the Khmer Rouge (actually it was the North Vietnamese, but the Khmer Rouge later took the credit) in the summer of 1970.

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Tips on what to do in Kratie:
 
1. Enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Mekong River
2. Take a horse cart ride on shady streets around Kratie town
3. Visit Wat Sambok on Sambok Mountain
4. Take a boat tour to spot the rare Irrawady Mekong River Dolphins
5. Cycle around Koh Trong Island
6. Overnight in a local homestay
7. Visit the 100 pilar Wat in Sambor

Note: Irrawaddy dolphin
The Irrawaddy dolphin exists in small isolated populations around South-east Asia. Some populations are close to extinction such as the those in the Mekong River and Malampaya Sound in the Philippines. The main threats are from fisheries bycatch and habitat loss..

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The boats that cruise to Mekong River in Kratie
La Marguerite River Ship
Jayavarman River Ship
Toum Tiou River Vessel
R.V Pandaw Cruise
M.S Ama Lotus Ship
R.V Toum Tiou II
R.V. Indochine Cruise Kratie
R.V. Landiep Cruise Kratie

Some pictures of Kratie

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Some Restaurants in Kratie
 
Red Sun Falling
Kratie, Cambodia Restaurants › Cambodian
One of the liveliest little spots in town, this place kicks off when the owner puts on his party hat to play. A relaxed ambience, subtle tunes and a small bookshop by day, the kitchen turns out a solid selection of Asian and Western meals, including moist homemade brownies. By night, it's a bar and draws the drinkers.

Mlop Duong Restaurant
Kratie, Cambodia Restaurants › Cambodian
It's a bit out of the way for riverfront aficionados, but if you have bolted down from the Lao border, this may be your first chance for a Khmer-style night out, complete with a local band and rom vong, the closest thing to line dancing in Cambodia.
 

Heng Heng Guesthouse
Kratie, Cambodia Restaurants › Cambodian
One of the most popular local restaurants is attached to the Heng Heng Guesthouse, with all the highlights from the world of Cambodian and Chinese cooking.
 

What to see (Sights)
Koh Trong
Lying just across the water from Kratie is the island of Koh Trong, an almighty sandbar in the middle of the river. Cross here by boat with a bicycle in tow and enjoy a slice of rural island life. This could be the Don Khong of Cambodia in years to come and attractions include an old stupa and a small floating village, as well as the chance to encounter one of the rare Mekong mud turtles who inhabit the western shore.
Catch the little ferry from the port or charter a local boat (US around US$2) to get here.
 

Wat Roka Kandal
Wat Roka Kandal is a beautiful little temple dating from the early 19th century, one of the oldest in the region. The roof is in the classic Khmer style and the interior has been turned into a showroom for local wicker handicrafts. Baskets, bags, slippers and more are available at giveaway prices, all to help local women in the province. The temple is about 2km south of Kratie on the road to Chhlong.