Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River, Kratie Province, Cambodia

Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River, Kratie Province, Cambodia

When it comes to freshwater dolphin watching in the Mekong River, many people think of the Irrawaddy dolphin, one of the rare and uniquely charming aquatic animals. For me, mr.hotsia, seeing the Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie Province, Cambodia, was a meaningful and impressive experience.

Previously, I had taken a boat trip to see dolphins near the Laos-Cambodia border, south of Li Phi Waterfall, about 6 kilometers from Don Det. At that spot, the Mekong River is so wide it resembles a lake, with calm water and beautiful views. Several Irrawaddy dolphins appeared there. Tourists mostly focus on the Laos side, while the Cambodia side offers boat services for those interested in dolphin watching. This time, mr.hotsia intended to explore the Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie Province, about 15 kilometers north of the city.

Kratie Province is a place I have written about in an articleTraveling Kratie Province 2012This area is home to the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, with only about 20 left today. The surroundings at Kampee Village in Sambok Commune, where I watched the dolphins, are very peaceful and natural, perfect for those who truly love animals and nature.

I chose a dolphin watching tour from my hotel and used a tuk-tuk driver who spoke good English to pick me up at 7:30 AM. I recommend going early because it’s less crowded, the sun is not too strong, and the boats are not packed. At the dolphin watching spot, if the tour does not include the boat ticket, you must buy it separately for 9 USD per person. The boat is shared with other tourists, mostly Cambodians. If you buy a tour including the boat, you get a private boat with only your travel companions. I recommend the inclusive boat option for a more private atmosphere, and the price difference is small.

As the boat moves into the middle of the Mekong, it slows down to wait for the Irrawaddy dolphins to surface for air periodically. The atmosphere is quiet, the water clear and vast as far as the eye can see. Several boats surround the dolphins so everyone can watch closely. I must say, if you don’t come early, there will be many boats making noise that disturbs the dolphins, ruining the experience. Being quietly on the Mekong for hours watching dolphins without disturbing them was a truly memorable experience for me.

After dolphin watching, the tour takes you to visit a temple in Kratie town. If you are lucky to come on a Buddhist holy day, you will witness the genuine lifestyle and merit-making culture of Kratie locals. This is another perspective that deepened my appreciation for the local culture. Before returning, the vehicle stops for souvenir shopping, such as the famous fermented fish called "Naem Pla," known for its delicious and unique taste in Kratie, and plenty of sticky rice in bamboo tubes (Khao Lam). Although I’m not a big fan of Khao Lam, it’s still an interesting souvenir. For more details on souvenirs, see the articleNaem Pla, Khao Lam - Souvenirs from Kratie Province

Kratie Province is notable for its nature and riverside lifestyle along the Mekong River. The Mekong here is very wide with over 100 small and large islands, especially during the rainy season when the water rises. I once strolled along the riverbank and tasted local dishes like chicken rice porridge at a riverside restaurant and tried avocado smoothies sold by street vendors, which were refreshing and affordable. (Read more atFood in Kratie ProvinceandAvocado Smoothies in Kratie Province)

For those who enjoy romantic atmospheres, I recommend visiting Kratie to watch the sunset. The Mekong is very wide, and the golden light of the setting sun reflecting on the water creates a stunning and impressive scene. For a full experience of this atmosphere, you can read the articleSunset in Kratie Provincewhich I have described in detail.

However, it must be said that the number of Irrawaddy dolphins in Kratie is steadily decreasing. Conservation is very important. I, mr.hotsia, urge everyone who has the chance to see the dolphins here to support responsible tourism and avoid visiting during long holiday festivals like Songkran, when many Cambodian tourists come. This causes overcrowding and negatively impacts the dolphins and nature, which we want to prevent.

Finally, if you visit Kratie Province, you will not only see the Irrawaddy dolphins but also experience the riverside local lifestyle, local food, and the tranquility of a small town that still preserves its natural charm. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee this experience will be one of your best and most unique travel memories.