ไทย
English
Krachae Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River, Krachae Province, Cambodia
Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River, Krachae Province, Cambodia http://www.hotsia.com > Krachae > Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River, Krachae Province, Cambodia Along the Mekong River, there are two known locations where Irrawaddy dolphins or bucket-headed dolphins can be found. The first spot is at the border area between Laos and Cambodia, near the lower part of Li Phi Waterfall, about 6 kilometers south of Don Det. Mr.hotsia has previously taken a boat trip there and saw several dolphins.
At this stretch, the Mekong River widens into a lake with calm water and beautiful views. This spot can be viewed from Stung Treng Province, Cambodia, near the border. Cambodian boats offer tours here, and they watch the dolphins in their own country. Laos tends to have more tourists. Some days, dolphins come ashore on the Cambodian side, so visitors must cross by boat and pay the Cambodian side to watch. The area is a wide lake. The other location is in Krachae Province, about 15 kilometers north of the town.
The rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins now number only about 20 individuals. This dolphin watching spot is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. It is located in Kampee Village, Sambok Commune. From my observation, I recommend visiting the southern Laos spot more as it has a better atmosphere with calm water, especially beautiful at sunset. However, if you reach Krachae, it’s still a must-visit. Mr.hotsia booked a tour from the hotel, with a tuk-tuk driver who speaks some English picking us up.
7:30 AM - I recommend going early when there are fewer people and the sun is not too hot. Upon arrival at the dolphin watching point, if the tour price does not include the boat ticket, you must buy a boat ticket for 9 USD per person. You will share the boat with other tourists, mostly Cambodians. If you buy a tour including the boat, you will ride only with your group. I recommend buying the tour with the boat included for a more private experience. The price difference is small, but if you want to save money, that’s another matter.
When the boat reaches the middle of the river, it waits to watch the dolphins surfacing to breathe regularly. Boats gather around to see the dolphins. That’s why I suggest coming early when there are fewer boats to avoid disturbing the dolphins. The boat stays in the water for about an hour before returning to shore. If you come late, there will be many boats, making it crowded and noisy, which affects both people and fish. After dolphin watching, the tour usually includes a visit to a temple. If possible, check the date to coincide with a Buddhist holy day to see the local Krachae people making merit at the temple.
After watching the dolphins, on the way back, ask the driver to stop for souvenir shopping. Krachae is famous for its fermented fish (naem pla). Bamboo sticky rice is also widely sold, but I didn’t find it to my taste. The best time to watch dolphins is in the morning. The dolphin population is decreasing daily and may disappear in the future, so conservation efforts are crucial. One more thing: during long holidays like Songkran, many Cambodians travel here, so it’s best to avoid those times. Mr.hotsia, April 2012. Mr.hotsia recommends hotels in Krachae Province.
This clip shows the tuk-tuk ride to the Irrawaddy dolphin watching point in the Mekong River, Krachae Province. Boat trip to see Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong at Krachae. Irrawaddy dolphin clip in the Mekong River, Krachae. Coordinates GPS(POI): 12°36'21.467"N, 106°1'20.148"E. Boats used for dolphin watching: 12°36'21.479"N, 106°1'20.142"E; 12°36'12.323"N, 106°1'9.114"E; 12°36'21.407"N, 106°1'20.034"E; 12°36'21.209"N, 106°1'21.084"E. Mekong River dolphin spot: 12°36'21.101"N, 106°1'23.015"E.
Dolphin statue at the entrance. Tourist boats for dolphin watching: 12°29'2.502"N, 106°1'5.033"E; 12°34'51.894"N, 106°1'29.004"E. Entrance is some distance from the town: 12°36'22.703"N, 106°1'9.3"E. Two-person boat: 12°36'20.363"N, 106°1'9.648"E; 12°36'7.559"N, 106°1'4.092"E. Boats scattered across the Mekong River: 12°36'21.383"N, 106°1'20.916"E; 12°36'21.263"N, 106°1'20.819"E; 12°36'20.945"N, 106°1'22.494"E; 12°36'21.071"N, 106°1'22.848"E. Dolphin statue at the front.
Travel information for Krachae Province, Cambodia. Visit Krachae Province. Cambodian Songkran merit-making in Krachae. Local food in Krachae. Sunset in Krachae.
