Kratie is a sleepy country town situated on the east bank of Mekong River, 315km far from Phnom Penh and home of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin. It's very picturesque with sandbars and big islands out front and bends in the river. Unlike many towns around Cambodia, the war years were fairly kind to the French architecture and the roads, at least in the town itself. There are some nice-looking homes of French and Khmer style scattered about, adding to the pleasant feel of the place.
What to do?
The most remarkable thing about Kratie is the fact that it is the only place in Cambodia allowing us to witness the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins (a 25 minute motor ride from town via a road lined with authentic rural Cambodian life). This includes a half an hour boat trip to the rapids upstream (worthwhile when the river is high) and a visit at a temple in the mountains.
Aside from the dolphins, there's ample opportunity for boat-trips, village walks and general exploring. There is a bustling market which is a great place to watch frogs being skinned (and escaping first through the holes in the nets), sample some delicious foods (such as freshly grilled corn cakes) and generally take in rural Cambodian life.
In addition, Kratie seems to straddle on the half way between Phnom Penh and Rattanakiri, which makes a good base to visit the remote eastern Rattanakiri.
When to go?
The best time to visit Kratie is from November to March when humidity is bearable, temperatures are cooler and it's unlikely to rain. It is best to go and see dolphins in early mornings or late afternoons.