Days 1 – Arrival in Kratie
You’ll arrive into Kratie in the morning or afternoon, depending on where you are coming from. On arrival, your boat will be waiting to take you across the Mekong to the peaceful island of Koh Trong in around 15 minutes. After crossing the river, a motorbike with a small trailer will be there to collect you and your luggage, taking you to your accommodation in a few minutes. On the island, you’ll stay among local families, which is exactly what makes this place so special. Life here feels simple, welcoming and wonderfully unspoilt. Your hotel is a charming Cambodian-style resort with wooden bungalows and a spacious terrace where you can relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a comfortable room with a fan and mosquito net, designed for relaxed island living. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, unwind after your journey and settle into the slow pace of river life on Koh Trong.
Day 2 – Mekong dolphin watching tour
Today, you’ll head out onto the Mekong River in search of one of Cambodia’s most special wildlife encounters: the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Depending on the season, you’ll set off in the morning or later in the afternoon, when sightings are most likely. Your local guide knows the river like the back of their hand and will take you to the best spots to find a glimpse of these elusive animals appearing on the surface. You’ll glide across the river on a boat, sometimes electric, watching for movement or a splash in the water. Even if you’re not lucky enough to spot dolphins today, the peaceful journey through wide river landscapes is an experience in itself.
If you feel like exploring more today, you can hop on a bicycle from your accommodation and ride around Koh Trong. In about an hour you can loop the entire island, passing waving children, fruit trees, rice fields and sleepy villages. Or take a short ferry across to Kratie to explore the riverside town at your own pace.
Optional – Kayaking on the Mekong
If you’re looking for a different way to experience the Mekong, we can arrange a kayaking trip for you, where you can paddle your way along the river in search of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. This tour is a more active alternative to the boat trip thar brings you closer to the water as you paddle through dolphin territory.
Unlike a boat tour, you’ll be right at river level, following the current and gliding past flooded forests, sand banks and wide stretches of open water. It’s a more immersive experience, and for many, spotting the dolphins from a kayak feels even more special and rewarding. The adventurous paddle is around 11km, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended, but the effort is well worth it.
Day 3 – Departure from Kratie
Today, it’s time to pack your bags and continue on your journey, unless you would like to stay a little longer. We can arrange an extra night here if you wish, so you can enjoy the slower pace. From here, you can easily continue towards the Laos border, stopping at sleepy Stung Treng along the way, or if you haven’t already explored the lively city of Phnom Penh, before moving on.
Accommodation
