Weather in Kratie

About Kratie

Kratie's Mekong River corridor hosts one of Southeast Asia's rarest freshwater dolphin populations, where sightings remain uncertain despite dedicated river tours. This slower-paced riverine town balances dolphin tourism with colonial architecture and island explorations few visitors undertake.

Country

Cambodia

Best months to visit

January, February, December

Currency

KHM

Language

Khmer, English

Things to do in Kratie

Mekong River dolphin spotting tours at dawn Fishing village boat exploration Island hopping on river islands Bamboo house building and craft workshops French colonial architecture walking tours Local market and fishing activity observation

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

March

35C

Very hot, with occasional showers.

April

34C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

May

33C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

June

32C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

September

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

October

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

November

31C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

Recommended

December

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Kratie is a sleepy Mekong river town in eastern Cambodia, best known as one of the last reliable places on earth to see the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin in the wild. Beyond the dolphin pools at Kampi, the town offers a laid-back riverside promenade, French colonial shophouses, and easy cycling out to Koh Trong, a rural island in the middle of the Mekong reachable by a short ferry ride.

Best areas to stay in Kratie

Kratie Riverfront

The town's promenade along the Mekong, lined with French colonial shophouses, cafes and the main guesthouse area.

Kampi Dolphin Pool

A stretch of the Mekong around 15km north of town where Irrawaddy dolphins surface regularly, especially in the dry season.

Koh Trong Island

A rural island just across from town, reached by ferry, with cycling paths through villages, rice fields and riverside homestays.

Kratie Old Market Area

The town's central market and surrounding streets, good for cheap local food and a feel for everyday Cambodian river-town life.

Getting to Kratie

✈

Flights

No airport in Kratie; fly into Phnom Penh and continue by bus or private car.

⏱

From London

~5-6 hours by road from Phnom Penh; longer from Siem Reap.

🚕

Getting around

Tuk-tuks and motos cover trips to Kampi and around town; a small ferry crosses to Koh Trong island.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kratie?

The dry season (November to April) offers the best dolphin-spotting conditions, with lower water levels concentrating the dolphins in deeper pools near Kampi.

How do I get to Kratie?

Buses run from Phnom Penh (around 5-6 hours) and from Siem Reap or Kampong Cham; there's no airport, so road travel is the only option.

Are the Irrawaddy dolphins easy to see?

Sightings aren't guaranteed but are reasonably reliable at the Kampi pool, a short tuk-tuk or moto ride north of town, where small boats take visitors out at dawn or dusk for the best chances.

What is there to do on Koh Trong island?

Koh Trong is a flat, rural island reachable by a five-minute ferry from Kratie's riverfront, ideal for cycling past rice paddies, sandy riverbanks and small villages with homestay accommodation.

Is English widely spoken in Kratie?

Less so than in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh — basic English is understood at guesthouses and tour operators, but a phrasebook helps for markets and local restaurants.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Seeing the Irrawaddy dolphins surface so close to our little boat at Kampi was a real highlight of our Cambodia trip, and the town itself was a peaceful break from Phnom Penh.

Freya L. · February 2024

★★★★★

Cycled around Koh Trong for an afternoon and it was one of the most relaxing things we did — just rice fields, water buffalo and friendly waves from villagers.

Sothy K. · December 2023

★★★☆☆

Dolphin sighting was brief but still special given how rare they are. The town itself is very low-key, which suited us after busier stops in Cambodia.

Greg M. · April 2024