Things to Do in Kratie

Overview

Kratie is a town built for slow travel. There are no theme parks or luxury resorts — instead, you explore by bicycle, boat, and on foot, discovering temples that few tourists visit, villages where daily life unfolds along the Mekong, and a colonial-era town center that feels frozen in time. Most activities are free or extremely cheap, making Kratie one of Cambodia's most budget-friendly destinations.

The town works perfectly as a base for 2–3 days of exploration. Mornings are best for temples and cycling (before the heat), afternoons for dolphin watching, and evenings for riverside strolls and market food.

Phnom Sambok

Phnom Sambok is a hilltop temple complex about 11 km north of Kratie town, perched on a forested hill overlooking the Mekong River. The site combines a Buddhist pagoda, a meditation center, and sweeping views that make the climb worthwhile.

• The climb: 311 steps lead to the summit through shaded forest. The stairway is lined with naga balustrades and small shrines. Allow 15–20 minutes going up
• At the top: A modern pagoda with colorful murals depicting the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives). The terrace offers 360-degree views of the Mekong, rice paddies, and surrounding forests
• Monkeys: Macaques live on the hill and are accustomed to visitors. Keep food hidden — they will snatch bags and bottles
• Best time: Early morning (before 8 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid the midday heat. Sunset from the summit is spectacular but you will need a flashlight for the descent

100-Column Pagoda (Wat Sorsor Muoy Roy)

Wat Sorsor Muoy Roy — the "Pagoda of 100 Columns" — is one of Kratie province's most important Buddhist temples, located about 30 km south of Kratie town in the village of Sambor. Despite its name, the current pagoda has 116 columns supporting an enormous wooden hall.

• History: The original temple was built in the pre-Angkorian period (6th–7th century) when Sambor was the capital of the Chenla kingdom. The current structure dates to the 19th century but sits on ancient foundations
• Architecture: The vast wooden hall is supported by rows of teak columns carved with lotus motifs. The interior houses a large reclining Buddha and walls painted with scenes from the Ramayana
• Grounds: The pagoda complex includes several smaller temples, ancient trees, and a peaceful courtyard. It's an active monastery, so dress modestly and remove shoes
• Getting there: Motorbike taxi from Kratie town ($8–10 return with waiting time). The road follows the Mekong south and passes through several traditional villages

Mekong Discovery Trail

The Mekong Discovery Trail is a community-based tourism initiative that links villages, homestays, and natural attractions along the Mekong between Kratie and Stung Treng. It offers one of the most authentic rural Cambodia experiences available to travelers.

• What is it: A network of trails and boat routes connecting riverside communities. Each village offers homestays, guided walks, cycling, and cultural experiences — all run by local families
• Key routes: The most popular section runs from Kratie north to Kampi (15 km by bicycle), passing through fishing villages, flooded forests, and dolphin habitat. Longer routes continue to Sambor and Stung Treng
• Homestays: Stay overnight in a traditional Khmer stilted house. Families prepare meals, guide walks, and share daily routines. Expect basic conditions — a mattress on the floor, mosquito net, and shared bathroom. $5–10 per person including meals
• Activities: Rice farming demonstrations, fishing trips, silk weaving workshops, cooking with local families, and guided nature walks through flooded forest ecosystems

Cycling in Kratie

Kratie is one of Cambodia's best cycling destinations. The terrain is flat, traffic is minimal, and the riverside roads are scenic and shaded. Nearly every guesthouse rents bicycles for $2–3 per day.

Colonial Architecture

Kratie town has one of Cambodia's best-preserved colonial streetscapes, a legacy of the French Protectorate era (1863–1953). Unlike Phnom Penh, where many colonial buildings have been demolished, Kratie's slow pace of development has preserved rows of shuttered shophouses, administrative buildings, and a riverside promenade.

• Riverside Road: The main promenade along the Mekong features colonial-era shophouses converted into guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes. The architecture blends French and Chinese styles with wooden shutters, tile roofs, and ground-floor arcades
• Governor's Residence: A handsome French administrative building (now government offices) with classic colonial verandas and jalousie windows. Best photographed from across the street
• Old Market Area: The blocks around Phsar Kratie contain Chinese-Cambodian shophouses from the 1920s–1940s. Many are still in use as family businesses — noodle shops, hardware stores, and gold traders
• Walking tour: The entire colonial center can be explored on foot in 1–2 hours. Start at the riverside, walk through the market area, and circle back via the residential streets behind the main road

Koh Trong Island

Koh Trong is a lush Mekong island directly opposite Kratie town, connected by a short ferry crossing (5 minutes, free or 1,000 riel). The island is home to about 800 families who farm, fish, and live a traditional riverside life largely untouched by tourism.

• Cycling the island: A flat, shaded path circles the entire island (9 km). Rent a bicycle in Kratie or on the island ($1–2). The ride passes vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, a Vietnamese floating village, and a small community homestay
• Vietnamese floating village: On the eastern shore, a community of Vietnamese families lives in floating houses. You can visit by continuing along the island path — the houses are visible from the bank
• Community homestay: Koh Trong has a community-run homestay program. Stay in a traditional house, eat home-cooked meals, and experience island life. $7–10 per person including meals. Book through Kratie guesthouses
• Swimming: Locals swim on the western side of the island facing Kratie town. The current can be strong — swim only where locals swim and never during the wet season flood

More Activities

• Mekong sunset watching: The riverside promenade in town is the perfect spot. Grab a drink from a vendor, sit on the riverwall, and watch the sun drop behind the Mekong. Free and unforgettable
• Chhlong day trip: This small town 30 km south of Kratie has even more impressive colonial architecture — entire blocks of untouched French shophouses. A half-day motorbike trip ($10–12 return)
• Turtle conservation center: A small facility near Sambor working to protect endangered Royal Turtles. Visit by arrangement with the provincial tourism office
• Market wandering: Phsar Kratie (central market) is a fascinating window into daily life. The fish market section is especially interesting at dawn when the Mekong catch arrives
• Kayaking: Some guesthouses can arrange Mekong kayaking trips during the dry season. Paddle past flooded forests, fishing villages, and (if lucky) dolphins. Half-day trips $15–20

Frequently Asked Questions