How to See Irrawaddy Dolphins in Kratie
Kratie is home to one of the world's last populations of Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins — fewer than 100 remain in the Mekong River. Seeing these gentle, critically endangered creatures surface is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
How do I See Irrawaddy Dolphins in Kratie?
Go to Kampi dolphin pool, 15km north of Kratie town. Boat tours ($9 for 1 hour) run daily sunrise to sunset. Best months: January–June (dry season, dolphins visible in deep pools). Early morning (6–7 AM) and late afternoon (4–5 PM) offer the best sightings.
Get to Kratie
Kratie is 6 hours northeast of Phnom Penh by bus ($8–$12). Direct buses depart from Phnom Penh's Sorya Transport. You can also stop en route between Phnom Penh and Ratanakiri.
💡 Take the morning bus to arrive by afternoon and see dolphins the same evening.
Go to Kampi dolphin pool
The main dolphin viewing area is at Kampi, 15km north of Kratie town. Hire a moto ($5 return with waiting time) or rent a bicycle ($3/day) for a scenic riverside ride.
Buy a ticket and board a boat
Pay $9 at the ticket office for a 1-hour boat tour (includes the boatman). Boats hold 2–4 passengers. The boat idles in the dolphin pool area while you watch and wait for surfacing.
💡 The quiet boats don't disturb the dolphins. Be patient — sightings come in bursts.
Watch for surfacing dolphins
Irrawaddy dolphins surface every 1–3 minutes to breathe, showing their rounded heads and small dorsal fins. They're shy but predictable. Your boatman knows their patterns and positions the boat accordingly.
Stay overnight in Kratie
Kratie is a charming riverside town worth at least one night. Visit the beautiful Mekong sunset, explore the French colonial waterfront, and do a second dolphin session at sunrise for the best light.
💡 Le Tonle Tourism Training Center has the best accommodation and supports vocational training for local youth.
💰 Costs
| Bus Phnom Penh to Kratie | $8–$12 |
| Dolphin boat tour (1 hour) | $9 |
| Moto to Kampi (return) | $5 |
| Bicycle rental (full day) | $3 |
💡 Tips
- • Binoculars help but aren't essential — dolphins surface surprisingly close to the boat.
- • Don't swim in the dolphin area — it stresses the animals.
- • Dry season (Jan–Jun) concentrates dolphins in deeper pools, making sightings easier.
- • Combine Kratie with a visit to the 100 Pillars Pagoda, one of Cambodia's most beautiful temples.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
More How-To Guides
Get Cambodia Travel Updates
Visa changes, travel tips, and destination guides delivered to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.