The City of Kratié

Name: Kratié

Cambodian Name: ក្រចេះ

Status: City

Province: Kratié Province

Area : 11,094 km²

Population : 35,964 inhabitants in 2008

A visit to the city of Kratié offers travelers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy tranquility and rejuvenate. Visitors will have the chance to discover numerous historical and cultural relics dating back to the medieval and colonial periods. Other activities await, such as observing the Mekong dolphins or visiting the small villages lining the river. Don't miss out on visiting the city of Kratié and taking the time to savor the wonderful moments spent there.

History

The history of the city of Kratié can be described through that of its province. The province was once the ancient city of Sambupura, near the present-day village of Sambor. The oldest inscription found in the area dates back to 598, during the reign of Bhavavarman I. Other inscriptions from the 7th and 8th centuries also testify to the city’s longevity as an important urban center. The region was also once the meeting point between the kingdoms of Chenla and Fu Nan. In the 11th century, the city of Sambupura was invaded and ravaged by the Chams, causing significant damage. Until the 17th century, it still held an important place in the country. However, Sambupura was again besieged and defeated by a Siamese invasion in 1840, from which it never recovered. The French, upon establishing their protectorate, settled in the city in 1886, renaming it Kratié, and also giving the same name to the province.

Today

Kratié is a small city located in northeastern Cambodia, downstream from the Mekong River’s rapids. Although the city is quite small, it is the capital of the province of the same name, "Kratié."

The Charm of the City

The city of Kratié is best known as the former city of the Chenla monarchy. It holds an incomparable charm compared to other regions of Cambodia. To this day, Kratié has preserved its relics and traces of its glorious past, as well as its rich heritage from the French colonial era. Several colonial monuments dating from the colonial period have been restored and preserved by the city for its visitors.
Given the small size of the city, visitors can easily explore it on foot, walking through its small alleys. Kratié is also distinguished by its peaceful atmosphere and nearly deserted streets. Indeed, few cars circulate in the city, and it is low houses that adorn the streets. Old tropical trees also decorate every corner, allowing both locals and visitors to take refuge in the shade from the hot sun.

The streets of the city portray a rural landscape reflecting the authenticity of Cambodia. Haystacks, ox carts, abundantly cultivated fields, tobacco dryers, schoolchildren cycling, and cars loaded with goods bring life to the city at its own pace.

The small villages that line the Mekong River add a unique charm to Kratié. With their stilt houses, villagers living according to the rhythms of harvest and fishing, and lush, exotic nature… all these elements create an atmosphere of serenity that will stay with you long after you leave.

City attractions

• Basket-weaving villages

One of the must-see tourist activities during your trip to Kratié is visiting the three weaving villages near the city. The most famous products in these villages are the woven baskets made by hand. The largest of these villages is Cham Chheu Teil Ploch, with 4,000 villagers.

• Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts

The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is a must-see place located in the center of the city. Here, you can see many exhibitions and sometimes traditional and Western musical performances.

• Mekong Villages

While visiting Kratié, you can stop in the villages that line both sides of the Mekong River. You can take a one-day tour to visit all the villages by renting a motorcycle or tuk-tuk.

• Kampi

Kampi is a natural site made up of dozens of small islands and aquatic plants. It is located 15 kilometers north of Kratié. Its bridge, Prek Kampi, offers a magnificent view of the entire river and allows you to admire the Irrawaddy dolphins.

• Wat Sarsar Mouy Roy

Wat Sarsar Mouy Roy is a temple located in the commune of Sambor, 36 kilometers north of Kratié, in the city of Sambupura. The temple was built on the former site of the royal palace during the Chenla period.

• Phnom Sambok

Phnom Sambok is a natural and historical site located in the commune of Thma Kre, about 11 kilometers from Kratié. The site offers beautiful views, with a panoramic view of the rural villages along the Mekong River.

• Phnom Preah

Phnom Preah is a famous tourist site in Kratié, located 30 kilometers from the city. It is a picturesque nature reserve where visitors can admire various species of birds and mammals.

• See the Irrawaddy Dolphins

Visitors can admire the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the stretch of the river around Kratié. Watching the Mekong dolphins is a popular tourist attraction for those visiting the city. The Irrawaddy dolphins are now an endangered species in Cambodia. These cetaceans are unique for their shape and size, growing over 2 meters long, with a rounded head and a short dorsal fin. The best times to see the Mekong dolphins are in the morning around 6:00 AM and in the late afternoon or early evening.

Climate

Kratié has a savanna climate with a dry winter. The rainfall in Kratié is higher in the summer than in the winter. The average annual precipitation is 2,295.2 mm. The average temperature in Kratié is 28.6°C. March is the hottest month, while December is the coldest month of the year.

How to get there?

Kratié is located 250 kilometers northeast of Phnom Penh. Here are some transportation options to get between the two cities:

Bus from Phnom Penh to Kratié

Several buses connect Phnom Penh to Kratié daily. They usually pass through Kampong Cham in the morning and leave around 1:00 PM. The journey lasts approximately 5 hours and costs $8 USD per person. Phnom Penh Sorya buses depart at 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 2:30 PM.

Taxi from Kratié to Phnom Penh

Taxis connecting Kratié to Phnom Penh generally depart in the morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM and in the afternoon. Shared taxis cost $10 USD per trip. The journey takes between 4 and 5 hours.

Express Minivan from Phnom Penh to Kratié

Taking the minivan is one of the most comfortable and fastest ways to travel between the two cities. The journey takes about 4 hours and costs $8 USD per trip.

How to get around?

Kratié is a small city, so there's no need to take a bus or rent a tuk-tuk to explore. You can walk around the city on foot. However, you can also rent a moto-taxi to explore the city and visit sites outside Kratié. Depending on the duration of the trip, you should pay between $3 to $5 USD for the journey.

The best way to explore the city is by renting a bicycle. You can rent one from a local family for $1 USD or 4,000 Riels per day.

You can also rent a motorcycle at a hotel or guesthouse. Renting a Honda 110 CC, for example, costs $6 USD per day.

What to do in Kratié?

• Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Kratié while watching the sunset on its riverfront.
• Visit the city's historical monuments by renting a tuk-tuk or simply walking around the city.
• Participate in the tourist attractions that make the city famous, like observing the Mekong dolphins, visiting the small floating villages along the river, etc.
• Take part in a cultural visit by going to the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts in Kratié.

Best time to visit Kratié

The best times to visit Kratié are in January, February, and December. However, if you want to enjoy the sunshine, the sunniest and hottest months in Kratié are February, March, April, May, and June.