There’s just one major reason to visit Kratie (pronounced kra-chey) and that’s to see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins. Conservationists estimate that there only 75 Irrawaddy dolphins remaining in the world and they are working hard to preserve their natural habitat. Luckily for those looking to see the dolphins, they’re usually easy to spot, especially during the dry season.
The best spot to watch the dolphins is from Kampi village, which is just 15 kilometers north of Kratie. You’re most likely to see the dolphins as they jump and arc over the Mekong River. Unlike some marine animals, these dolphins rarely show interest in the tourist boats and are unlikely to approach. The dolphin’s activity level varies little throughout the day so there’s no bad time to take a tour to see them. If you’re interested in seeing the Irrawaddy dolphins, be sure to book a tour with us and place this city on your itinerary as a stopover between Cambodia and Laos.