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Along the Mighty Mekong River
Who has not heard or even dreamed of the mighty Mekong river?
This massive flow, changing its color depending to the season, is a synonym for all Southeast Asia.
The Mekong is the 12th largest in the world, it winds its way from Southwest China through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia before it reaches the vast delta of Vietnam.
It's the lifeline for Cambodia and awaits with some marvellous gems, waiting to be explored.
Kratie
Kratie (pronounced Kra-Cheh) is a supremely mellow riverside town, located on the Mekong in north eastern Cambodia.
French-era architecture can still be found in town, and the riverfront offers some of the best Mekong sunsets in Cambodia.
Most visitors are drawn to Kratie to get a glimpse of the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, which live in the Mekong river in ever diminishing numbers.
Next to sunsets and dolphins, Kratie offers some beautiful encounters with the rural life surrounding the mighty stream.
An excursion to one of the small Mekong islands, with the possibility to spend the night there, is an enchanting experience.
Do you want to travel back in time? Stay a night at Le Relais de Chhlong boutique hotel. Set in a colonnaded buttercup-yellow mansion dating to 1916, this sumptuous hotel spoils visitors with its stately furnishings, four-poster beds, silk cushions and a très chic French restaurant.
The palm-lined grounds provide ample shade, and there are rocking chairs for gazing at the Mekong. Luxuriating alongside the mighty river doesn't get much better than this!
Stung Treng
Situated just south of the border to Laos, where the Mekong meets the Tonle San River, Stung Treng is a sleepy town, but offers some stunning activities.
Everything is centered around the mighty stream roaring by.
As in Kratie, Irrawaddy dolphins can be spotted here and also the sunsets over the Mekong are as picturesque.
It gets really interesting when taking a roaring long-tail boat upriver towards the border of Laos.
Depending on the water level you will be navigating through the most bizarre forest you can imagine. "Floating" in the river and formed by the strong current of the Mekong, the treetops are all pointing in the direction of the flow, making it an outlandish sight.
Leaving the forest behind, you soon reach the thundering rapids cascade over the border, a spectacular sight that's a continuation of the huge Khone Falls in Laos.
Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham is an ideal stop between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and a province you cannot miss on your eastern Cambodia itinerary.
But it should not just be a stop between your itinerary because there are plenty of unexpected things to do and to see here.
One is the town itself, since it is very laid back and charming. The pace of life seems to be slower here in Kampong Cham.
Explore the town and surrounding villages by foot or even better with a bicycle.
Cross the seasonal bamboo bridge that connects the Koh Pen island in the middle of the Mekong to the shore.
There is also the little visited Wat Banteay Prey Nokor temple to explore. A newer Pagoda has been build over and around the original temple, giving it an interesting touch.
Mekong River
Quick FAQ
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BEST TIME TO VISIT
Dry season from November to April. Dry season is best for dolphin observation and clear waters of the Mekong.
MONEY & ATM's
ATMs are available in town but rare, so bring enough cash with you .
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
There is no particular dangers or annoyances in this area but always keep precaution.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
1st or 2nd of March: Mekong Festival in one of the provinces along the Mekong.
HEALTH
Sticking to safe food and water habits. Unclean food and water can cause diarrhoea and other diseases.
INTERNET & MOBILE SERVICE
The WiFi infrastructure is wide spread in Cambodia however the connection is not as reliable compared to the big towns.
Thundering Mekong Rapids
The thundering rapids mark the border between Laos and Cambodia. A spectacular sight that's a continuation of the huge Khone Falls in Laos.
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