Kratie (city)
| ក្រចេះ Kratie |
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| Coordinates | 12 ° 29 ′ N , 106 ° 2 ′ E | ||
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| Country | Cambodia | ||
| Kratie | |||
| ISO 3166-2 | KH-10 | ||
| Residents | 60,000 | ||
Kratie ( Khmer ក្រចេះ , transcription: Krâchéh ) is a city with about 60,000 inhabitants in the east of Cambodia on the east bank of the Mekong . It is the capital of the province of the same name .
The importance of Kratie has increased in recent years as a transit destination from Cambodia overland to Laos as well as to the northeast (minority province of Ratanakiri ) and east (minority province of Mondulkiri ). In 2005 over 5,000 foreign tourists came to Kratie. The main attraction for visitors to Kratie are the freshwater dolphins of the Mekong . While there were a few thousand specimens in the Mekong waters of Cambodia in the 1970s, only about 120 dolphins are currently preserved, but the number has remained stable for years. The largest number of about 60 dolphins live in the Mekong near the village of Kampi , about 15 km north of Kratie. Protection zones have been established for the dolphins, fishing is prohibited there and passing ships have to follow a special route.
Attractions
- Kampi
The most significant attraction are the river dolphins mentioned above. Kampi is the name of the place 15 north of the city of Kratie. An observation station has been set up here. Boats are also available for sightseeing on the Mekong. The best time for observing is 1–2 hours after sunrise and 1–2 hours before sunset. Dolphins are best seen in the dry season (December to May) when the river becomes shallower and the dolphins come to the surface.
- Wat Kratie
near the port
- Phnom Sombok
Phnom Sombok is a pagoda north of the city. It is located on the only hill that is in the vicinity of Kratie. Long stairs lead up to the pavilion. From the very top, the visitor has a beautiful view of the Mekong.
- historical Museum
The Historical Museum is located in the northern part of the city, near the right turn from the river promenade towards the airport exit and Phnom Penh.
- Roka Kandal Pagoda
This is the oldest preserved and renovated Cambodian pagoda on the southern edge of the city from the early 19th century. It was completely restored in 2002 with German funds and is reminiscent of the pagodas in Luang Prabang with its beautiful, typically Cambodian wood paintings.
- Basket weaving villages
This handicraft is practiced by members of the Cham minority in three villages about 30 km south of the city .
