Mekong, Dolphins and Laos

Today you'll be picked up from your hotel in Phnom Penh and taken to the bus station. We'll arrange the bus ticket for you for the bus trip that will take you towards the Cambodia Mekong and to the city of Kratie (the journey takes around 6 to 8 hours). On arrival you'll easily be able to arrange the transfer from the bus station to your hotel on your own. You'll spend the night in a hotel which is directly located on the boulevard along the Cambodia Mekong River. This location is ideal for watching small boats pass by the hotel as you relax for the evening.

Kratie is known for being the home of the rare fresh water dolphin, the Irrawaddy dolphin. The best time to spot these unique creatures is early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon, although it always takes a bit of luck! Go out and look for a local scooter driver to take you to the best spots near the small islands in the Cambodia Mekong. You could also arrange a boat to take you out for a closer look at the dolphins. There are no activities planned for today during this Cambodia Mekong module so you can spend the day as you wish. Since Kratie was spared during the war, you can enjoy a walk past the historic Khmer houses on the edge of the mightly river. More information on excursion options is available on location. Tonight you'll spend another night in the same hotel by the Cambodia Mekong River. 

In the morning you'll be taken to the bus station where you'll catch a bus, heading inland over gravel roads to Stung Treng. This is a small, sleepy town on the Mekong River in the Rattanakhiri province. You'll spend the night in the newest hotel in town in a room with a television, bath and toilet. Unfortunately there's no warm water available...... but it's coming soon. Your hotel room will have a view of the broad river and the local market. Just north of the city you'll find the Stung Treng Women's Development Centre where the women from Stung Treng come to weave silk. When you purchase one of their products, you help them to build a better future for themselves. As a sign of their gratitude they'll give you a small gift made out of silk.

If you want to explore a bit more off-the-beaten-path it's possible to visit the hill tribes in the Banlung area. For more information, have a look at our Cambodia trekking module "Cambodian Hill Tribes and Totem Poles". 

This morning you'll go on a boat trip to one of the most deserted areas of the Cambodia Mekong region. Local fishermen work non-stop trying to reel their nets in and small children on board will try to catch a glimpse of you. After about an hour and a half you'll arrive at the Laotian border (Veunkham). You will have to attain your visa for Laos prior to departure; visas are not available at this border. After a few stamps in your passport you'll cross the border into Laos. From here we can arrange a transfer for you towards Pakse, or you can start on one of our Cambodia and Laos tours.