Kratie

Kratie (ក្រចេះ, pronounced kra-chey) is a tiny town in northeastern Cambodia. Despite its small size, it is the capital of the province of the same name.

Kratie Halal Explorer

roka kandal pagoda1 - Pagoda Roka Kandal

Kratie is one of the four provinces in northeastern Cambodia, and although it is relatively remote and not heavily visited, travelling here won't earn you points if your priority is to be a pioneer. There's no large scale tourism, but plenty of backpackers pour through here during the peak season. The town has developed to meet this demand, with very good good lodging that is well known in backpacking circles.

Local Customs in Kratie

The province is heavily rural, so be mindful of yourself and your behaviour. Do not add to the already overwhelming amount of litter and discarded rubbish visible in and around the town, and be mindful of local norms in dress sense, so don't go swimming in a bikini.

Travel to Kratie

By road

From Kampong Cham (to the south) the road is in good repair. From Stung Treng (to the north) the road is sealed, but has fallen into disrepair and the journey can be uncomfortable and slow. If headed into Laos, visas on arrival are obtainable at the Lao border.

The bus/truck station is in the northwest part of town.

Buses from Stung Treng take about 3 hours. As with all forms of transport in Cambodia, get your bus ticket early, and show up even earlier to ensure you get a good seat, as buses will fill up fast as soon as they let people board. With the improving road conditions, bus services have improved and there are now a number of options between Stung Treng and Phnom Penh.

There are daily buses from Siem Reap to Kratie. They leave at 07:00 and cost USD 17. You will have to switch buses half way through this journey at Skuon or Suong.

Share-taxis and minivans serving Phnom Penh (4-5 hr), Stung Treng (2 hr), Kampong Cham (2 hr), Ban Lung (4 hr), Sen Monorom (4 hr), and a number of other small towns go from the taxi stand a block north of the market. Prices to Phnom Penh and Stung Treng are about 20,000 riel per seat. These are much faster than the large commercially operated buses and comparably priced, though slightly less comfortable. Purchase an extra seat or share 3 between 2 of you for comfort. From Phnom Penh or Kampong Cham share-taxis and minivans can save several hours buy taking a road directly south of Kratie that most of the commercial bus companies do not use and bypassing Snuol.

Trucks arrive from various neighbouring towns and provinces but you have to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this form of transport carefully. They are less safe and often slower than buses, as well as being more expensive. The one (potentially) overriding positive is that riding in a truck you get the chance to have a much closer connection with local Khmers than if you were riding in a tourist bus, particularly as you'd be surprised how many Khmers in the provincial capitals are somewhat proficient in English. Expect to wait a couple of hours for the truck to fill up, assuming you're the first one there.

• from Kampong Cham: 10,000 riel in the back, 15,000 riel in the cabin, 8-10 hr
• from Stung Treng: 20-25,000 riel in the back, 25-30,000 riel in the cabin, 10-12 hr
• from Ratanakiri: USD12 in the back or in the cabin, 12 hr

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Kratie

With the improvement of the roads, ferry services along the Mekong River from Kampong Cham no longer run. If you are feeling adventurous, you might find a rice-barge on its way north from Kampong Cham.

How to get around in Kratie

As the town is so small, ignore offers from agents to take you from the bus stop into town, since it's a walk of just a few minutes. If you feel compelled to hire a motodop to take you anywhere within town, you won't need to pay anything more than 500 riel for your short journey. To visit sites outside the town, you'll need to hire a motodop for a few dollars - standard prices are posted around the guesthouses, typically USD7-5 depending how far and how long you go for.

Bicycles are by far the best way to get around Kratie and enjoy the town at your own pace. Most hotels will organize you one, but they usually all come from the same shop - from the front of the market head south until the street ends across from the Ministry of Water Resources. On the junction there bikes can be rented from a lovely Khmer family for USD1 or 4,000 riel per day. Easy to spot this shop - look for all the bikes!

Motorbike rentals are available at just about any guesthouse. A 110cc Honda step through bike for USD9 per day. Given the tiny size of the town, you won't need one to do anything within Kratie, and the roads outside Kratie aren't in great shape, but it can be a great way to look around the nation side a bit further afield.

What to see in Kratie

roka kandal pagoda3 - Pagoda Roka Kandal

• Basket weaver villages - There are 3 basket weaver villages near Kratie. The biggest is the Cham village Chheu Teil Ploch with 4,000 villagers.

• Concrete Animals - Spot cranes, rhinos, deer, and even elephants in Kratie. Concrete, sadly, but melancholy reminder of the wealth of creatures that once roamed the local area.

• Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts - Here you can sometimes catch a musical performance. Groups sometimes come to perform singing contests here, with both traditional Cambodian instruments and Western. Otherwise, nothing else to really see here. Located by the river by the northern roundabout.

• Phnom Sombok - A rather nifty temple north of town and situated on the only hill anywhere near Kratie. A long set of steps lead to a pavilion and the interior of which is painted with torture scenes, depictions of what happens to those not virtuous enough to lead a holy and clean lifestyle. Makes a good stop on the way back to or from the dolphins. As a little bonus you might catch a glimpse of the family of monkeys that lives around the temple.

• Sambor - This is a pre-Angkorian perioid settlement. The temples, among which is Wat Sorsor Muoy Roi (temple of 100 columns) contain several colourful murals that tell legends of nature, and other traditional Buddhist stories. The original structure is no longer standing, in its place is a reconstructed temple.

• Town Museum - If you are really keen, go see the Culture Ministry and they might open it up for you (for an appropriate donation, say USD2) - though you'll be lucky to catch them in the office.

• Villages of the Mekong - There are very interesting places along the Mekong River. You enjoy your day at the villages along both sides of the Mekong river. You can go by tuk-tuk or motorbike.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kratie

roka kandal pagoda2 - Pagoda Roka Kandal

• Basketball and Volleyball - There's a basketball and volleyball area on the south side of the old governor's residence. The security guards probably won't refuse a civil request to use it within reasonable hours, and they might even join in.

• Bird Watching - If you are interested in birds, when on the boat, go upstream to the islands to look for the Mekong Wagtail (Motacilla samveasnae), a Cambodian endemic species that can be found in this stretch of the river. Early morning might find them hopping on rocks near the dolphin area.

• Community Development Tours - CRDT is a local organisation which works with communities along the river and runs Community Development Tours to their projects. This gives you a unique experience of Cambodian village life, and the chance to help out with their integrated development and dolphin conservation project. Organises Mekong Discovery Trail legs (you pay a donation) and provides free information concerning the track sections in the area.

DKoehl Irrawaddi Dolphin jumping - Irrawaddi Dolphin jumping

• Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching - USD9/person, USD7 for 3 or more. Includes a boat trip. If you just want to sit on the bank and watch the dolphins, you still have to pay the same. There are only around 85 dolphins in the Mekong, but there is a very good chance to see some at Kampi. As river dolphins and these animals don't generally approach boats show curiosity towards tourist boats like some marine dolphins do. There is no best time of day to see the dolphins as their activity patterns don't change much over the course of the day, though it can be pleasant with the setting sun late in the day, and fiercely hot in the early afternoon. The dry season offers generally better opportunities to see groups together and spectacular behaviour (rare though it is), and in wet season the boat trip is considerably longer as the animals move several kilometers upstream from the tourist site. To protect the dolphins, you should ensure that your boatmen follows the dolphin watching guidelines provided and only use oars when near the dolphins. There's also a nice little shop which does benefit the community and helps encourage the villagers conserve the remaining dolphins. By motodop, this trip should be around USD2-4 for the round trip, about 20 min each way. Or rent a motorbike for USD8. Cycling to this spot should take about 60 min, bicycles are available for rent in Kratie and cost about 5,000 riel a day.
• When planning to do the Mekong Discovery Trail, keep in mind, that you can also see dolphins from Koh Rougniv Island, which nicely combines with a home stay in Koh Phdau. You get a private, and romantic sunset tour for USD7 per boat, no other tourists in sight.

• Mekong Discovery Trail - The Mekong Discovery Trail takes you into the heart of the Mekong where the beauty of the river and the friendliness of the people create unforgettable river life experiences in northeast Cambodia. The Mekong Discovery Trail is a network of safe, eco-tourism journeys through some of the most natural and least populated parts of the Mekong.
• The free trail guide (e.g. Community Development Tours) provides maps, transport and lodging options. You can travel on a small part of the trail, or all of it. You can travel alone or with a group. There are many options along the 180 kilometers trail, which runs between Kratie and the Cambodian/Laos border. But remember to allow enough time to go with the flow of river life.
• Along the trail, you will have the opportunity to see critically endangered Mekong River Dolphins, while minimising your impact on them and the habitats they rely on.
• By using the Trail, you will also be assisting river communities, some of the poorest, but most welcoming, in Cambodia.
• As advertised, cycling (as opposed to hiking) is maybe the best method to see the trail, as it allows to rapidly cover the long stretches of track were it is imfeasible to obtain drinking water.

• Sorya Kayaking Adventures - Go kayaking along the Te River or Mekong River near the town of Kratie. Half-day, one day, and overnight trips are available at reasonable prices. Along the river you can see dolphins, many unique bird species, forest, villages, cropland, and Vietnamese floating villages. If you participate in the overnight trip, you can enjoy a peaceful home stay along the Te River.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kratie

• Acleda Bank This branch can change US dollars and (Thai) Baht only. They can also cash travellers cheques. The ATM only accepts Acleda ATM cards and Visa cards. A more expensive option for funds, but saves a 3-4 hours trip to Kampong Cham.

• Barber Shop They will always use new razor blades, but the towels are not the most hygienic.

• Canadia Bank Bank branch and ATM. This ATM charges less than the Aceleda Bank, and accepts Maestro, Cirrus, UnionPay cards.

• CEDAC Shop Range of local handicrafts and products such as honey, local juices, Rice, handmade hats. CEDAC is run by a local NGO and profits go towards their rural development products.

• Market - Find the standard assortment of local foods, fruits and meats, as well as a small variety of handicrafts. Remember your bargaining skills and etiquette when here.

• Money Changers Look out for packets of money on display. Some hotels can also change money. They will give you in general a slightly better rate than the bank but you have to ask around for the best deal. Some of them do also change other currencies than dollars such as (Thai) Baht, Vietnamese dong, and Myanmar kyat. Occasionally, other western currencies are changed as well but expect a poor rate. It is feasible to change Lao kip but you are better off changing kip to dollars before leaving Lao. Balcony Guesthouse usually offers the best rate for kip, though still low.

Halal Food & Restaurants

• Halal Restaurant Kratie - G3HG+HH9, Krong Kracheh, Cambodia - Local Cambodian Muslim Restaurant | The food very delicious for me and my brother from Indonesia.. very delicious (pangilo) .. and the waiter and waitress was very kind..

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kratie

Kratie - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kratie, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kratie. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kratie and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kratie. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kratie. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKratie: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kratie.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kratie: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kratie, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kratie.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kratie, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kratie, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kratie and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kratie, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kratie, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kratie without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kratie is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kratie.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kratie is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kratie, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kratie Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kratie

eHalal Group Kratie is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kratie. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kratie.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kratie ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kratie. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kratie, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kratie are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Balcony Guesthouse - Australian/Khmer managed, has large, light, clean rooms with good quality furnishings. Relaxing restaurant/bar on the balcony overlooking the Mekong, a perfect place to watch the sunset. There is also a communal area with an extensive collection of DVDs and Wi-Fi. Standard menu of Khmer and International food USD1-5 and slightly more expensive daily specials. Lots of Vegetarian food, including marinated tofu burgers, though the service can be excruciatingly slow when busy.

• Heng Heng Hotel - Now offers river front rooms of very good quality (especially at the Heng Heng 2), if slightly pricier than other options in town. This place has been upgrading itself significantly over the past few years, and now has hot running water. Tasty Khmer food at reasonable speed and price per dish USD1-2.50. Khmer breakfast also OK with a Western option of omelette and bread for USD1. Wi-Fi downstairs.

• Oudom Sambath Hotel - Probably the best hotel in town, and some of the top-floor rooms offer good views of the Mekong. Owned by a local general (in his wife's name), whose official government salary is about USD78/month; the opulence of the timber decorating the place might suggest where the money came from for this substantial investment. Service can be a bit on the low side - toilet paper not provided even on repeated request ("I don't care"). Has Wi-Fi in most rooms.

• Santepheap Hotel - This has long been considered the standard choice for tour groups, and has a small restaurant. Rooms come with hot running water, but the bathrooms are generally dirty, and some cable channels for your viewing pleasure (even though you probably didn't come to Kratie to watch TV). Wi-Fi in reception.

• Star Guesthouse - Has been elevated by tourist and guidebook alike to the status of best in town, but this is debatable. It often gets the lion's share of backpackers during the busy parts of the year. The rooms are OK, and the staff speak some English, and can offer local travel tips for you. Wi-Fi downstairs. Restaurant on the expensive side, it has an uninspiring selection of Western and Khmer cuisine.

• You Hong Guesthouse - Has close links to many transport options and you may find yourself dropped off there. Basic rooms (fan or air-con - directly above the bar), and is popular with budget travellers. The Internet service is a good feature (but expensive, and you don't have to stay there to use it). The atmosphere out front is about as bustling as Kratie gets. Restaurant average. Has an impressive menu, but only cook some of it well. Pizzas is unexpectedly good.

Travel Next

• Banlung - This town is near spectacular natural attractions, including waterfalls, volcanic lakes and natural parks, and hill tribe villages.
• Chlong - A small town, about 30 kilometers from Kratie.
• Kampong Cham - the third largest city in Cambodia, full of colonial charm.
• Stung Treng - The town most Muslim visitors pass through on the way to Laos.
• Sambour neighborhood - a small and charming town along the Mekong river about 38 kilometers from Kratie

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