Kratie, Mekong River and Irrawaddy Dolphin’s, cycling Koh Trong Island, Phnom Penh and Silk island.
My sister Nicola was traveling solo in Cambodia so I decided to fly to Cambodia for a surprise visit and hopefully join her for the last 6 days.
The flight from Brisbane to Phnom Penh via Hong Kong did not go as planned. the airline changed my flights while I was in the air from Brisbane to Hong Kong. I was met at the gate by a representative who advised I will now be going via Bangkok which was Ok, however I would now be 6 hours late. I had a airport transfer from Phnom Penh to Kratie (250km) booked via booking.com which could not be changed and trying another booking returned ‘nothing available’.
Travel Tip: Be aware that booking.com airport transfers do not allow any changes or cancelations within 24 hours! So Booking.com airport transfers seem to be unable to accommodate flight delays or changes.
After receiving the WhatsApp contact for the driver and after much googling I managed to locate the actual company in Phnom Penh and arrange for another transfer at 8pm for which I had to pay again. A midnight arrival in Kratie. The Sorya Guesthouse staff were great. They made sure I had a room near Nicola, also happily managed my constantly changing arrival time and importantly and kept my visit secret.
Surprise
The next morning Nicola was very surprised and excited to see me sitting on the Mekong river wall in front of the Sorya Guesthouse in Kratie (Krong Kracheh) where we now both had rooms. We chatted and caught up over breakfast and made plans for what to see over the next couple of days.
Sorya Guesthouse is a small thirteen rooms guesthouse on the Mekong River in Kratie, Cambodia. With a retro/vintage airline theme, rooms are ‘First’ ‘Business’ and ‘Economy’ and comes with Kratie’s best sunset views.
Kratie, Mekong River and Irrawaddy Dolphin’s
It is the wet season with the usual humid tropical wet season weather but rain not starting until 3 to 4pm. The Mekong river is also in flood which adds up to there being no tourists here. We have everywhere we go to ourselves.
The first thing we wanted to do was see the famous Irrawaddy Dolphin’s. A tuk tuk driver took us to where we could hire a small boat to go out on the river to go and look for the Dolphin’s.
The Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River are a critically endangered species, with only about 92 individuals remaining. These dolphins are known for their distinctive rounded foreheads and lack of a beak, giving them a unique appearance. They inhabit a 118-miles of the river between Cambodia and Laos
Cycling Kaoh Trong Island Mekong River
visited several temples and cycled around Koh Trong an island in the immensely wide Mekong river.
Nestled in the heart of Cambodia’s Mekong River, Koh Trong Island is a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Kratie. This picturesque island, accessible via a short ferry ride, offers visitors a glimpse into rural Cambodian life, where traditional wooden houses, lush orchards, and serene rice paddies paint a charming landscape.
One of the best ways to explore Koh Trong is by bicycle, following the 9km concrete path that loops around the island. Along the way, you’ll encounter friendly locals, small-scale farms, and even floating villages that showcase the island’s deep connection to the Mekong.
For those seeking relaxation, the western side of the island provides stunning sunset views, while the island’s reputation as a “garden market” means you can indulge in fresh tropical fruits grown by local farmers. Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion or a peaceful retreat.
Phnom Penn
We settled into our hotel and took a walk to the Night Market to check out the market stalls and sample some local food.
On a morning walk I discovered the the Phnom Penh Railway Station which serves as a historical landmark showcasing Cambodia’s rail heritage which was a surprise.
Temples and Russian Market
We filled in the rest of the day visiting a variety of temples such as the Silver Pagod, Monkey Temple, the Boat Temple and the Golden Temple Mongkol Serei Kien Khleang Pagoda.
The Golden Temple officially known as Wat Kean Kleang. This temple is famous for its lavish gold-painted exterior, which gleams brilliantly under the Cambodian sun, making it one of the most visually striking religious sites in the city
We ended the day at the Russian Market (Toultumpong Market). one of Phnom Penh’s most famous shopping destinations. Originally named for its popularity among Russian expatriates in the 1980s, this bustling market is now a treasure trove for tourists and locals alike.
Inside, you’ll find a diverse selection of goods, including handcrafted souvenirs, jewelry, fabrics, and antiques. The market is also known for its artworks, silverware, and ritual objects, making it a great spot for collectors and culture enthusiasts.
Beyond shopping, Tuol Tompoung Market is a food lover’s paradise. As the sun sets, street food vendors set up stalls around the market, offering a variety of local Cambodian delicacies.
Central Market and Silk Island
The Central Market (Phsar Thmei) in Phnom Penh is an iconic shopping destination housed in a striking Art Deco building, completed in 1937. Its bright yellow dome and four sprawling wings create a unique architectural presence in the heart of the city. Inside there is a vast array of goods, including gold and silver jewelry, antique coins, textiles, electronics, and souvenirs. The fresh food section, offers a variety of local produce and street food delights.
Originally built on a former swamp, the market has undergone several renovations, including a $4.2 million restoration from 2009 to 2011, funded by the French Development Agency. Today, it remains one of the cleanest and most diverse markets
Silk Island
Visiting Silk Island (Koh Dach) was like stepping into a slower, more peaceful side of Cambodia, just a short ferry ride from the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. As we arrived, we were greeted by a landscape of lush fields and quiet villages.
We started or exploration at a local silk workshop, where artisans patiently guided us through the process—from feeding silkworms with mulberry leaves to spinning delicate threads into intricate patterns.
Watching the weavers at work was mesmerizing. The skill and precision required to create these beautiful fabrics were truly impressive.
Visiting Silk Island felt like a step back in time, a place where tradition is still alive and thriving.
Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River
We boarded a traditional wooden boat, welcomed by the gentle hum of the river and the soft melodies of live Khmer music playing in the background. With a refreshing drink in hand, we settled into our seats, taking in the sights—the Royal Palace, the bustling riverfront, and the floating villages that lined the shore.
As we cruised past Diamond Island, the city lights began to twinkle, adding to the magic of the evening. The boat’s slow pace allowed us to soak in the atmosphere, watching fishermen cast their nets and locals unwind along the riverbanks.
Dinner was a feast of fresh, locally sourced Cambodian dishes, served as we drifted further into the Mekong’s calm waters. The flavors, the ambiance, and the gentle sway of the boat made for an unforgettable experience.
By the time we returned to shore, the city had fully come alive, its neon glow reflecting on the water. The cruise was more than just a scenic ride—it was a moment of tranquility, a chance to see Phnom Penh from a completely different perspective.
