Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tours
CRD Tours
( 099 834353;
www.crdtours.org
; Tonlé Traning Centre, St 3; 8am-noon & 2-5.30pm)
Run by
the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT), this company focuses on sustainable
tours along the Mekong Discovery Trail. Homestays, volunteer opportunities and various
excursions are available on the Mekong island of Koh Pdao, 20km north of Kampi. The
typical price is US$40 to US$60 per day, including all meals and tours. Tours and
homestays on Koh Preah (near Stung Treng) and Koh Trong are also possible. CRDT can
also organise boat trips from Stung Treng to Kratie sleeping in remote river villages along
the way (US$130 to US$300 depending on amount of people). Bike tours from Kratie to
Koh Pdao are another option.
TOUR
Cambodian Pride Tours
( 088 836 4758;
www.cambodianpridetours.com
)
Local tours website operated by two enthusi-
astic young guides from the Kratie area keen to promote real life experiences.
TOUR
KOH TRONG, AN ISLAND IN THE MEKONG
Lying just across the water from Kratie is the island of Koh Trong, an almighty 6km-long sandbar in
the middle of the river. Cross here by boat and enjoy a slice of rural island life. Attractions include an
old stupa
and a small
floating village
, as well as the chance to encounter one of the rare
Mekong
mud turtles
who inhabit the western shore.
There are two homestays on the island. Best is
Koh Trong Community Homestay I
(per person
US$4), set in an old wooden house, offering two proper bedrooms and fancy-pants bathrooms, mean-
ing thrones not squats. It is located about 2km north of the ferry dock near Rajabori Villas. Ride your
bike, take a
moto
(US$1) or ride an ox-cart.
Rajabori Villas
( 012 770150;
www.rajabori-kratie.com
; r incl breakfast US$52-95; ) is a
boutique lodge with a swimming pool and attractive bungalows that provide the best accommodation
in the Kratie region. It's located at the northern tip of the island; a private boat from Kratie costs
US$4/5 day/night.
Practically next door is the slightly more rustic
Arun Mekong
(
www.arunmekong.wordpress.com
;
r US$22-27, bungalow US$33), with a nice mix of tastefully furnished rooms and bungalows. Electri-
city runs only from 6pm to 11pm here.
Catch the little ferry from the port (with/without bicycle 2000r/1000r) in Kratie. Bicycle rental is
available on the island near the ferry landing for US$1, or do the loop around the island on a
moto
(US$2.50) steered by a female
motodup
(driver) - a rarity for Cambodia.
