River Length in Cambodia
500 kilometres from Lao border to Vietnam
Rare Wildlife
Critically endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins (~90 individuals)
Top Dolphin Spot
Kampi Pool near Kratie
Key River Hubs
Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kratie, Stung Treng
The Lifeline of Cambodia
Entering Cambodia from the thundering Khone Falls in Laos, the mighty Mekong River curves south across eastern Cambodia. For centuries, the river has served as the commercial highway and agricultural spine of the Khmer people, sustaining unique wetland biodiversity and freshwater fisheries.
Spotting Freshwater Dolphins at Kratie
At Kampi Pool, 15 km north of the sleepy French colonial town of Kratie, visitors board small wooden longtail boats to observe one of the planet's rarest aquatic mammals: the freshwater Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris). Unlike marine dolphins, these bulbous-headed, rounded-snout creatures emerge gently to breathe in the deep calm river eddies with distinctive whistling sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are boat tours to see the Irrawaddy dolphins ethical?
Yes, local community ecotourism associations operate strictly non-motorized paddle zones once near the dolphin pods to avoid propeller injury and engine noise disturbance.