Activities in Northeastern Cambodia
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Irrawaddy Dolpin Watching
The main activity that draws visitors to Kratie is the chance to spot the elusive Irrawaddy river dolphin. Before the civil war, locals say, Cambodia was home to as many as 1000 dolphins. However, during the Pol Pot regime, many were hunted for their oils and their numbers have plummeted. Locals and experts alike believe there may be as few as 75 Irrawaddy dolphins left in the Mekong between Kratie and the Lao border near Don Khone.
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Elephant Valley Project
For an original elephant experience, visit the Elephant Valley Project. Part of the Elephants Livelihood Initiative Environment, visitors can learn the art of the mahout for a day. The trip starts with a tour of the project before learning about the body language of elephants. Students are then given the chance to try a series of short rides to build their confidence. After lunch, wannabee mahouts get the chance to experience a longer ride to a nearby waterfall.
After a dip in the water, it's possible to help wash down the elephants.It costs around US$50 per person per day up to a maximum of four people, although this number may rise as more elephants are brought into th…
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Virachay National Park treks
Many visitors opt for a trek into Virachay National Park, but be aware that some of these treks barely scrape the park itself, and spend much of the time in the park buffer zone. There are now multiday treks into the park, and these are a great way to explore one of the wildest and most remote areas in Cambodia.
The cost depends on the route, but figure on around US$15 to around US$25 a day for a good guide and more for transport, food and lodging along the way. Budget travellers really need to link up with a group to make it affordable. The best places to arrange trekking are Terres Rouges and Yaklom Hill Lodge. Recommended guesthouses can also help out with budget treks…
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Trekking
Trekking has really started to take off around Ratanakiri, but it is important to make clear arrangements with your guide to ensure you get what is expected out of a trip. There are lots of popular routes that take in minority villages and scenic spots around the province, including Kreung villages near the road to Ta Veng, and Jarai villages up in Andong Meas district, but with deforestation continuing apace you need to be sure of conditions along the way.
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Elephant Treks
The villages of Phulung, 7km northeast of Sen Monorom, and Putang, 9km southwest of town, are the most popular places to arrange an elephant trek. Most of the recommended guesthouses around town, as well as the tourist office, can arrange day treks for around USaround US$30 or so, including lunch and transport to and from the village. It can get pretty uncomfortable up on top of an elephant after a couple of hours; carry a pillow to ease the strain.
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Pnong villages
Trips out to the Pnong villages dotted across the province can be arranged through guesthouses and hotels, including an overnight stay with the community. Each guesthouse has a preferred village to send travellers to, which is a great way to spread the wealth.
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Elephant Rides
Most guesthouses and hotels can arrange short elephant rides from nearby villages to local waterfalls. One of the most popular rides is from the village of Kateung to the spectacular waterfall of Ka Tieng. The ride takes about one hour, passing through beautiful rubber plantations. The usual charge is USaround US$10 per person per hour. For longer elephant rides, Mondulkiri Province remains the more popular option.
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