Getting around Kratie — bus, ferry and the Mekong
Transport in Kratie — bus to Phnom Penh (6h), ferry to Koh Trong, local tuk-tuk and how to organise travel from this Mekong town.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 4 min
In 3 bullets
- Bus to Phnom Penh: ~6h from the Kratie terminal — the main link to the capital.
- No regular flights from Kratie — the bus remains the standard mode of transport.
- Ferry to Koh Trong: 5-minute crossing, regular departures — essential for visiting the Mekong island.
Local transport
Tuk-tuks
Available throughout the city. Prices are unregulated — agree the fare before getting in. 2–4 USD for a trip within town.
Bicycle and motorbike
Kratie is small and manageable by bicycle. Rental available at some guesthouses. Second-hand scooters available for long-term residents. Bicycle is ideal for outings to Koh Trong and Kampi Pool.
Bus and long-distance transport
| Destination | Duration | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | ~6h | 8–12 USD | Sorya Bus, Mekong Express, shared taxi |
| Stung Treng | ~2h | 4–7 USD | Bus or shared taxi heading north |
| Banlung | ~4–5h | 6–10 USD | Via Stung Treng, partly unpaved road |
| Kampot | ~8–9h | 12–18 USD | Via Phnom Penh — no direct bus |
Indicative fares and durations 2025 — Kratie is 350 km from Phnom Penh via National Road 7.
Ferry to Koh Trong
Koh Trong island is accessible by ferry from the Kratie landing pier:
- Duration: 5 minutes.
- Frequency: regular departures from 6am to 6pm.
- Price: approximately 0.50 USD per person.
- Bicycles and motorbikes: transported on the ferry for a small surcharge.
To Kampi Pool (dolphins)
Kampi Pool is 15 km north of Kratie on the Mekong bank:
- Tuk-tuk: 8–12 USD return from the centre (with waiting time).
- Bicycle: manageable in the dry season on the road running alongside the Mekong (45 min to 1h).
- Motorbike: 20 min from the centre.
FAQ
How do I get to Phnom Penh from Kratie?
Bus (6h, 8–12 USD) from the Kratie terminal — the most practical solution. Sorya Bus and Mekong Express are the reference companies. Shared taxi (~5h, slightly more expensive) for those wanting to travel faster.
Are there flights from Kratie?
No — Kratie has no commercial airport. The bus is the only practical transport to Phnom Penh.
Is National Road 7 in good condition?
Yes — National Road 7 between Phnom Penh and Kratie is in good condition (paved road). Night driving is still not recommended (slow trucks, lack of lighting).
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.