After spending three wonderful nights in the riverside city of Kompong Cham, it was time to continue our journey north toward Kratie—the capital of Kratie Province and the famous home of the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins. The overland distance between Kompong Cham and Kratie is approximately 130 km, and travelers generally have two main transportation options: a scheduled tourist bus or a local shared taxi. However, post-pandemic changes have shifted the local transport landscape significantly.
In this practical transport guide, we share our first-hand experience of navigating this route. From reviewing up-to-date bus availability and disclosing the exact location of the shared taxi stand near the Kizuna Bridge, to diving into on-board logistics, ticket costs, and current road conditions, here is everything you need to know for a smooth trip to Kratie.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: コンポンチャムからクラチエへの行き方：バスとシェアタクシーの料金・乗り場比較ガイド
Quick Transport Summary: Kompong Cham to Kratie
- Distance & Time: Approx. 130 km, taking around 3 hours.
- Option 1 (Bus): Operated by Virak Buntham at 9:30 AM (originating from Phnom Penh). Costs USD 11 per person. Note: Several former local bus companies have gone bankrupt.
- Option 2 (Shared Taxi – Our Choice): Departs from the roundabout on the west side of Kizuna Bridge (opposite Caltex). Costs USD 7.5 per person.
- Departure Reality: Taxis leave as soon as they are full. We arrived just after 7:00 AM, and our taxi departed early at 7:15 AM!
- Arrival Point: Dropped off shortly after 10:00 AM at the Kratie bus station in the town center, just a 300-meter walk east of the Mekong River.
Overland Options: Bus vs. Shared Taxi from Kompong Cham to Kratie
Kampong Cham to Kratie is approximately 130 km, served by buses and shared taxis. There used to be several bus companies operating in the area, but they went bankrupt due to the Corona recession.
Buses to Kratie are operated by Virak Buntham, which has an office along the Mekong River, at 9.30am. The buses come from Phnom Penh and cost USD 11 per person to Kratie.
Shared taxis can be found at the roundabout on the west side of Kizuna Bridge, opposite the Caltex petrol station. We were told that they depart between 7.30am and 8am, but it is recommended to get there early. The fare to Kratie is USD 7.5 per person.
Catching a Local Shared Taxi: Location and Early Departure
We decided to take a shared taxi. When we went to the taxi stand a little after 7am on the day, the taxi for Kratie was already parked.
On-Board Experience: The Reality of Cambodian Shared Taxis
The van theoretically seats seven people including the driver. However, we were three in the front, four in the middle and five in the back, well three adults and two kids. Luggage could be placed in the back of the van. It was a Sunday morning, but the passengers gathered quickly and the taxi left at 07:15.
Road Conditions and Smooth Arrival at Kratie Bus Station
The bus continues eastwards and heads north at the junction before Kandaol Chrum. The road to the crossing is relatively busy with traffic, as continuing eastwards will take you to the border with Vietnam. At this time, road widening works were underway.
After turning north at the intersection, a single-lane asphalt road continues. As soon as we turned, the traffic slowed down and we proceeded swiftly along the smooth road through the rice paddies.
We arrived in Kratie shortly after 10am at the bus station in the town centre. Continue 300 metres due west and the Mekong River is right there. We walked to our guesthouse.
Next Stop on Our Route: Exploring the Mekong Charm of Kratie
Arriving shortly after 10:00 AM, our smooth 3-hour shared taxi ride dropped us right in the heart of town. We walked just 300 meters due west to reach the beautiful Mekong riverfront and checked into our guesthouse, excited to begin our search for the rare freshwater dolphins.
Discover the best things to do in town, how to navigate the ferry to Koh Trong island, and our cycling adventure to see the dolphins: ➡ Top Things to Do in Kratie: Irrawaddy Dolphin Tours & Koh Trong Island Guide
To see our complete Cambodian overland itinerary, travel routes, and regional highlights, visit our hub: ➡ Return to Cambodia Travel Guide
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