Kratie Province: A Mekong Gem in Cambodia

• Helloសួស្តី
  [suostei]
• Goodbyeលាស
  [leah]
• Yesបាទ/រស់
  [baat/ros]
• Noទេ
  [te]
• Please/You're welcomeសូមស្វាគមន៍
  [som svakum]
• Thank youសូមអរគុណ
  [som arkun]
• Excuse me/Sorryសូមអភ័យទោ
  [som ahpoy toh]
• How are you?អ្នកសុខសប្តិ៍ងវែរ?
  [nak sok sabdaung vea?]
• Fine. And you?ល្អបាន និងអ្នក?
  [laa ban ning nak?]
• Do you speak English?តើអ្នកនិយាយភាសាអង់គ្លេសទេ?
  [teng nak niyeay phasa anglais te?]
• I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ
  [knhom min yol te]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនុយតាមនៅសូម
  [knhom chong moul menu tae nak som]
• I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនបរិច្ឆេទសាច
  [knhom min prach tsaach]
• Cheers!ជិត
  [chit]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់នៅសូម
  [knhom chong bang braak neak som]

• Help!ជម្រាបជំងឺ!
  [jomrap chom ngoy]
• Go away!ចាកចេញ!
  [chak chea]
• Call the Police!ហៅ​ទៅ​ការបាងប្រជ!
  [haw toe kar bang prach]
• Call a doctor!ហៅ​ទៅ​គ្រូ!
  [haw toe kro]
• I'm lostខ្ញុំខិត​ជាមួយ!
  [knhom khtay chay muoy]
• I'm illខ្ញុំឈឺ!
  [knhom chheh]

• I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ
  [knhom chong toon]
• I'm just lookingខ្ញុំតែមើល
  [knhom tae moul]
• How much is it?តើវាតិរមិនបានបង់ប្រាក់ប៉ុន្មាន?
  [tay vatear min ban bang braak ponman?]
• That's too expensiveនេះគឺមានលុយធំកន្លែ
  [ney ke mean loo thum kanleah]
• Can you lower the price?តើអ្នកត្រូវបង់តម្លៃខាតកន្លែទេ?
  [tay nak trov bang tamleah kaanleah te?]

• What time is it?ម៉ោងណា?
  [moung nea?]
• It's one o'clockវិចិត្រិៈមួយ
  [vechit mouy]
• Half past (10)កន្លែពីរត្រួយ
  [kanleah pir troi]
• Morningព្រឹក
  [preuk]
• Afternoonល្ងាច
  [lngach]
• Eveningយប់
  [yop]
• Yesterdayម្សិលមិញ
  [msil min]
• Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [thngai ney]
• Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែក
  [thngai saek]
• 1មួយ
  [mouy]
• 2ពីរ
  [pii]
• 3បី
  [bei]
• 4បួន
  [buon]
• 5ប្រាំ
  [bram]
• 6ប្រាំមួយ
  [bram mouy]
• 7ប្រាំពីរ
  [bram pii]
• 8ប្រាំបី
  [bram bei]
• 9ប្រាំបួន
  [bram buon]
• 10ដប់
  [dop]

• Where's a/the...?កណ្តាលនគិរស្រស់ជាង?
  [kandal nekirsors chay?]
• What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋខ្ញុំមានសេចក្តីអាសយដ្ឋណា?
  [asayott knhom mean sekdei asayott nea?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?តើអ្នកអាចបង្ហាញទីតាំងពីរដែរមែនទេ?
  [tay nak achna bangheang thitmang pii daeh mean te?]
• When's the next (bus)?នៅពេលណាដើមរបស់របស់?
  [neav pel nea daom rabsor rabsor?]
• A ticket (to ....)សំបុត្រនគិរស្រស់ជាងទៅ...
  [sombotr nekirsors chay to...]

Kratie Province, located in northeastern Cambodia along the Mekong River, boasts a rich and ancient history. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited as early as the Funan period (1st to 6th century CE). This pre-Angkorian civilization was known for its extensive trade networks and advanced urban planning. Remnants of ancient settlements and artifacts from this era provide a glimpse into the early development of the region.

During the Angkorian period (9th to 15th century CE), Kratie Province became an integral part of the Khmer Empire. The province's strategic location along the Mekong River facilitated trade and communication within the empire. Numerous temples and religious structures were built, showcasing the architectural prowess and religious fervor of the time. One notable site is the Phnom Sombok temple, which offers panoramic views of the Mekong River and surrounding landscapes.

In the late 19th century, Kratie Province came under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina. The French influence is still evident in the colonial architecture that dots the provincial capital, Kratie town. The French constructed administrative buildings, schools, and churches, some of which still stand today. This period also saw the introduction of rubber plantations and other agricultural developments that transformed the local economy.

The latter half of the 20th century was a tumultuous period for Kratie Province, as it was for much of Cambodia. During the Cambodian Civil War and the subsequent Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), the province experienced significant upheaval. Many historical sites were damaged or neglected during this time. The population faced severe hardships, and the scars of this era are still visible in the collective memory of the local people.

Following the end of the Khmer Rouge regime, Kratie Province began a slow process of recovery and rebuilding. Efforts to restore historical sites and promote local culture have been ongoing. The province has also embraced eco-tourism, leveraging its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River have become a symbol of the region's natural heritage. Modern Kratie town, with its blend of historical influences and contemporary development, serves as a gateway for tourists exploring the province.

Kratie Province is home to a diverse array of cultural traditions and practices. The local population, primarily Khmer, also includes ethnic minorities such as the Phnong and the Kuy. Traditional festivals, such as the Cambodian New Year and the Water Festival, are celebrated with much enthusiasm. Handicrafts, including weaving and pottery, are important cultural expressions passed down through generations. The province's cultural heritage is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people.

Kratie Province is located in northeastern Cambodia. The nearest international airport is Phnom Penh International Airport, approximately 250 kilometers away. From Phnom Penh, you can take a bus or a taxi to Kratie town, the provincial capital. The bus journey typically takes around 6 to 7 hours. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Stung Treng Airport and then travel by road for about 3 hours to reach Kratie.

Kratie town is relatively small, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local motos (motorbike taxis) and tuk-tuks are readily available and inexpensive. Buses and minibuses connect Kratie town with nearby villages and other provinces. Renting a motorbike or bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the scenic countryside at your own pace.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in Kratie town, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Kratie town, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas.

Kratie is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Kratie does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance or 119 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Kratie town. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Kratie where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly nod or a slight bow. The traditional Cambodian greeting, the 'sampeah,' involves placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kratie Province like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area’s history and culture. Don’t miss taking a boat trip to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. For a unique experience, visit Koh Trong Island, which offers a glimpse into traditional Cambodian village life.