Phnom Preah Reach Throap (Kratie) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

Phnom Preah Reach Troap (also known as the Sacred Hill of the Royal Reach) is a natural and historical site located in Kratie Province, Cambodia. It is known for its beautiful landscape, cultural significance, and the rare irrawaddy dolphins that can be seen in the nearby Mekong River.

Tourists are drawn to Phnom Preah Reach Troap for its serene natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the unique opportunity to spot irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat. The site also offers a glimpse into the rural Cambodian lifestyle and provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visitors to Phnom Preah Reach Troap can enjoy hiking up the hill to view the landscape, visit pagodas and temples, take part in dolphin-watching tours on the Mekong River, and learn about local folklore and history. It's also an ideal spot for picnics and enjoying the peaceful environment.

Accommodation in the immediate vicinity of Phnom Preah Reach Troap is limited, as it is a relatively remote area. However, the town of Kratie offers a range of options from guesthouses to hotels which cater to different budgets and preferences. Some tourists opt to stay in Kratie and travel to the hill for day trips.

The best time to visit Phnom Preah Reach Troap is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities, and the water levels in the Mekong River are lower, which is better for dolphin watching.

Phnom Preah Reach Troap can be reached by road from the town of Kratie. Visitors can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk, or rent a bicycle or motorbike to travel to the site. The journey offers a scenic view of the Cambodian countryside and takes about 30 minutes to an hour from Kratie.

As of the knowledge cutoff date, there is no specific entrance fee for Phnom Preah Reach Troap itself. However, there may be small fees for parking, temple donations, or for hiring a guide, and fees for boat tours, if you wish to go dolphin watching on the Mekong River.

Local festivals and religious ceremonies are sometimes held at the pagodas and temples on Phnom Preah Reach Troap. These events are deeply tied to Cambodian culture and offer tourists a valuable opportunity to observe and participate in traditional Cambodian celebrations.

Tourists should dress respectfully when visiting the temples, covering shoulders and knees, and should behave respectfully at religious sites. It's also advised to bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and to be cautious when hiking or exploring to avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging the natural environment.

Conservation efforts in the Mekong River near Phnom Preah Reach Troap include creating protected areas, conducting research on dolphin populations, and promoting responsible tourism practices to minimize disturbances to the dolphins. NGOs and government agencies work together to raise awareness and protect this endangered species.