Mekong River

Kratie, Cambodia

Mekong River

Kratie, Cambodia

Search the Mekong River for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

In the Mekong River lives a species of freshwater dolphins called Irrawaddy, known as the “smiling face of the Mekong”. The population has been decimated due to illegal fishing and habitat degradation, and fewer than 100 dolphins remain. Spot these amazing creatures as they surface and help preserve their existence through low-impact tourism.

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Things to know

The Mekong River experience varies significantly depending on the time of year. During the rainy season (typically April to November) the river is deep and flows fast. Dolphins migrate to follow fish, and can be harder to see. During the dry season, the river is shallow and 15–25 dolphins gather in the deepest pool near Kratie. While a dolphin sighting is not guaranteed, your drone pilot will take cues from the local tourist boats to help locate the dolphins during your flight.

Apr–Nov: Rainy season
Dec–Mar: Dry season

Features

River

Aquatic animals

The Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT) strives to reduce poverty and environmental degradation in Cambodia. Since 2004, CRDT has worked to protect the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins by developing alternative livelihoods to reduce fishing pressure in the Mekong River, including agriculture and ecotourism. By reducing illegal fishing and generating revenue through ecotourism, CRDT hopes to save the dolphins from extinction.

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Buy a Gift Certificate

Charter a Team Flight

Meet your guide

Phiya Duch

Phiya hails from the countryside of Kratie Province where he grew up in a family of rice farmers. He graduated from university in 2014 and has worked as a tour guide with CRDT since 2016. Phiya enjoys sharing information about his culture, village life, and the conservation of the Irrawaddy dolphins and the Mekong River with people from around the world, both in-person and remotely thorough guided drone tours.

Check out the view

Read reviews from other explorers

We like to travel, but it’s not possible to go everywhere. And, with the increasing awareness of the environment cost of travel, our world has gotten a little smaller. NatureEye provides a great way to quickly see a remote area with the help of a local guide. Flying a drone remotely is easy and fun!

Reece H

Flying with NatureEye was like flying my personal drone, but in a new location halfway around the world. I can’t wait to see what new locations open up in the future!

Devin M.

It was exciting knowing I was actually controlling the flight in Cambodia in real time, even though we didn’t find the dolphins that day.

Ronda G

I had a blast flying over the Mekong river, and was assisted by an awesome guide. I would definitely come back for more destinations.

Nimrod L

A very beautiful part of the world, the size of the Mekong River is amazing! My guide was excellent with his local knowledge and insight s into the marine life there! Would definitely recommend! 😎👍

Peter B