Trails along the Mekong

Sunset over the Mekong River - captured during my visit to Kratie in 2000

A project seeking to make a difference to the lives of the people who live along the Mekong River is taking shape called the Mekong River Discovery Trail. Developed in cooperation with villages and communes along the river as well as NGOs and provincial authorities, this brand new ecotourism initiative is set to transform the underutilised northern section of the Mekong between Kratie and the Cambodian-Laos border. The opportunity to experience rural life that few have seen before during homestays, wat stays, trekking, mountain-biking, dolphin watching, kayaking and more, will provide a much-needed boost to the communities along the river and open up this gorgeous stretch of the Mekong to more than just a fortunate few. Dolphin watching at Kampi, just north of Kratie is already popular, but the trail opens up new viewing spots at places like Koh Phdau, Damrei Phong, Koh Preah and Anlung Cheuteal next to the border, along the 190km stretch of the Mekong. An overnight stay in the pagoda at Wat Sarsar Mouy Rouy, the 100 Pillar Wat, will give an unusual slant to your trip, while homestays are available in Koh Trong, Koh Phdau, Koh Khnhear and Ou Savy. Lots of other options are available to travellers wishing to tread new paths in the region. The Mekong River Discovery Trail looks set to take off later this year and you can find out more here.