The Irrawaddy dolphin is considered the most famous animal of the Mekong River and also a sacred animal in Cambodia. These freshwater dolphins take their name from the Irrawaddy River in Burma, but they are most commonly observed in the waters of the Mekong, between Laos and Cambodge. During your trip to Cambodge, take time to admire the Mekong dolphins and visit the cities and villages along the banks of the river.

When the Mekong Dolphins Were Discovered

The Mekong dolphin is known by its scientific name: Orcaella brevirostris, but more commonly called the Irrawaddy dolphin. It was discovered in 1866, and it took many years before it was classified as a protected species and given its scientific name as a distinct species in its own right. This species is observed only in the southeastern part of Asia. The Mekong dolphin also forms several other sub-populations that are geographically localized elsewhere.

Information About the Irrawaddy Dolphins

Scientific name:

Orcaella brevirostris; sub-species: Orcaella heinsohni or Australian snubfin dolphin.

Population:

To date, scientists have not been able to determine the exact number of Irrawaddy dolphins. It is estimated that their population reaches approximately 6,000 individuals.

Description:

Irrawaddy dolphins are blue-gray cetaceans that can reach lengths of up to 2.5 meters and weigh approximately 200 kg. They generally live in groups of 6. They are often found in the 190-kilometer strait between the islands of Don Khon in Laos and the island of Kratié in Cambodge. These freshwater dolphins most often travel the waters of the Mekong, which is why they are also called Mekong dolphins. Indeed, they are not capable of surviving in brackish waters that are more saline.

Habitat

Beyond Cambodge, Irrawaddy dolphins can also be observed in other parts of Southeast Asia, such as the Bay of Bengal, India, the Mahakam River in Indonesia, Thailand, Burma, and even the Philippines. For example, there are between 70 and 100 individuals in the section between Laos and Cambodge. Meanwhile, 33 to 50 individuals occupy the Mahakam River section in Indonesia. And finally, in Myanmar, in a 370 km section of the Irrawaddy River, between 50 and 70 are counted.

Mekong Dolphins Threatened with Extinction

According to information gathered from the WWF, there are only 64 to 76 Irrawaddy dolphins left in the Mekong. This extinction threat is explained by the high proliferation of pesticides, mercury, and other pollutants in the Mekong River. Recently, 50 young dolphins have been victims of this threat. These polluting products destroy the immune system of these mammals, leaving them defenseless against infections. These dolphins are also threatened by fishing nets and intensive exploitation by humans. Since 2004, Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed as a threatened species.

Other Activities to Enjoy on the Banks of the Mekong

Discovering the City of Kratié

Discovering the city of Kratié and its surroundings is an essential destination before seeing the Mekong dolphins. The ideal would be to take a tour by tuk-tuk or moto-taxi. You will have the opportunity to discover the historic quarters of Kratié, its beautiful monuments, and museums. Generally, the city is quite peaceful and ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. With the heat, you will find people sheltered under a tree or in a shaded corner. To see more activity, head to the city markets. Vendors of fruits and vegetables, fabrics, spices, and flowers will enchant you and transport you to another world with multiple fragrances and full of colors.

Kratié is particularly famous because it is served by many roads that create islands and aquatic spaces serving as a natural habitat for the Mekong dolphins. A true haven of peace, the city of Kratié is surrounded by magnificent countryside where you will find fields of vegetables, fruits, and cereals.

Visiting the Historic Monuments of Kratié

Phnom Sombok: A temple located on a hill north of Kratié and remarkable for its long steps leading to a pavilion. The latter is decorated with paintings depicting scenes of torture representing the sentences inflicted on those who did not live a virtuous life.

Kratié Museum: Located at the northern edge of the city center.

Wat Roka Kandal: A pagoda located on the banks of the Mekong. The visit will be more pleasant when taking a bicycle tour or hiking toward the pagoda and then along the banks of the Mekong.

To see the Mekong dolphins, you must first reach the city of Kratié. Once you arrive in Kratié, you will need to rent a boat or take a taxi and travel 30 km to reach the villages on the banks of the Mekong. To see the Irrawaddy dolphins, you will need to rent a boat from local boatmen who know where the dolphins are located.

Hours and Rates

• The best time to spot the dolphins is in the morning between 07:00 and 10:00. Otherwise, you can also see them late in the afternoon from 15:00 until 17:00. It should be noted that you can only see the dolphins during the dry season between the months of December and May.

• In exchange for a small payment, you can board with local boatmen to observe the dolphins. To get a better rate, it is better to have at least three people on board the boat.