The Cambodian Khmer style of cooking is similar to that found in Thailand or Vietnam but also has its own distinctive flavours. Most dishes are served with rice, and Khmer food usually has a sourer taste than the Asian food that westerners are used to. Dishes to look out for while in Cambodia include their prahok fish paste, their k’tieu noodle soup that is served with pork or seafood and their lok lak beefsteak dish.
The city of Kratie lies in Eastern Cambodia, and one of its more memorable temples is the Laotian-style Wat Roka Kandal, which is located a short drive out of the city. Staying at the temple guesthouse by night and exploring this ancient place by day is the typical type of holiday Cambodia offers. The temple has been recently restored, and tourists can also visit the nearby handicraft shops run by the Cambodian Craft Co-operation.
Kratie is also home to one of the last schools of Irrawaddy dolphins living in the Mekong River area, and visiting the river to catch a glimpse of this school is one of the most popular things to do in this city. At the last count, there were between 65 and 68 dolphins in the school, and the Cambodian Mekong Dolphin Conservation Project was established in 2005 to protect this endangered species.
The Tours Cambodia Rural Development Team also offers tourists several eco-tourism opportunities including cultural workshops and training tours that send visitors to the local villages where the region’s distinctive handicrafts are manufactured. These tours aren’t representative of the type of holiday Cambodia usually offers tourists, and those interested in learning more about Khmer culture should definitely consider booking one or more of these eco-tourism packages. A favourite tour is that which takes visitors to Koh Pdao island outside of Kratie.
