Visit Stung Treng: Top 8 things to do & see

Stung Treng is a peaceful town in northeast Cambodia. It is a popular stopover town for visitors traveling to Laos in the north, Preah Vihear and Kampong Thom in the west, Ratanakiri in the east, and Mondulkiri and Kratie in the south.

This attraction is located on the banks of the Mekong River, is a tranquil retreat for travelers wishing to unwind in nature’s lush forests. Moreover, they can participate in activities such as sunset boat rides, kayaking in the rivers and dolphin spotting tours.

Let’s explore things to do, hotels, restaurants, weather and many unique things at Stung Treng together!

The best time to visit Stung Treng is between November and February when it is dry and cool. This is peak tourist season, and temps range from roughly 20-25°C, making outdoor activities comfortable. However, because this is the most popular season to come, costs for hotels and activities may be higher.

If you prefer fewer visitors and don’t mind the heat, you can visit Stung Treng between March and May, when it’s hotter, with temperatures frequently reaching above 35°C. The monsoon season typically begins in May and lasts through September, bringing heavy rain and humid conditions. I think you shouldn’t travel at that time because many boat trips and activities are closed at this period. Thus, it’s not the best time to come to Stung Treng.

SoPheakMit Waterfall follows the flow of the Mekong River: SoPheakMit is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cambodia and is the boundary of Laos and Cambodia. This beautiful waterfall, located about 10 kilometers from Stung Treng town, is a great place to cool off and enjoy the natural surroundings. You can swim in the clear waters and have a picnic by the waterfall.

Stung Treng is one of the few places in the world where you can see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. You will have a chance to take a boat tour on the Mekong River to spot these elusive creatures. This species of dolphin is most active in the early morning hours (around 6 a.m.) and late afternoon and early evening. However, in the hot mid-afternoon on the day tourists go out, it is easy to see them.

Visit this picturesque Buddhist temple located on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a peaceful place to explore and take in the scenery. If you come to Hang Kho Ba Pagoda, Stung Treng you will see various Buddhist artifacts. It is, in fact, an important part of the cultural history of the city. This place was built 300 years ago. Despite its age, the place is still pretty strong and you will be able to appreciate the beauty of its design.

Take the time to visit some of the nearby villages to experience the local way of life. You can learn about traditional Cambodian culture, interact with the friendly locals, and maybe even participate in some community activities. If you are fortunate, you will have a chance to try the traditional food of the natives.

The major market is located in the heart of Stung Treng. It is a lively market where commodities from Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia are sold. There is also a tiny night market on the southwest side of the market, as well as modest drink and food stalls on the other side of the market near the Preap Son Guesthouse. The open-air morning section of the market sells fresh produce such as wriggling fish, fruits, and vegetables. Visit the local market to sample some Cambodian street food, buy souvenirs, and get a sense of the daily life in Stung Treng. It’s a great place for people-watching.

Located in Koh Kong province, Koh Sdach Island is located in an archipelago of 12 islands of different sizes and is a place for tourists who like to enjoy a wild and peaceful atmosphere. Some fun activities here include exploring the jungle on the island, walking on the sandy beach drenched in sunlight, and swimming in the cool water. Especially when you come here, you can also hear people tell some legends on the island. If you’re up for a longer adventure, consider taking a boat trip to the Koh Sdach Archipelago in the Mekong River. These islands are known for their natural beauty and offer opportunities for hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Tourists can freely relax in a peaceful and quiet natural setting, which will surely be the most enjoyable experience.

Stung Treng is a haven for bird watchers. The surrounding wetlands and forests are home to a diverse range of bird species. Bird watching in Seam Pang is a popular activity in Virak Chey National Park, a highland sanctuary containing hundreds of endangered bird species. The sanctuary is best visited between December and March when lowland ponds have dried up, allowing birds to fly along the upper Mekong River. Moreover, visitors can also enjoy trekking tours along the Mekong River, observing various wildlife mammals. Seam Pang, a nature conservation region, is accessible by boat from Stung Treng town to Siem Pang district town, with ten park rangers as guides. 

Cambodian cuisine refers to the food of all ethnic groups in Cambodia, whereas Khmer cuisine refers to the Khmer people’s more than thousand-year-old culinary traditions. Due to various similar inspirations and reciprocal contacts, Cambodian cuisine has adopted features of Indian, Chinese, particularly Teochew, and, more recently, French food over the years. As a result, it shares many similarities with Central Thai and Mekong Delta food, as well as, to a lesser extent, Central Vietnam, Isan, and Laos cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor Cambodian cuisine. Try dishes like amok (a curry dish), num banh chok (noodle soup), and fresh fruit shakes at local restaurants and street stalls.

Mekong Bird Resort, conveniently located in Stung Treng, is an excellent starting point for exploring this bustling city. Guests may take advantage of everything the exciting city has to offer from here. The property’s ideal location allows for quick access to the city’s must-see attractions. Every effort is taken to make guests feel at ease. To that end, the resort offers the best services and amenities available. The lodgings have been meticulously designed for maximum comfort and convenience. Guests will find additional restrooms, toilets, free welcome beverages, mirrors, and private entrances in some of the rooms. The resort provides amazing recreational facilities such as boats, a private beach, and a garden to make your stay genuinely special.

Golden River Hotel is a fantastic choice for rest and rejuvenation for visitors to Stung Treng. Golden River Hotel, well-known for its family-friendly environment and accessibility to renowned eateries, makes it simple to enjoy the finest of Stung Treng. You’ll like the peaceful rooms with air conditioning, and you’ll be able to keep connected during your stay because Golden River Hotel provides complimentary internet. While you’re here, stop by Sun Tha Restaurant and Guesthouse, one of the Chinese restaurants in Stung Treng, which is just a short distance from Golden River Hotel. Whether you’re visiting Stung Treng for business, pleasure, or both, Golden River Hotel will make your stay memorable.

Look no further than Angkor Meas accommodation for a budget-friendly accommodation in Stung Treng. The rooms at Angkor Meas Hotel include a refrigerator and air conditioning, as well as complimentary wifi. Do you need a parking spot? The Angkor Meas Hotel offers free parking. While in Stung Treng, visit Sun Tha Restaurant and Guesthouse and other neighboring Chinese restaurants. The Angkor Meas Hotel crew is looking forward to servicing you on your forthcoming stay.

Its real name is Ponika Palace. This is the only place in town that serves Western dishes and has an English menu. They serve Indian, Khmer, and Western dishes. I found the chicken amok, muesli with fruit salad, and iced coffee very delicious. Moreover, the owner here is also very kind and always ready to help when you have a problem. Good people, food, and service are what Ponika has and can make you come back here again and again.

If you want to meet and mix with local Stung Treng Khmer people who speak English, drink a beer or cocktail, and hang out together, here is the place! A 10-minute walk from the river, the perfect area for relaxing, with alcohol and non-alcohol drinks available and a food selection includes genuine “toasties.” You can meet the owner, Sokchantra Noun, and two radio VJs, a teacher-student, and an administrator at the local radio station. Guitar Milk is a true oasis of tranquility in the dusty Stung Treng.

People often tend to avoid popular restaurants since they are sometimes pricey and serve subpar food. However, this restaurant is reasonably priced, and the food is of high quality. This restaurant offers a large space, a rustic style, and a rather extensive cuisine. Meanwhile, prices range from roughly 3 to 15 USD. Filtered water is free to use here, but soft drinks are not. There is one minor disadvantage: the personnel rarely speak English.

Bus
Stung Treng town is 348 kilometers from Phnom Penh via NH No 7. There are various bus companies that go daily to Stung Treng, including PPT and Sorya. The most direct route is to purchase a ticket at the central bus station southwest of the central market. Sorya goes twice a day, at 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The journey will take approximately 7-9 hours and will cost approximately US$8.

Share Taxis/Pick-up
Share taxis ply two routes from Stung Treng, one to Banlung (Ratanakiri) and the other south to Kratie. Shared taxis usually go in groups in case of a breakdown, but as the other taxis are usually full as well, people do end up stranded and sleeping out in the elements at times. The five-hour trip stretches to seven hours during the rainy season (fare: $8-10 for taxi/$5-7 on the back of a pickup).

Motorcycle
Stung Treng is a 146 km journey from Banlung that takes 5 1/2 hours during the rainy season and 1 hour 30 min to 2 hours 30 min in the dry season. The road is generally poor, passing through bomb craters and jungle, but there are some decent stretches. The last 19 km (after merging with Highway 7) are relatively easy. It is recommended to bring food, water, and mosquito repellent. The recently paved National Highway No. 7 is one of the best roads in the country, and the trip takes about 1 1/2-2 1/2 hours.