Steung Treng
Waking up one morning in Stung Treng? What a stroke of luck! Once compared to the 4,000 Islands—before tourism arrived and took away some of its authenticity—Stung Treng remains an ideal province for leisurely exploration. Still largely untouched by mass tourism, this area offers natural wonders, beautiful landscapes, cultural richness, and intense activities for more adventurous travelers.
The town of Steung Treng
To explore this region, it is best to stop in the town that shares the same name as the province. Most bus routes in Cambodia pass through Steung Treng, making it a perfect stop before heading to Ratanakiri or directly to Laos. By night bus, the journey from Phnom Penh takes about 8 hours.
The small town of Stung Treng is located near the Mekong, along the Sekong River, bringing cool air and a sense of calm. It is the perfect place for a stroll, to join an aerobics session, or to watch the sunset.
Close to the center, you’ll find an authentic market and several Buddhist pagodas, where monks study and live. Don’t hesitate to greet them—usually very friendly, they’ll gladly chat with you in English!
Don’t miss a visit to Mekong Blue. Founded in 2003, this non-profit organization aims to fight poverty and promote Cambodian craftsmanship. At its peak, it employed up to 70 women producing high-quality scarves, shawls, cushions, and handbags—each handmade from natural silk fibers. Their scarves were awarded the UNESCO Seal of Excellence in 2004 and 2005. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, the organization is now in decline, with only a small group of workers remaining. However, they have managed to keep the primary school running and continue offering computer and English classes for older students.
Let’s take a break at the Tourism Vocational Training Center. Tonlé, founded in 2007 by Tourism For Help, trains underprivileged Cambodian youths in ecotourism and hospitality. The center offers accommodation for $6 to $8 per night and meals prepared by the students as part of their professional training. The profits go toward funding the training program and local development projects.
Discovering the Mekong
After exploring the town, it’s time to be surprised. Let’s head north along the Mekong by boat or motorbike to Preah Rumkel, considered one of the gems of the north. It’s a stunning place teeming with wildlife and lush vegetation. You could spend hours admiring the greenery, the mountains, and the unforgettable waterfalls of Sopheak Mitt.
Depending on your interests, you could visit the indigenous community of O'Svay, go kayaking through the flooded forests, spot Irrawaddy dolphins, or observe the thousands of birds living in the Ramsar wetlands—a designation that highlights natural reserves of exceptional value and biodiversity.
If you're seeking to stay on a deserted island, take a boat to one of the many Mekong islands that appear along the river. It’s easy to camp there and spend the night alone on an uninhabited island.
To make the most of this boat trip, we recommend exploring this wild part of Cambodia between May and November. During the dry season, the journey can become a real challenge. Due to low water levels and trees growing in the middle of the river, it’s difficult to navigate this natural maze without damaging the boat’s propellers.
The adventure is just beginning—pack your bags and head to Virachey National Park in Ratanakiri or the majestic Preah Vihear Temple, isolated near the Thai border.
