Stung Treng Province is located in northern Cambodia, where the Mekong River flows from Laos into Cambodia.
The province has shifted hands over the centuries, having once been part of the Khmer kingdom of Chenla in the 6th and 7th centuries, later ruled by the Lan Xang kingdom of Laos, and finally returned to Cambodia during the French Indochina period.
Stung Treng has always functioned as a crossroads between destinations farther afield and continues to serve in this role. Sharing its name with the province, the capital city of Stung Treng sits 40kms (25 miles) from the Lao border, 281 kms (175 miles) from the Vietnamese border, and 485 kms (300 miles) from the national capital, Phnom Penh. Consequently, Stung Treng is a popular stop-off point on the way to or from the Lao border and Kratie/Phnom Penh to the south and Ban Lung, Ratanakiri to the East. Soon it will add Preah Vihear Province to its midway points as the road to the east was getting an upgrade in 2011-2012.
Where to Go
- Preah Rumkel Ecotourism Village: A riverside village offering eco-friendly homestays and boat trips along the Mekong River, with opportunities to spot Irrawaddy dolphins.
- Stung Treng: A quiet provincial capital located at the confluence of the Mekong and Sekong rivers, known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty.
- Thala Boravit: An ancient settlement along the Mekong River, home to historic temples and offering picturesque river views and rural Cambodian life.