Stung Treng is Cambodia’s river junction in the north-east. The Sekong, Sesan and Mekong rivers all flow through the province, and the Mekong here spreads into channels, islands and flooded forest before reaching the border with Laos. The provincial town, also called Stung Treng, is a quiet base on the way between Kratie, Ratanakiri and Laos.
Conditions now
Stung Treng
27°C
Clear · feels like 31°C
- Humidity 86%
- Wind 10 km/h
- Air: Good (AQI 41)
- TodayDrizzle32° / 25°73% rain
- TueShowers32° / 25°66% rain
- WedThunderstorms32° / 25°65% rain
- ThuDrizzle32° / 25°53% rain
- FriThunderstorms31° / 25°54% rain
Updated hourly. Forecast and air quality by Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). Conditions can change quickly in the wet season.
Why go to Stung Treng?
Come for the river rather than for sights. The stretch of the Mekong north of the town is a Ramsar wetland of international importance, with a maze of islands, rapids and seasonally flooded forest. It rewards travellers who like boat trips, birds and village homestays.
What to experience
The Mekong channels
Local boat trips can take you through the islands and flooded forest north of town. Choose community-run or recommended operators, agree the route before you set off and ask about water levels, which change the trip completely between seasons.
Sopheakmit Waterfall
Near the Lao border, the Mekong breaks over a wide line of rapids at Sopheakmit. It is most dramatic when the river is high, and more accessible in the dry season. Keep well back from the edge: the currents are dangerous.
Town and river islands
The riverfront is good for an evening walk, and nearby islands such as Koh Han offer a glimpse of village life and, in places, community homestays.
A note on dolphins
The Irrawaddy dolphin pool on the Lao border was once a highlight, but reports suggest the dolphins there have likely disappeared. For dolphin watching, plan to visit Kratie and read our Mekong dolphins guide.
How long should you stay?
One night works as a stop between Kratie and Ratanakiri or Laos. Two nights leave time for a full boat day on the Mekong and a slower evening in town.
Getting to Stung Treng
Stung Treng is on the road north from Kratie, and it is the usual stop before the Lao border at Trapaeng Kriel, roughly 55 km north of the town. Check current entry rules in our visa and entry guide before crossing.
How to get there
- Compare operators and book BookMeBus · redBus Cambodia · 12Go · Baolau. These platforms list the operators on each route.
- From Kratie On the road north from Kratie; Stung Treng is the usual stop before the Lao border.
- From Ratanakiri By road from the east; confirm current bus and boat schedules.
- Border crossing to Laos Trapaeng Kriel is roughly 55 km north of town. Check current entry rules in our visa and entry guide, and on the official e-Visa portal, before crossing.
Book through the operator, your hotel, or one of the platforms above. Cambodia Handbook is independent and not sponsored. Schedules change, so check the operator’s official website or office before you travel. Last checked 19 October 2026. See also transport booking and getting around Cambodia.
Planning notes
- Getting there: Stung Treng is on the road north from Kratie, with connections east to Ratanakiri. Check schedules locally, as they change.
- On the river: wear a life jacket, protect yourself from the sun and carry water.
- Fees and opening arrangements: confirm current details locally rather than relying on an old price or timetable online.
- Border crossings: check current entry rules in our visa and entry guide before travelling to or from Laos.
Stung Treng FAQ
Where is Stung Treng?
In Cambodia’s north-east, where the Sekong, Sesan and Mekong rivers meet, on the way between Kratie, Ratanakiri and Laos.
How far is the Lao border from Stung Treng?
The crossing at Trapaeng Kriel is roughly 55 km north of the town. Check current entry rules before travelling.
Can you see Mekong dolphins in Stung Treng?
The Irrawaddy dolphins’ range spans Kratie and Stung Treng provinces, and part of the Stung Treng stretch lies within a protected zone, but most visits are based from Kratie. See our Mekong dolphins guide.
How long should you stay?
One night works as a stop between Kratie and Ratanakiri or Laos. Two nights leave time for a full boat day on the Mekong.
Nearby provinces
Continue into a neighbouring province. See all 25 on our provinces of Cambodia page.
Sources: rivers, waterfall and dolphin status from Stung Treng province (Wikipedia); wetland status from the Ramsar Sites Information Service. Distances from travel sources. Last checked 4 October 2026.
Featured image: Stung Treng town on the riverbank, by Christian Pirkl, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.