Stung Treng Travel Guide

City City in Stung Treng, Cambodia near Mekong

At the Mekong-Luang Prabang crossroads, Stung Treng clings to a riverbank of ferry ramps, fish markets and boatmen. Travelers stop for daylight river cruises, forested islands and provincial temples.

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Costs
Typical daily budget US$20-40
Very inexpensive town with cheap guesthouses and street food.
Safety
Generally low crime, rustic risks
Relatively safe; standard tropical precautions and sensible river travel practices recommended.
Best Time
November-April
Dry season is best for river travel and overland access.
Time
Weather
Population
25,000
Infrastructure & Convenience
Basic transport links by bus and boat, simple guesthouses, limited English or tourist services.
Popularity
Rarely visited except by backpackers and travellers crossing to Laos; very low tourist infrastructure.
Known For
Mekong river port, river junction, fishing and fresh seafood, border trade with Laos, jungle landscapes, boat travel, provincial markets, conservation areas
Stung Treng sits where the Sesan and Sekong rivers join the Mekong, forming a major inland river junction.

Why Visit Stung Treng? #

Where the Mekong and Sekong meet, Stung Treng draws travelers who love river life, birding and rustic provincial charm. The riverfront market, local boatmen and seasonal fishing culture give a true sense of Cambodia’s inland waterways, and freshwater fish amok highlights the local cuisine. Use the town as a base for boat trips to nearby river islands and to encounter ethnic Stieng communities and riverside temples. It’s a low-key gateway to off-the-beaten-track Mekong landscapes.

Top Things to Do in Stung Treng

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Stung Treng Riverside Market - Bustling river market selling fresh fish, produce, and local crafts beside Mekong.
  • Stung Treng Provincial Museum - Small museum with ethnographic exhibits and provincial history displays open limited hours.
  • Mekong Riverfront - Mekong riverfront promenade popular for sunset walks, boat-watching and simple riverside cafes.
Hidden Gems
  • Riverside Villages - Small riverside villages showcasing traditional fishing and boatbuilding, accessible by short boat trips.
  • Wetland Birdwatching Spots - Quiet wetlands north of town hosting seasonal waterbirds and migration observation.
  • Local Boatbuilding Yards - Workshops where traditional wooden boats are still maintained and occasionally demonstrated.
Day Trips
  • Kratie (river dolphins) - Short drive south to Kratie for river dolphin watching and quiet riverfront charm.
  • Upriver Border Villages - Boat trips upriver to the Sesan confluence and border villages toward Laos.

Best Time to Visit Stung Treng #

Visit Stung Treng in the cool, dry months for lower humidity and calmer Mekong conditions. The hot season is sweltering; the monsoon brings dramatic river rises, lush jungle and heavy rains.

Cool Dry Season
November - February · 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F)
Lowest humidity, pleasant river conditions and easier boat trips - best for jungle walks and exploring Mekong-side villages without heavy rain.
Hot Dry Season
March - May · 26°C to 36°C (79°F to 97°F)
Extremely hot afternoons; river levels drop, exposing sandbanks - mornings are workable but midday heat limits comfortable travel, bring shade and water.
Rainy / Monsoon Season
June - October · 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F)
Heavy rains raise the Mekong, make roads slippery, and limit access - dramatic scenery though; expect flooding and insect-heavy evenings too.

Best Time to Visit Stung Treng #

Climate

Stung Treng's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 19°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1797 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
12°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

93 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° 30°
61%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

February

February is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
21° 32°
55%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
24° 34°
54%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
30°C
Temperature
25° 35°
57%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 32°C. Heavy rain (209 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
25° 33°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

209 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (266 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

266 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.8h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (307 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

307 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (341 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 31°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

341 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (328 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

30°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

328 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (177 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 30°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

177 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

November

November is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.4h daylight

December

December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

93 Ideal

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 29°
65%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.2h daylight

How to Get to Stung Treng

Stung Treng is most commonly reached by road from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh; direct domestic flights are limited. Buses and minivans into town are the routine option for most visitors.

By Air

Stung Treng Airport (TNX) / local airstrip: Stung Treng has a small airstrip with limited or irregular domestic service; scheduled flights are infrequent and seasonal-check current domestic timetables before planning to fly directly.

Siem Reap International Airport (REP) / Phnom Penh (PNH): The better-known international gateways are Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. From Siem Reap or Phnom Penh you continue by road (bus/minivan) to Stung Treng; travel times are several hours (see bus notes).

By Train & Bus

Train: Cambodia’s rail network does not serve Stung Treng.

Bus / Minivan: The most reliable overland option is bus or minivan from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Kratie. Typical trip times: Siem Reap → Stung Treng about 4-6 hours; Phnom Penh → Stung Treng longer. Fares for air‑conditioned minivans/buses commonly range in the USD 8-15 band depending on operator; boats on the Mekong are an alternative in season for some routes.

How to Get Around Stung Treng #

Stung Treng’s riverside centre is compact enough to explore on foot, especially along the Mekong waterfront. For trips further afield, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are the usual local transport; there are also regular buses and minivans to Kratie, Phnom Penh and border towns. If you’re heading to nearby rural sites or river crossings, arrange transport through your guesthouse or a reputable tuk‑tuk driver; schedules for buses can be irregular.

Where to Stay in Stung Treng #

Budget
Riverside - $8-25/night
Small, no-frills guesthouses and riverside bungalows are common. Budget options are simple but conveniently close to the river and market.
Mid-Range
Mekong riverfront - $25-50/night
A few comfortable mid-range hotels sit along the Mekong; decent rooms, restaurant on site, and easy access to boat departures.
Luxury
Kratie / regional - $80+/night
Stung Treng has almost no true luxury hotels. For upscale amenities, consider Kratie or larger cities along the Mekong.

Where to Eat in Stung Treng #

Riverside & Fish
Khmer & Street Food

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Stung Treng's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Local
Asian
Pizza
Burger
Indian
Chinese
Seafood
International

Nightlife in Stung Treng #

Nightlife in Stung Treng is low-key. Evenings are mostly spent at riverside eateries, casual bars and simple cafés rather than clubs or formal nightlife hubs. Any evening market or late stalls are informal and on a small scale. Expect relaxed, quiet nights rather than a bustling after-dark scene.

Shopping in Stung Treng #

Shopping in Stung Treng is basic and practical: local markets sell fish, fresh produce and everyday goods, and small stalls offer clothing and household items. There are a few souvenir stalls geared to travelers, but selection is limited compared with larger Cambodian towns. For specialized purchases, markets in provincial centres or Phnom Penh offer a much wider range.

Nearby Cities #