Stung Treng
Stung Treng is located on the Tonle San near its confluence with the Mekong. Stung Treng is a quiet town with not much to do. It does see some transit traffic heading north to Laos, east to Ratanakiria and south towards Kratie. If you head west a new bridge over the Mekong in Stung Treng is part of a new highway that goe through Preah Vihear City so that you no longer have to go via Kopong Cham to get to Seim Reap. If you are heading to the Mondulkiri Project from Laos you will have to first spend the night overnight in either Banlung or Kratie before arriving the next day in Sen Monorom.
The stretch of Mekong between Stung Treng and the Laos border is rich in ecotourism potential, most of it still largely untapped. River islands, waterfalls, rapids and impressive stretches of flooded forest dot the waters, culminating in the thundering Sopheak Mitt waterfalls (image below), which block the route on into Laos.
As at Kratie, pods of Irrawaddy dolphins are the major draw, and can be found at several spots along the river.
There are also several homestay programs and community-based tourism initiatives in the nearby townships of Preah Rumkel, O’Russey Kandal and Koh Preah.
For places to stay in Stung Treng it is best to look along the riverfront. Hotels include the Riverside Guesthouse, the Mekong Bird Lodge and the Golden River Hotel. The riverside promenade west of the ferry dock has several street vendors selling food and drinks. Ponika’s Palace and Dara Canteen serve international food.
