Steung Treng, officially Stung Treng (Khmer: ស្ទឹងត្រែង, IPA: [stɘŋ traeːŋ] “River of Reeds”; Lao: ຊຽງແຕງ Xiang Taeng; Thai: เชียงแตง Chiang Taeng “City of Melons”), is a province (khaet) of Cambodia located in the northeast. It borders the provinces of Ratanakiri to the east, Mondulkiri and Kratie to the south and Kampong Thom and Preah Vihear to the west. Its northern boundary is Cambodia’s international border with Laos. The Mekong River crosses the province roughly through the center.
Stung Treng was first a part of the Khmer Empire, then the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang and later the Lao kingdom of Champassack. After the Franco-Siamese war of 1893, Chiang Taeng (Stung Treng) was administered by French Lower Laos from 1893 to 1904. In 1904 French Laos traded the province to the French Protectorate of Cambodia in exchange for Champassak, leaving a small Laotian minority in Cambodia. Owing to its border location and the forested mountain areas in the northeast of the province, there was much communist guerrilla activity in Stung Treng during Cambodia’s recent past. The insurgency lasted from the Vietnamese infiltration in the 1950s until the late Khmer Rouge years.Lbak Khaon or Sophamith
Cambodian children who have finished their ninth grade studies know well the geography lesson of the mighty waterfalls Lbak Khaon in the north of Cambodia. They know that this is an area where the Mekong River tumbles down 26m of tiered rock-faces at the border of Cambodia and Laos PDR. However, most have probably never had the opportunity to visit there. In the rainy season, when the water levels of the river rise and rise to meet the top of the riverbank, the huge volume and speed of the falls create a spectacular blanket of mist; while in the dry season, when the water recedes, menacing sharp-edged rocks surface. The exposed area of the falls becomes a field of colorful rocks, of reds, blacks and whites.O’Svay
Borey O’Svay is located in O’Savy commune of Thala Borivath district and is one of the most popular ecotourism destinations for both local Cambodians and foreign tourists wishing to experience an authentic Khmer community.Koh Hib and Thmo Sakseth (Preah Sokhon)
During the rainy season, Koh Hib is one of the islands that seemingly float on the Mekong River along the Ramsa preservation area. Just opposite Borey O’Svay village, Koh Hib is one of Cambodia’s many eco-tourist destination. There are many families living on the island today.Koh Phnov
Koh Phnov, which means “island of Malabar orange”, is located on the Mekong River in O’Svay commune. This island village was selected as an eco-tourism community because of its natural beauty during the dry season.Anlong Neak and Anlong Seima
There are many legends and traditions related to a dragon along the upper Mekong of Stung Treng province. Here in O’Svay commune, there is one special area that people called ‘Anlong Neak’, which means the ‘dragon’s lot area’ and is a very deep area in the Mekong. For generations, people living along the Mekong River in Ramsa area believe that there are a couple of dragons living here, due to some obscure evidence. ‘Anlong Sema’ is a restricted area for fishing of the Ramsa area of Cambodia only. People say “we usually do not allow fishing in this area or even driving a boat across it. The miracle of the ‘Anglong Sema’ area is that the western side of the river always flows from north to south while the eastern half of river always flows from the south to north. Because of this unique behavior, we believe that this area is holy and we don’t allow boats to cross here. That is why we set up a reserve for both large and small fish to spawn here.”Preah Rumkel
In Preah Rumkel Commune, Thala borivath district, Stung Treng province, the first home stays were set up by several communities under the guidelines of a tourist expert. These home stays are idea for vistors who want to sample how local villagers live.O’Russey Kandal
The trend of the people in the world today is to travel. The number of visitors increases yearly both domestically and overseas. When people want to relax, they travel to other places especially to those with natural beauty. In order to serve the needs of these tourists, many areas are being preserved and developed in remote areas in the northeast of Cambodia.Preah Ko Temple
Located in Thala Borivath commune, Preah Ko temple can be accessed by crossing the confluence of the Se Kong and Mekong rivers. Preah Ko temple is an important historical site in Stung Treng province; it was built in the 6th-7th Centuries, during the reign of King Jayavarman I, in dedication to Brahmanism religion.Preah Theat Temple
Located on a hill about 3 km. away from the outskirts of Stung Treng town, the Preah Theat temple is one of the most sacred places of worship for residents and visitors alike. As such, it is an important historical site in the province. This temple was built in the 6th century during the reign of King Jayavarman I.Brambei Lveng Temple
Just located in the jungle about 2 km. south of Preah Ko temple is another temple ruin called ‘Brambei Lveng’ temple which has been rapidly deteriorating for almost three decades, due to many years of war and neglect. These temple ruins were further damaged by nature and looting.Badoeum Temple
The ruins of the Badoeum Temple are located in Sam Khuoy commune, Se San district. The temple was built in the reign of King Jayavarman I during the 6-7th centuries, in dedication to Brahmanism, with most of the construction material being either brick or sandstone.Prasat Kou & Andong Boran
The ‘Prasat Kou’, which means the ‘twin temple’, is one of the oldest temple ruins in Stung Treng province, located in the heart of the jungle of Kam Phun commune, Se San district. It is approximately 5 km. away from the Badeoum temple and about 25 km. east of Stung Treng’s provincial town. Next to the Brasat Kou and the two stone pieces, there is another large piece of stone measuring about 7 meters in diameter, called the ‘Andong Boran’ which means the ‘ancient drill’, located on the surface of the stone. This ancient drill is about 1 meter in diameter and about 1 meter deep over the stone which is perpetually full of water even during the dry season.O’Chab Water Rapids
The O’Chab water rapids are a popular place for taking a bath or swimming during the dry season. The beautiful green plantation foliage provides ample shade in the water rapids area making it more pleasant to bathe or swim in the cool and clear water.Koh Khsach
Koh Khsach is a favorite among tourists during the dry season, especially during Khmer New Year and Chinese New Year. The 0.5 Kilometers wide and 2 km long island has beautiful sandy riverbanks and a water surface dappled with sunlight. Foreigners enjoy taking time out and relaxing on the sand. Additionally, this sand island provides a good place for take a bath, swimming and fishing. Koh Khsach is located on Se Kong River, about 5 kilometers eastern direction from Stung Treng townAnlong Svay Thom Dolphin Pool
Anlong Svay Thom’s Dolphin pool or Preah Romkel Dolphin pool is one of the most cherished sites of Mekong mammal wildlife preservation area in southeast Asia. The area is one of the few places in Asia where exotic mammals can still be seen in the wild. This lot is located along the Mekong River in Preah Romkel commune, Thala Boriwath district, Stung Treng province.Ancient Pagodas of Stung Treng
Both the Hang Kho Ba pagoda, which is over 300 years old, and the Hang Savat pagoda are of cultural and historical interest. The majority of the people there speak Lao. Steung Treng province, in which Hang Kho Ba resides, is famed for two local specialties – sweet tamarind fruit and Pa Si Y fish (Pava fish). Hang Kho Ba pagoda is in Hang Kho commune of Steung Treng district. To get there, travel 6 kilometers on the airport road out of town, then turn left and cross the Se Kong River.Seam Pang Bird & Wildlife Watching
Bird watching in Seam Pang can be undertaken in Virak Chey National Park, which is home to hundreds of bird species, many of which are endangered. December through March is the best time to visit this highland bird sanctuary when many of the lowland ponds inside the area and Virak Chey National Park have dried up and most of the birds fly along the upper Se Kong River.O’Pong Mohn Site
The O’Pong Mohn Resort attracts visitors to its natural, small river setting. The spring water, which rises far away in a jungle plateau area, flows all year long and once provided ideal swimming in the past. Today, the flow is restricted due to a partially dammed pond by national road 7. Beside the river, there are additional facilities for leisure and resting up after the hundred kilometer trip from Kratie to Stung Treng province.Stung Treng’s Silk Weaving Center
Many tourists know that Stung Treng, the northeastern province of Cambodia, is rich in nature tourism sites. The province also has a big silk center for training and handicraft products. In order to satisfy the demand of an increasing tourist and overseas market, the silk and weaving center was established to generate jobs for local people.Ramsar of Cambodia’s Mekong River
Ramsar is a word meaning ‘wetland conservation area’. In the Kingdom of Cambodia, there is a Ramsar area along the Mekong River extending from upper Stung Treng town until just below the border of Lao PDR. It covers 14,600 hectares of the surrounding Mekong River area.Best Places to Visit Stung Treng
Sure, here are the top 10 places to visit in Stung Treng:
1. Mekong River: The Mekong River is the main attraction of Stung Treng and offers beautiful views that you can enjoy on a boat ride.
2. Ramsar Wetlands: The Ramsar Wetlands is a protected area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, perfect for bird watching and wildlife spotting.
3. Preah Ko Temple: Preah Ko Temple dates back to the 9th century and is located on the banks of the Mekong River. It offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s rich cultural history.
4. Koh Pdao Island: Koh Pdao Island is a beautiful island located in the middle of the Mekong River. You can take a boat ride to the island and enjoy its tranquility and scenic beauty.
5. O’Svay Community: The O’Svay Community is a traditional fishing village located on the banks of the Mekong River. You can visit the village and learn about the unique lifestyle and culture of the local people.
6. Cambodia-Laos Border: The border between Cambodia and Laos offers great views of the Mekong River and the surrounding countryside.
7. Thala Barivat Resort: Thala Barivat Resort is a luxury resort located on the banks of the Mekong River. It offers beautiful views and a range of amenities for a relaxing stay.
8. Wat Phnom Khsach: Wat Phnom Khsach is a beautiful pagoda located on a hill overlooking the Mekong River. It offers great views and is a popular spot for meditation and relaxation.
9. Stung Treng Market: Stung Treng Market is a bustling market where you can find a range of local products and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
