How to get from Stung Treng to Siem Reap
Bordering the provinces of Ratanakiri to the east and Preah Vihear to the west, Stung Treng is a small Cambodian town popular with people passing by on their way from Banlung, Kratie and the Laos border to the destinations in the central part of the country including Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Especially those who cross the border from Laos end up spending the night in Stung Treng before resuming their journey.
However, many of the people who stop by Stung Treng do not stay more than a day or two, so it is not typically considered a tourist destination. Although the town has a thriving market, there isn’t much you can do here, other than dining or relaxing by the Mekong and Sekong rivers.
Travelling to Siem Reap from Stung Treng is now easier and faster than before because the 300 km road of NR64 between both towns is in good condition which means that the journey only takes about five hours. Tickets for a direct trip cost USD20.
From Stung Treng to Siem Reap by bus
Unlike many other routes in Cambodia, the Stung Treng to Siem Reap road is in good condition which means traveling by bus will not be a nightmare. Currently, there are no commercial coaches that ply NR64 route and if you want to travel by big bus you will have to pass through Kampong Cham following Route 6 and 7 what actually makes the journey a couple of hours longer. Passengers wishing to go to Siem Reap direct have to settle for minivans.
From Stung Treng to Siem Reap by minivan
Though not as comfortable as buses, minivans are the faster and cheaper option to get from Stung Treng to Siem Reap. Asia Van Transfer is the primary operator for minivans on this route with a 12-passenger van scheduled to leave Stung Treng at 2.00pm and arrive in Siem Reap at 6.30pm. The duration of this trip is 4 hours and a half (but we would actually recommend to count on at least 5) with tickets going for USD20. Asia Van Transfer minivans come with relatively comfortable seats and air conditioning. There is just enough space for light luggage, therefore, if you have huge bags, consider paying for an extra seat. You'll feel more comfortable knowing that your luggage is safe.
Tip: You can have the van pick you up at your hotel by sending an email to asiavantransfer@gmail.com 24 hours before your scheduled departure. In the email include your name, booking ID, and hotel address.
Remember: Children under three years can travel for free on an adult's lap. Asia Van Transfer does not accept cancellations or refunds, therefore, ensure that you arrive at your departure point at least half an hour before you are scheduled to leave.
From Stung Treng to Siem Reap by taxi
Though expensive, taxis are the fastest way to travel on the road in Cambodia. A private or shared taxi will get you from Stung Treng to Siem Reap faster than a van. It is also more comfortable than going by bus or minivan. The Stung Treng to Siem Reap route is not particularly popular with taxis and it can be hard to find one – check on the spot. Taxis from Siem Reap to Stung Treng often charge up to USD100, but travelling in the opposite direction should be considerably cheaper as for many drivers it is just a trip back already paid by their previous customers.
General Information
There are no morning trips for this route because the only Asia Van Transfer minivan from Stung Treng to Siem Reap leaves at 2.00pm.
The US dollar is widely accepted in Cambodia so remember to change your money when traveling here. Just ensure that you get USD1, USD5, USD10 and USD20 notes to make your transactions easier and avoid receiving your change in the Cambodia Riel if you are making larger purchases.