Stung Treng Province, Cambodia

Geography and waterways

The landscape of Stung Treng is dominated by the Mekong River and its tributaries, which split into multiple channels and islands as they flow through the province. These waterways create extensive floodplains and freshwater marshes that are inundated in the rainy season and recede in the dry season. The mix of river channels, oxbow lakes and islands shapes local livelihoods and transport routes.

Biodiversity and conservation

Stung Treng's riverine habitats support diverse fish species and waterbirds. It is one of the Cambodian provinces where the rare Irrawaddy dolphin can sometimes be observed in river channels, and the wetlands provide critical breeding and feeding grounds for migratory birds. Conservation organizations and local authorities have shown interest in protecting river habitats, managing fisheries sustainably, and balancing development with ecological values.

Administration and economy

The province is divided into five districts and one municipality; for details of its administrative divisions, local offices provide maps and governance information. The local economy relies on freshwater fisheries, small-scale agriculture, river transport and cross-border trade. Forested uplands and riverside communities contribute to informal livelihoods such as gathering, fishing and seasonal farming.

History, culture and travel

Historically a frontier region, Stung Treng has cultural ties with neighboring Laos and other Cambodian provinces. Traditional ways of life remain visible in village markets, artisanal fishing methods and riverine festivals. For visitors, the province offers river scenery, birdwatching, and encounters with rural Cambodian life; travel commonly follows river routes and regional roads that link Stung Treng to nearby provinces and border crossings.

Notable facts

• River channels and islands are central to the province’s identity and economy.
• It is among the places in Cambodia where Irrawaddy dolphins are occasionally sighted.
• Wetlands play an essential role in supporting fisheries and migratory birds.