How to get from Preah Vihear to Stung Treng
Preah Vihear (Tbeng Meanchey) to Stung Treng is a quiet northern Cambodia route. Most travelers use shared minivans or taxis, with private car charters and self-drive as flexible alternatives. Direct big-coach buses are limited; departures vary by season and demand. Here’s how to choose, book, and navigate smoothly.
At A Glance (Preah Vihear to Stung Treng)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚐 Minivan / Shared Taxi (Tbeng Meanchey → Stung Treng) | ~3.5–5h (traffic/roadworks) | Most travelers, budget + speed |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KHR 35,000–70,000 (≈US$8–17) one-way » check Cambodia routes | ||
| 🚗 Private Car / Taxi Charter (Door-to-door) | ~3.5–4.5h | Families, big luggage, guaranteed timing |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$85–150 per vehicle » get quotes | more transfer options | ||
| 🚌 Interprovincial Bus (Limited Schedules) | ~4.5–6.5h (connection-dependent) | Budget travelers with time |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~KHR 30,000–50,000 (≈US$7–12) one-way » see what’s running | ||
| 🛵 Self-Drive Car / Motorbike | ~4–5h (stops excluded) | Experienced riders/drivers |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car hire from ~US$40–70/day; scooters from major hubs (Siem Reap/Phnom Penh) » compare car rentals | browse bike rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest + good value: Minivan/shared taxi from Tbeng Meanchey town to Stung Treng town.
- Most convenient (door-to-door): Private car charter—set your own time and pickup.
- Cheapest (if available your dates): Interprovincial bus—but schedules change; confirm the day before.
- Most flexible: Self-drive—combine with detours (Koh Ker, Sre Pok River views) if confident on Cambodian roads.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy/confirm 1 day ahead: Ask your guesthouse to call local operators; online aggregators for Cambodia include 12Go.
- Cash & SIM: Carry small KHR/USD for tickets and roadside stops; mobile data helps with map pin drops.
- Luggage & comfort: Minivans pack tight—request a front/aisle seat. Bring water and snacks; rest stops are basic.
- Transfers on arrival: Tuk-tuks and taxis meet most arrivals in Stung Treng; negotiate or ask your hotel to arrange pickup.
- Storage: If you need to stash bags before/after travel, look for hotel day storage or see city options on Radical Storage in larger Cambodian hubs.
🚐 Option #1 — Minivan / Shared Taxi (Most Common & Fastest Overall)
Frequent Budget Tight seating
- Overview: Shared minivans depart throughout the morning (and some afternoons) from Tbeng Meanchey’s transport stands toward Stung Treng. Most run direct via NR64/NR7 with 1–2 brief stops.
- How to book (with price): Expect KHR 35,000–70,000 (≈US$8–17). Book in person via your guesthouse, local agents, or check what’s listed on 12Go for your date.
- Pros: Fast departures, inexpensive. Cons: Less legroom; peak days can fill early.
Step-by-step: Minivan / Shared Taxi
- Ask your accommodation in Tbeng Meanchey to reserve a seat for the next day, or visit a transport kiosk the afternoon before.
- On travel day, go to the minivan stand 20–30 minutes early; confirm your drop-off in “Stung Treng town/market/guesthouse.”
- Keep small cash for ticket and rest-stop purchases; carry water and sun protection.
- On arrival in Stung Treng, use a tuk-tuk to reach your hotel; share a map pin if needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (Tbeng Meanchey)
- Town center stands: Most vans load near the central market/bus point in Tbeng Meanchey—ask your guesthouse for the nearest stand and exact time.
- Ride-hailing: In smaller towns, ask your host to call a tuk-tuk/moto for short hops; city ride-hail apps are limited.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #2 — Private Car / Taxi Charter (Door-to-Door Comfort)
Flexible Luggage-friendly Higher cost
- Overview: Charter a sedan/MPV from your hotel or a local agent. Pick your departure time and add photo/rest stops along NR64/NR7.
- How to book (with price): Typically US$85–150 per vehicle depending on size/season. Compare quotes on GetTransfer (Cambodia) or browse Klook transfers.
- Pros: Hotel pickup, direct drop at your Stung Treng address. Cons: More expensive than a minivan.
Step-by-step: Private Car Charter
- Request a quote with pickup address/time and number of passengers/bags on GetTransfer or ask your hotel to arrange.
- Confirm inclusions (fuel, tolls, waiting time) and share a map pin for both pickup and drop-off.
- Depart at your chosen time; plan a meal or viewpoint stop mid-route.
- Arrive in Stung Treng and pay the remaining balance in cash (if applicable).
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel & Drop-off)
- Hotel pickup: The driver meets you at reception or your guesthouse gate—be ready 10 minutes early.
- Stung Treng arrival: Door-to-door to your hotel/guesthouse or central riverside area.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Interprovincial Bus (Limited Schedules, Cheapest Seats)
Budget Simple Less frequent
- Overview: Occasional buses run between Tbeng Meanchey and Stung Treng; sometimes you’ll connect via a nearby junction. Timetables fluctuate with demand.
- How to book (with price): Around KHR 30,000–50,000 (≈US$7–12). Check local ticket windows a day before, or see what’s listed for your date on 12Go.
- Pros: Lowest cost; seats more spacious than some minivans. Cons: Infrequent; possible wait/connection.
Step-by-step: Interprovincial Bus
- Visit the bus/van area in Tbeng Meanchey the day before; ask specifically for departures to Stung Treng and note the bay number.
- Arrive 30–40 minutes early on travel day; keep your ticket handy and label your bag if stowed below.
- If a connection is required, staff will direct you at the junction; keep small cash ready.
- Disembark at Stung Treng bus point; take a tuk-tuk to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Tbeng Meanchey Bus Area)
- Ticket windows: Clustered near the central market/transport area—ask your guesthouse for the exact current spot.
- Boarding: Show your paper/e-receipt; seat numbers (if any) are usually posted at the door.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛵 Option #4 — Self-Drive Car / Motorbike (For Experienced Drivers/Riders)
Freedom Scenic detours Road conditions vary
- Overview: Drive/rideroute via NR64 to NR7 toward Stung Treng. Surfaces are mostly paved; watch for potholes, roadworks, and livestock.
- How to book (with price): Car rentals from ~US$40–70/day (mostly from bigger hubs). Compare suppliers on Booking.com Car Rental (Cambodia). For two-wheels, check regional availability on BikesBooking and local shops.
- Pros: Total control of stops/timing. Cons: Limited rental choice in small towns; riding requires confidence and protective gear.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Secure your vehicle in advance (often from Siem Reap/Phnom Penh); verify insurance, helmets, and a phone mount for maps.
- Start with a full tank leaving Tbeng Meanchey; fuel options thin out between towns.
- Follow NR64 → NR7; keep speeds moderate and watch for animals, sand/gravel, and speed humps near villages.
- Arrive in Stung Treng; many guesthouses offer gated parking for bikes/cars.
Getting to the main embarking points (Town Center → NR64/NR7)
- Departure: Leave from your accommodation in Tbeng Meanchey; set GPS to National Road 64 toward NR7/Stung Treng.
- Arrival: Head for Stung Treng riverside/market or your hotel’s pinned location.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Preah Vihear to Stung Treng)
How long is the journey?
Typically 3.5–5 hours by minivan/private car depending on stops and roadworks; buses, if available, can take 4.5–6.5 hours.
Can I buy tickets online?
Sometimes—availability varies by operator and date. Check local agents/guesthouses first, then try aggregators like 12Go for your specific day.
Is the road paved?
Yes for the main stretch (NR64/NR7), but expect occasional rough patches and village slowdowns.
Are departures daily?
Usually, but frequencies shift with demand and holidays. Confirm the day before travel.
Where should I stay?
In Stung Treng, most guesthouses cluster near the river/market. For one-night layovers in larger hubs, compare options on Booking.com (Stung Treng) or nearby regional centers.