Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GETTING TO LAOS: STUNG TRENG TO SI PHAN DON
The remote Trapeang Kriel/Nong Nok Khiene border (open 6am to 6pm) is 60km north of Stung
Treng.
Getting to the border Phnom Penh Sorya ( Click here ), in partnership with Pakse-based Lao operator
Sengchalean ( 031 212 428) has buses from Phnom Penh straight through to Pakse's 2km (VIP)
bus station (US$27, 12 to 14 hours). This bus leaves Phnom Penh at 6.45am, with pick-ups possible in
Kompong Cham (around 9.30am), Kratie (around 11.30am) and Stung Treng (around 3pm). The only
other option to the border from Stung Treng is a private taxi (US$35 to US$45) or moto (US$15 to
US$20). Services to Laos from Siem Reap are also possible, with a bus change in Suong.
At the border Both Lao and Cambodian visas are available on arrival. Entering Laos, you'll pay
US$35 to US$42 for a visa, depending on nationality, plus a US$2 fee (dubbed either an 'overtime' or
a 'processing' fee, depending on when you cross). The bus company wants its cut too, so it charges an
extra US$1 to US$2 to handle your paperwork with the border guards. To avoid this fee, insist on do-
ing your own paperwork and go through immigration alone.
Moving on Aside from the Sorya bus, there's virtually zero traffic on either side of the border. If
you're dropped at the border, expect to pay 150,000r/50,000K (US$12/4) for a taxi/ săhmlór heading
north to Ban Nakasang (for Don Det).
For more information about crossing this border in the other direction, Click here .
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Stung Treng
Preah Rumkel
This small village is emerging as a hotbed of ecotourism thanks to its proximity to the An-
long Cheuteal Irrawaddy dolphin pool near the Lao border. With Ramsar- recognised wetlands ,
dozens of islands , a rich array of bird life and various rapids and waterfalls cascading down
from Laos, this is one of the Mekong River's wildest and most beautiful stretches.
The half-dozen frolicking dolphins in the Anlong Cheuteal pool can easily be sighted
from shore in Preah Rumkel. This is the same pool that boats and kayaks out of Don Det
and Don Khon in Laos visit. There's a US$2 per person charge to see the dolphins.
Preah Rumkel has an excellent community-based homestay (per person US$3, plus per meal
US$3) program.
 
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