Hello all LGs,
I hope you are well. I have just returned from my northern part trip as we are having the public holiday here in Cambodia.
What can you do in 3 days in the northern parts of Cambodia? The time is not long but the distance is very far.
I would like to share with you about my recent trip experience. This might not be the most interesting itinerary but it is doable, based on my own experience.
The trip starts from Siem Reap, then to Preah Vihear and finally, to Stung Treng.
You can come back to Siem Reap or direct to Phnom Penh. Your choice, at this point!
What you can see or do in Preah Vihear?
Day 1 &2: Siem Reap - Oddar Meanchey - Preah Vihear
From Siem Reap, it takes about 5hours to get to Preah Vihear.
- As we are planning for Preah Vihear temple, then we take the road through Anlong Veng of Oddar Meanchey. Along the way, you can see: Tamok’s house. Then, go direct to the temple (you can follow Google Map or ask people along the way if you are getting lost. My trip, we went along the Mine Field as we only followed Google Map, scary though!)
- Then, we are going up to Preah Vihear temple, hire the pick up for the slippery road, then walk and wait till the afternoon for the sunset or view. Please note that sunrise and sunset is very good here for the view of the cloud.
- A good idea to sleep in Preah Vihear town as you plan to visit the waterfall in the morning. There is café and restaurant in town which is acceptable. If you go during public holiday, it is the good idea to book for an accommodation in advanced to avoid shelter less
. - Visit the Preah Nimith waterfall the next day. You can have lunch at the local store or there is a resort called Sovann up on the hill with the view to the waterfall.
- This is the list of what else to see in Preah Vihear province.
What you can do in Stung Treng?
Day 2&3: Preah Vihear - Stung Treng - Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
- From the waterfall, it is about 2hours to get to town (the road there is gravel road and dusty so it takes longer)
- Stop at the Mekong bridge for the view, then head to the city for check in.
- Locals recommended Khmer Loa for dinner, Stung Treng resort or Mekong Bird for lunch.
- Stay overnight at the city, then if you are keen to see the market, welcome to do so in early morning. It is so amazing to see Mekong Fish - huge ones I have never seen elsewhere.
- then visiting Khmer Golden Voice’s house “Mr. Sinn Sisamuth House” to listen to the story of the late singer who was killed during Khmer Rouge from his living wife. Sinn Sisamuth is the golden voice and represent Cambodian Rock and Roll from 1960s. There is no entrance ticket for this house, but locals would donate some money to the living wife as gratitude.
- From here, we can visit the small temple nearby the city such as Preah Kou or Pramboun Lveng temple. Then, we can head for lunch at the resort.
- From here, you can either drive back to Siem Reap or take the bus to Phnom Penh. This is rather rush but doable.
- The list of what to see in the Stung Treng here
Note:
- Preah Vihear temple - cannot drive your car up because of the step and slippery track, hire a pick up for 25$ for round trip or walk up and down through ancient stairs. They are about 1,000steps up of 625m height of mountain. They built wooden stairs alongside the ancient ones.
- Stung Treng is the only province you can have tasty fresh water fish of the Mekong.
- It is more convenient and accessible to drive by yourself - rent a 4 wheel drive and go as a team. No public transports to most of these areas
- Always book for an accommodation in advanced to avoid problem of where to sleep, even these province seems quiet but always packed up during the weekends or public holidays. Province like Mondulkiri is full and locals forced to go the temple and ask the monks for the night stay at the buddhist temples.
- The total budget for my trip is around 200$, but I shared the transport with the family so I did not pay for some parts of the trip, but I also bought many things home.
- Budget for an accommodation is 20$/night, for transport 10$/for the bus, food is 6$/meal (dinner/lunch) and 2-3$ for breakfast - minimum.
along the road.
out here as well since the rains have started.
Thanks for sharing