Preah Rumkel — Community Tourism
Mekong flooded forest and dolphin conservation community
Province Guide Available
Overview
Preah Rumkel is a remote community tourism site on the Mekong River in Stung Treng Province, near the Laos border. It is one of the most important areas for Irrawaddy dolphin conservation in Cambodia, with community-managed dolphin watching, spectacular flooded forest kayaking, and authentic homestays in a riverine community that has transformed from destructive fishing to conservation-based tourism.
The village sits at a unique ecological crossroads where the Mekong's main channel splits around forested islands, creating deep pools that dolphins favor and seasonally flooded forests that serve as critical fish nurseries. The Preah Rumkel CBET program, supported by WWF Cambodia, has become a flagship example of how tourism can fund conservation while improving local livelihoods.
Activities & Experiences
Dolphin Pool Boat Trips
Visit Mekong deep pools in community boats where Irrawaddy dolphins surface. Guides know the pods' habits and position boats for optimal, non-intrusive viewing.
Flooded Forest Kayaking
Paddle through seasonally submerged forests (August-November) where trees stand in meters of clear water. A surreal, unforgettable experience unique to the Mekong.
Community Homestay
Stay with families in the village — wooden houses on stilts above the Mekong floodplain. Evening meals of fresh river fish and morning coffee watching the river wake up.
Mekong Rapids Viewpoint
Visit the dramatic Sopheakmit rapids where the Mekong narrows and churns through a rocky channel — spectacular during high water season.
Community Forest Patrol
Join conservation rangers on their morning river patrol. Learn about the community's transition from destructive fishing to dolphin protection.
Bird Watching
The flooded forests and river islands host significant bird populations including fish eagles, cormorants, kingfishers, and seasonal migrants.
How to Book & Participate
- Contact the Preah Rumkel CBET office through guesthouses in Stung Treng town.
- The community coordinator can arrange packages including transport, homestay, and activities.
- Dolphin watching: $10-15 per person (community boat, 1.5-2 hours).
- Flooded forest kayaking: $15-20 per person (seasonal August-November, 2-3 hours).
- Homestay with meals: $7-10/night.
- Book 1-2 days in advance — the village is remote and preparation time is needed.
Benefits for the Community
- Former dynamite and gillnet fishermen now earn sustainable income as boat operators, guides, and homestay hosts.
- Tourism revenue funds daily river patrols that protect dolphin pools from illegal fishing.
- Community investment in a clean water system and school improvements funded by tourism income.
- Women's groups earn income through homestay meal preparation and handicraft sales.
- The program provides year-round employment alternatives, reducing seasonal migration to cities.
Conservation Notes
- Preah Rumkel protects some of the most critical Irrawaddy dolphin habitat in the Mekong system.
- Community river patrols, funded entirely by tourism revenue, have virtually eliminated dynamite fishing in the protected zone.
- The flooded forests are internationally recognized Ramsar wetlands with extraordinary biodiversity.
- Camera traps and research teams monitor dolphin populations and have documented improved calf survival since the CBET program began.
- The conservation model at Preah Rumkel has been studied and replicated by communities across the Mekong region.
Practical Information
Duration
1-3 days
Cost
$10-20/activity + $7-10 homestay
Difficulty
Easy to moderate
Best Time
Nov-April (dolphins); Aug-Nov (flooded forest)
Getting There
- Preah Rumkel is approximately 35 km north of Stung Treng town, near the Laos border.
- Arrange transport through your Stung Treng guesthouse — motorbike ($10-15) or van ($20-25).
- The road is partially paved and partially laterite — expect 1-1.5 hours travel time.
- Stung Treng is reachable by bus from Phnom Penh (9-10 hours), Kratie (3 hours), or the Laos border at Trapaeng Kreal (1 hour).
- Some Stung Treng operators offer all-inclusive Preah Rumkel packages including transport.
What to Bring
- Binoculars — essential for dolphin watching at distance.
- Waterproof dry bag for kayaking and boat trips.
- Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat — river trips have no shade.
- Insect repellent (DEET-based) for evenings.
- Headlamp for homestay evenings (electricity may be limited).
- Cash in small denominations — no ATMs or card facilities.
- Waterproof camera protection — spray from rapids and kayaking can be significant.
Preah Rumkel FAQ
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