Stung Treng Mekong — Community Tourism
Dolphin watching and flooded forest kayaking
Province Guide Available
Overview
The Stung Treng Mekong CBET program centers on the remarkable flooded forest and Irrawaddy dolphin habitats of northern Cambodia. Communities along the Mekong near Stung Treng have developed tourism experiences around two extraordinary natural phenomena: the critically endangered freshwater dolphins that inhabit deep river pools, and the seasonally flooded forests where trees stand submerged in water.
The O'Svay community, located north of Stung Treng town, runs the most organized program — offering kayaking through flooded forests, dolphin watching boat trips, homestays, and fishing experiences. Revenue from tourism has dramatically reduced illegal fishing with gillnets and dynamite, which were the primary threats to dolphins.
Activities & Experiences
Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching
Community boat trips to Mekong pools where critically endangered freshwater dolphins surface. Dawn and dusk trips offer best sightings.
Flooded Forest Kayaking
Paddle through seasonally submerged forests (August–November) — trees rising from water creating a surreal, magical landscape.
Community Fishing
Join local fishermen for traditional cast-net fishing on the Mekong. Learn techniques used for generations.
Homestay Experience
Stay with families in O'Svay village — simple accommodation, Mekong-fresh meals, and riverside evening conversations.
Sunset River Cruises
Evening boat rides along the Mekong watching the sun set over one of Asia's mightiest rivers.
Village Cycling
Cycle through riverside communities, rice paddies, and forest trails near O'Svay.
How to Book & Participate
- The O'Svay CBET office is located in O'Svay village — arrange through guesthouses in Stung Treng town.
- Dolphin watching trips: $10–15 per person (community boat, 1–2 hours).
- Flooded forest kayaking: $15–25 per person (seasonal, August–November).
- Homestays: $5–8/night including meals.
- Book 1 day in advance through your accommodation in Stung Treng town.
Benefits for the Community
- Former gillnet fishermen now earn more as boat operators and guides than from destructive fishing.
- Tourism revenue funds river patrols that prevent dynamite fishing and gillnet use near dolphin pools.
- O'Svay community has invested tourism income in clean water systems and school improvements.
- Women's groups earn income from providing homestay meals and craft sales.
- Youth are trained as guides, giving them alternatives to migrating to cities for work.
Conservation Notes
- Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong number fewer than 100 individuals — every protection effort matters.
- Community river patrols funded by tourism have significantly reduced illegal fishing near dolphin pools.
- The Ramsar-designated wetlands around Stung Treng are internationally important for biodiversity.
- Flooded forests serve as critical fish nurseries — protecting them sustains both wildlife and food security.
- Tourism creates economic incentive to maintain the riverine ecosystem rather than convert it to agriculture.
Practical Information
Duration
Half-day to 2 days
Cost
$10–25/activity + $5–8 homestay
Difficulty
Easy
Best Time
Nov–April (dolphins); Aug–Nov (flooded forest)
Getting There
- O'Svay village is about 20 km north of Stung Treng town along the Mekong.
- Tuk-tuk from Stung Treng ($8–10 return) or motorbike rental ($5–7/day).
- Stung Treng is reachable by bus from Kratie (3h), Phnom Penh (9h), or the Laos border (2h).
- Dolphin watching departure points are near Anlong Cheuteal, north of O'Svay.
- Some Stung Treng guesthouses arrange all-inclusive CBET packages.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hat — river trips have no shade.
- Binoculars for dolphin and bird watching.
- Waterproof bag for kayaking trips.
- Cash — no ATMs at the village.
- Camera with waterproof protection.
- Insect repellent for evening homestays.
Stung Treng Mekong FAQ
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