Cambodia forum

Hi Rigo,

Yes that border crossing is open. Trip varies depending on mode of transport (if you take boat or bus from the border to Stung Treng), though in either case you can get from Si Phan Don to Kratie in a day easily.

Stung Treng isn't overflowing with things to do -- though the riverside setting is pleasant enough. Few overnight there.

I've also been trying to find out info about this route.

somtam, you mentioned taking either the boat or the bus from the border to Stung Treng.....what do you recommend? What is the time and price difference? If buying a ticket in Si Phan Don for the whole trip, which route is used? I'm still trying to figure out of the pay one price trip from SPD to Kratie uses the land or water border crossing.

Sontam

Crossed the border at Dong Cralaw yesterday. We paid $26 from Don Khone to Phnom Penh which included boat back to Don Khong ($2 ea), minibus to border ($5 ea), switch buses at border on to Stung Treng, ferry across river, then onto 40 seat mini bus. 9.00 am departure - arrived in PP about 10.30 I didn't note the costs to Stung Treng, Kratie or Kompong Cham but they seemed pretty proportionate. A good ride despite 2 flat tyres. 2 - 3 hours wasted including hanging around at border for visa on arrival $21 on weekends $2 each side for immigration stamps (can get away with $1, make sure they've filled out the book first), wait for ferry, lunch at Stung Treng etc. All in all no complaints although long day it's one of the best bus journeys so far.

Regards

Marian

Hi amz155

The minibuses were great, better on the cambodian side tho the lao ones were fine. Would I have broken up the trip? Personally no after 3 weeks in lao it all starts to look same same - how many caves and waterfalls can one see and we felt cambodia would be much the same. Stung Treng and Kratie looked to be pleasant towns but would there be anything to do? We arrived in Kratie just on sunset so that may affect your decision if you like to find somewhere to stay before dark. The minibus dropped us on the lakeside in PP and we stayed in some dive for the night then switched to riverside which I think is a lot more pleasant - less of a backerpacker scene. We have our 16 yr daughter with us which precludes us hanging in bars until the wee hours. Your circumstances may be very different.

Travel well

Marian

Sorry - Not designed for privacy

Marian

Hey Somtam,

Any word yet from your researcher making this border crossing? Any tips/updates to be offered would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

We've just (finally) put together a round-up on this route -- you can read more on the Lao Cambodia border here -- apologies with the delay!