Stung Sen River

Steung Saen River (ស្ទឹងសែន) is a river in Cambodia. It is a major tributary of the Tonlé Sap.

The river along both sides of the river offers different scenes of everyday life of the people living in Kompong Thom. During rainy season in August to October the river will be swollen and much wider with its brownish water makes for good photography . people can be seen doing their exercise and taking the river taxi s to their destinations. All in its a good stroll in the early evening before heading to see the bats flying off to hunt for food.

During the wet season especially this river is very nice to drivd along. At its dryest it is a bit dismall and nothing to look at. I have seen it at all times of year and love killing time driving or cycling along its western banks.

Discover Tour in Stung Sen River

Spending an hour or two on the Stung Sen in the afternoon is a delight. Kids swimming and playing, farmers bringing their cattle and buffalo down the waters edge to swim, drink and wash, locals bathing and fisherman hauling in their nets from little wooden canoes. It's a real slice of heartland Cambodia. 

The river itself is the longest tributary to the Tonle Sap, so exploring the full length from Northern Preah Vihear all the way to it's mouth at Phat Sanday probably won't be possible for most visitors. We took a boat from the Old Market down to Phat Sanday over four or five hours and stayed in a floating village the night, before returning the next day. One of the local drivers charged us $150 for the full return trip. I took my Dad and he loved it. For those with less time, Sambor Village Hotel offers shorter 1 -3 hour trips to the boat temple at Sampou Meas Sampou Prak, or you can simply watch the activity of boat traders at the old market from the park across the river or take a walk or a bike along the roads that follow the river through local villages.