For independent travelers journeying across northern Cambodia, traveling from the riverside town of Stung Treng toward Siem Reap opens up a golden opportunity to visit a spectacular hidden gem: the UNESCO-listed Koh Ker Archaeological Site. However, instead of taking a direct 6-hour bus to Siem Reap and backtracking, the smartest slow-travel strategy is to break up the journey by stopping at Phumi Moreal (Srayong)—the closest jungle village to the ruins.
In this practical transport guide, we share our first-hand experience of catching a local minibus from Stung Treng to Phumi Moreal. From booking tickets via our guesthouse, bus prices, and the surprisingly excellent road conditions, to on-board logistics, lunch stop costs, and exactly where to get off for the ruins, here is your essential guide to navigating this rare overland route.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む：ストゥントレンからコ・ケー遺跡の最寄りの村（サヨーン）へ！ミニバスでの行き方と移動の記録
Quick Transport Summary: Stung Treng to Phumi Moreal (Srayong)
- Transport Type: Local Minibus (Heading toward Siem Reap)
- Ticket Price: USD 10 per person (Arranged easily through our guesthouse)
- Journey Duration: Approx. 3.5 hours (Distance is around 200 km, including a lunch break)
- Road Conditions: Excellent, smooth asphalt with very little traffic.
- Drop-off Point: The main intersection crossing leading directly to the Koh Ker site.
Overland Options: Buses from Stung Treng to Siem Reap
Several buses run from Stung Treng to Siem Reap. Many signs are posted around the bus station.
The village we wanted to stop at was called Phumi Moreal, 100 or so Kms before Siem Reap. It is the access point to Koh Ker.
We were told that the journey from Stung Treng directly to Siem Reap would take 6 hours. Not sure if toilet and meal breaks are included.
Overland Options: Buses from Stung Treng to Siem Reap
After asking at several bus companies, we got our tickets by arrangement with the Savet Guesthouse we were staying at, and it cost USD 10 per person to Phumi Moreal.
Phumi Moreal was approximately 200 km away. A new road (2015) opened from Stung Treng to Siem Reap and it’s in excellent condition with little traffic on it.
The minibus was supposed to pick us up at our guesthouse between 8.30am and 9am the next morning.
Boarding the Minibus and Departing Stung Treng
As we were told, the minibus picked us up at the guesthouse at 9am. There was only one other passenger on board besides us.
We loaded our day packs in the back and set off. We picked up two more Cambodian passengers near the bus station in Stung Treng. We did not need to change buses and left straight away.
Midday Lunch Break Past Preah Vihear
On the way, we stopped in a small village to load our luggage, but after that we drove on a smooth asphalt road at a brisk pace.
We took a lunch break just past Preah Vihear. We had a pork and egg stew. USD 2 per person with rice.
Arrival at Phumi Moreal (Srayong) Intersection
We arrived at Phumi Moreal (Srayong) at around 12.30pm which was only three and a half hours, including the lunch break.
We got off at the crossing to the Koh Ker site. From here we walked to find a guesthouse.
Next Stop: Exploring the Jungle Pyramids of Koh Ker
After a smooth 3.5-hour journey, the minibus dropped us off right at the crossing to the Koh Ker site. With our daypacks on, we set off on foot to find a local guesthouse and secure a motorbike for our jungle adventure.
Ready to see what happened next? Read our complete exploration guide here:
➡ Koh Ker Archaeological Site Guide: What to See & How to Visit (Next Article Link)
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