Stung Treng Province is located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom of Cambodia, approximately 455 km from Phnom Penh, which borders: To North, East, South and West with Laos, Ratanakiri, Kampong Thom, Kratié p, and Preah Vihear provinces, respectively. Stung Treng is covered 12,016 square kilometers. Its location along the border with Laos and proximity to the Mekong River make it a key transit point between Cambodia and Laos. The province’s capital, Stung Treng town, sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Sekong rivers.
Regarding Stung Treng Province, some documents indicate that Stung Treng Province was originally called Sa Teung Teng (សាទឹងទែង). This name was founded by a monk named Seang Peng from Vientiane whom had significant influence and power over the area. For the above reasons, he was appointed as the ruler the territory (provincial governor) of Sa Teung Teng by the Khmer king at that time. When Mr. Peng became the provincial governor and had the title of Oknha Peng, he always brought tribute to the King of Cambodia every year. After three years, Mr. Peng escaped from Khmer rule and lived in Vern Sai district, which is currently in Ratanakiri province, bordering Laos. After that, the King of Cambodia also promoted the title of provincial governor to Mr. Peng’s younger brother and then gave it to his son, who was named Chea Peng Nha Sam. Chea Peng Nha Sam, after ruling the province for a short time, conspired with his people to seek refuge in the rule of the Siamese king. Then, Siam appointed him as the Ruler of Mueang Xiang Taeng. Therefore, the word Sa Teng Teng was changed to Xiang Taeng. According to the Laos language, the word Xiang means a monk who has left the precepts (Xiang means Anthit). Taeng in Lao means to build. Over the years, our Khmer people called Xiang Taeng and became Stung Treng. The Khmer word Stung Treng means a region with a river of reeds.
Stung Treng is divided into 5 administrative districts and 1 municipality, Stung Treng City. The province has one international checkpoint called Trar Paing Kriel. With over 165,000 people, the province is Cambodia’s eighth largest area and 21st in populations. Today, Stung Treng retains a rich cultural legacy with a mix of Khmer, Lao, and indigenous groups such as the Phnong, Tampuan, and Kuy. These communities maintain distinct traditions, languages, and customs that contribute to the province’s diverse identity. Stung Treng’s history reflects a resilient spirit, shaped by centuries of external influence and internal resilience, and its heritage is celebrated in local festivals, handicrafts, and religious practices.
Stung Treng Province, located in northeastern Cambodia along the Mekong River and close to the Laos border, has a long and complex history shaped by its geography and cultural significance. The province has long been a crossroads for various civilizations and trade routes, contributing to its cultural diversity and historical depth.
Pre-History or Early History Period
Stung Treng’s earliest history likely dates back to pre-Angkor times when the region was influenced by the Funan and Chenla kingdoms, ancient civilizations that controlled much of the Mekong River region.
During the Funan period, the province was only part of the northern part of the Kingdom. This according to record of Chinese Sailors at that time defined the territory of the Kingdom from Sopheakmith Rapid or Lbak Khoun Rapid to the Gulf of Thailand as the territory of Funan Kingdom. During this time, the province was in the territory of Sambopura (City of Scholars), one of many regions that were subordinate to the Funan Kingdom. Sambopura often fought with the Vyadhapura (City of Mountain Hunters). In the 5th century, the King of Vyadhapura fought a war to unite the two regions and continued to conquer other regions in the entire Funan Kingdom, transforming the territory into the Chenla Kingdom in 550.
During the Chenla Period, the location of Stung Treng was an area with many temples and shrines, and evidence of nearly 100 temple foundations has been found present-day. However, due to age and war, only the Preah Ko or Srei temple remains in its original structure in Thala Barivat district. When the Chenla Kingdom was divided into two, the location of Stung Treng province was located within the land Chenla Kingdom. Later, the two Chenla Kingdoms were reunited in the late 900 A.D. by King Rajendravarman and moved the city to Mahendraparvata (on the slope of Phnom Kulen Mountain in Siem Reap province). The influence of the Khmer Empire, especially during the Angkor period (9th–15th centuries), is evident in the temples and infrastructure left behind, although less preserved than those around Angkor Wat. This period marked significant expansion for the Khmer, with Stung Treng serving as a strategic point for controlling the northern territories.