Feel the wind on your face as you ride along quiet, scenic roads through lush countryside on your way to one of Cambodia’s most dramatic waterfalls, Preah Nimith Falls.
In this article you will find all the information you need to prepare for this motorbike trip. But also details on the roads to take, about Stung Treng and how to continue your journey in Cambodia.
So, if you’re looking for an offbeat adventure in Cambodia, then put Preah Nimith Falls on your list.
Read next: Unique Two Weeks In Cambodia Itinerary + Map
How to visit Preah Nimith Falls
Preah Nimith Falls are located on the Mekong River, right on the border with Laos. This spectacular waterfall is part of the 4,000 Islands region (Si Phan Don) in Laos.
To reach them you best base yourself in the Cambodian city of Stung Treng.
The falls are located about 60 kilometers north of Stung Treng, in a remote area that’s largely untouched by tourism. There’s no public transport there and there’s not enough tourists in Stung Treng for you to join an organised tour either.
That means you have to make your own arrangements to visit the stunning falls. The best way to do this is on an adventurous motorbike ride. So keep on reading to find out all about how to make the right preparations.
What to Prepare Before Riding to the Falls
Before setting off on your motorbike adventure to Preah Nimith Falls, it’s important to be well-prepared. Here’s a checklist:
- Rent a motorbike: You can rent a motobike in town for around $7-10 USD per day. There’s a motorbike shop next to Savet Guesthouse that has great bikes. I didn’t find any scooters in town, just motorbikes where you have to shift gears.
- Bring some cash: There are no ATMs or petrol stations near the falls, so bring enough cash to cover petrol and any snacks or drinks you may want to buy. Locals sell petrol in half liter bottles at roadside stalls.
- Fuel up: Top up your motorbike’s tank in Stung Treng before you leave, as petrol stations are sparse once you’re on the road.
- Snacks and water: Pack some snacks and plenty of water, as there aren’t many places to stop for food along the way.
- Sunscreen and a hat: The ride is mostly exposed, so be prepared for the heat. Perhaps also wear a longsleeve (t-)shirt to protect from the sun
- Check the weather forecast: Make sure it won’t rain, because some parts of the road become very hard to drive on.
- Data on your phone: Make sure you still have sufficient data on your phone so you can contact someone in case of emergencies. You can get eSIMs through Saily and easily top up with their app.
Route to Preah Nimith Falls
After the initial tarmac road you’ll ride along a rural, somewhat bumpy road through small villages and countryside, giving you a glimpse of local life along the way.
The roads are easily passable for most riders, though it can get dusty and occasionally muddy during the rainy season. But it’s a scenic journey, with the Mekong River coming into view as you approach the falls.
The roads to take to Preah Nimith Falls
Most of the ride to Preah Nimith Falls from Stung Treng is fairly straightforward, but requires attention. Start by taking the Mekong Bridge west of town and follow National Road 64 for about 30 kilometers until you see a sign for a turnoff.
Until now you drove on a good tarmac road, but you will continue on orange gravel for the next 35 kilometers until you reach the falls. Again the road is mostly pretty good here, but gets a bit more challenging the closer you get to the falls.
I did see they were making improvements to the road close to the falls though (November 2023), so maybe the potholes are gone now. But do keep this in mind and take it slow.
After about 30 kilometers take the third road to the right. Then, after another couple of kilometers you’ll find a ticket office to pay for your ticket to the Preah Nimith Falls. And then you’re really almost there!
Three options to get back to Stung Treng
All in all it should have taken you around 1.5 hours to reach Preah Nimith Falls. For the way back to Stung Treng there’s a few options to consider:
- Option 1 | Easy way: Back to Stung Treng the same way you came, which is also kind of the boring option. It is the easiest though and you know what to expect.
- Option 2 | Mini-loop: Another option is what I call the mini-loop and is also what I did myself. You continue past the abandoned resort and the Asia Temple of Preah Nimith Waterfall until you get to a T-juntion. Turn right and continue until you’re back to the road you came from.
- Option 3 | Maxi-loop: The Maxi-loop is the loop I didn’t take, but instead of turning right on the T-juntion meniotned in the mini-loop, turn left. The road follows the Mekong and passes Preah Romkel and Krala Peah and then continues to the road back to Stung Treng.
The condition of the road for option 2 was actually really good, and on top of that the scenery was beautiful as well.
For option 3 I’m not sure what the road conditions are because I didn’t go there. But if you did do the maxi-loop, then let me know in the comments section below what your experience was.
Things To Do at Preah Nimith Falls
Once you arrive at Preah Nimith Falls, park your motorbike and take some time to explore the area on foot. Wander over the rocks and discover several viewpoints, or simply find a spot to sit and take in the sheer power of the cascading water.
The roar of the falls and the force of the water rushing over the edge make for a truly unforgettable experience!
For a closer look, walk along the riverbanks and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. If you’re up for some adventure, take a short hike along the river to explore different vantage points of the falls.
Feeling extra adventurous? Follow the locals and take a refreshing swim in the calmer waters a few hundred meters upstream. Just be mindful of safety by staying in areas where others are swimming.
Stung Treng: Your Starting Point
Stung Treng is a quiet, laid-back town on the banks of the Mekong River. And while it’s not a bustling tourist destination, it offers a peaceful atmosphere, a few guesthouses, local eateries, and a charming riverside.
Many travellers use Stung Treng as a stopping point between Cambodia and Laos. Or as a launching pad for adventures like the trip to Preah Nimith Falls, like I did.
Things To Do in Stung Treng
Stung Treng may be small, but there are a few activities worth spending your time on when you’re not visiting the falls.
- Kayaking on the Mekong River | Many travelers opt for a kayaking tour on the Mekong, where you can paddle through peaceful waterways and explore the area’s unique ecosystems. Ask at Savet Guesthouse what activities they have on offer in town.
- Visit local markets | Stung Treng’s markets offer a taste of local life and are a great place to try regional foods and shop for handmade goods. The Stung Treng Market is right in the centre of town and offers plenty of food options.
- Sunset by the river | End your day by the Mekong River, where you can enjoy a quiet sunset and take in the atmosphere of this sleepy town.
- Drink coffee | There’s a few cool coffee hotspots in town that you can check out. The first one to visit is Talk Zone Coffee with great coffee and friendly staff. The other place is popular Sidewalk Cafe Coffee and Bakery. You’ll find many locals here, so strike up a conversation while you’re there.
Where to eat and stay in Stung Treng
There’s really only one guesthouse in town worth staying:
- Savet Guesthouse | Friendly staff (not all speak English), clean rooms, some with a/c
There’s no food options at Savet Guesthouse, but you can have breakfast and dinner at a German/Khmer couple’s restaurant. The restaurant is only a few doors down from Savet Guesthouse and is called Sopheak Mangkol Canteen.
How to get to Stung Treng
There are some buses and shuttles going to Stung Treng from Siem Reap, Kratie and Banlung (Ratanakiri). And you can arrive from Don Det (4,000 island in Laos) as well.
Get your bus tickets via your guesthouse, or below in advance through 12Go.asia:
- Siem Reap to Stung Treng bus ticket
- Kratie to Stung Treng bus ticket
- Banlung (Ratanakiri) to Stung Treng bus ticket
- Don Det (4,000 islands in Laos) to Stung Treng bus ticket + longtail boat
Where to next?
I visited Preah Nimith Falls and Stung Treng as part of my two week trip in Cambodia. So definitely take a look at that article on how to plan your trip to Cambodia. Find some more adventurous option below:
- Siem Reap: Head southwest to visit the iconic temples of Angkor Wat.
- Laos: If you’re ready to cross the border, continue your journey north to Laos and explore the 4,000 Islands region.
- Kratie: Travel south to Kratie, where you can spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River.
- Ratanakiri: For more off-the-beaten-path exploration, head east to Ratanakiri, known for its jungles, crater lakes, and waterfalls.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Preah Nimith Falls
A day trip from Stung Treng to Preah Nimith Falls by motorbike offers the perfect mix of thrill, stunning views, and an authentic Cambodian countryside experience. It’s a bit of challenge to get there, but once you do the arrival at the falls are a great reward.
Have you been to Preah Nimith Falls, or have any questions? Then let me know in the comments section below, or reach out to me on Instagram. Also sign up to my newsletter to get updates on new adventurous itineraries and travel guides.
Planning your trip to Cambodia? Then check out my Cambodia Travel Guide, or keep on reading with the latest Cambodia articles:
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