Things To Do
in Suong

Suong is a small Cambodian town located near a winding river, where lush fields meet gentle hills and welcoming communities. The town blends traditional Khmer life with a growing roster of cafes, markets, and riverside viewpoints. Visitors can savor classic Khmer flavors at bustling markets, then slow down with sunset walks along the river.

With coordinates around 11.9167, 105.65, Suong feels remote yet easy to reach from larger hubs, making it a relaxed base for countryside exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Phnom Penh
morning
:

Start your journey in the bustling capital of Phnom Penh. Visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, marveling at the intricate architecture and rich history that surrounds you. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby cafΓ© while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the National Museum, where you'll find a treasure trove of Cambodian art and artifacts. Spend some time reflecting on the history of the Khmer civilization as you wander through the galleries. Conclude your day with a stroll along the riverside promenade, enjoying local street food snacks.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the city skyline. Savor a cocktail while watching the bustling activity below. For dinner, indulge in authentic Khmer cuisine at a traditional restaurant.

day 2
Journey to Siem Reap
morning
:

Take an early morning bus or flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Wat temple complex. Enjoy the scenic views along the way, and perhaps chat with fellow travelers. Once you arrive, check into your hotel and recharge for the day ahead.

afternoon
:

Start your temple exploration at Angkor Wat, the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend hours wandering the intricate corridors and admiring the stunning bas-reliefs. In the late afternoon, visit the majestic Bayon Temple, known for its iconic smiling faces.

evening
:

Treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant serving delicious fusion cuisine. After your meal, explore the vibrant night market for some unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Wrap up your evening by watching a traditional Apsara dance performance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
πŸ”Meal at inexpensive restaurant$3-6
β˜•Coffee or tea$0.50-2
🍑Snack or street bite$0.50-2
πŸ›οΈBudget hotel per night$15-25
πŸš•Short taxi ride$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace and friendly locals
  • Affordable food and accommodation
  • Rich Khmer culture and market life
  • Good base for countryside exploration
  • Limited English in some rural areas
  • Smaller selection of international amenities
  • Transportation between towns can be slower
  • Hot and humid climate for much of the year
  • "Chomreabsuor" - Hello
  • "Awkoun" - Thank you
  • "Som to" - Please
  • "Knyom sok sabay" - I am well
  • "Luy peat? (approximate transliteration)" - Where is the market? (approximate)

Places to Visit in Suong

Visit one of these nice places.

Phnom Da Mlei Hill Viewpoint

Granite outcrop offering sweeping sunrise views over rice fields and the river.

Phsar Suong Market at Dawn

Colorful stalls, steam rising from steamers, and the market waking up.

Prek Teuk River Sunset Banks

Golden-hour reflections with small boats and silhouettes of local life.

Riverside Old Town Bridge

Historic bridge framed by evening lights and gentle traffic of fishermen.

Culinary Guide

Food in Suong

Khmer cuisine in Suong emphasizes coconut milk, herbs, lime, fish, and pork, with bright sour-sweet notes, fresh herbs, and rice as a staple. Expect affordable, flavorful meals at markets and cafes, with many dishes adaptable for a range of diets. Shared plates and family-style meals are common, making dining a social experience. Tea, coffee, and refreshing coconut drinks are popular year-round.

Suong Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Amok Trey

Fish curry steamed in banana leaf with coconut milk, lemongrass, and kaffir lime.

Must-Try!

Num Banh Chok

Khmer noodles with a fragrant fish gravy, served with fresh herbs and cucumber.

Lok Lak

Beef or chicken in a tangy pepper-lime sauce, served with rice and a fried egg or cucumber slices.

Bai Sach Chrouk

Grilled pork served over broken rice with a simple dipping sauce.

Kroeung Curry

Herb-forward chicken or vegetable curry with fragrant Khmer spices.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Phsar Suong Market

A lively local market with fresh produce, grilled skewers, and Khmer snacks.

Riverside Night Market

Food stalls along the river offering fried bites, grilled seafood, and fresh fruit shakes.

Old Town Market

Markets with herbs, fish, and quick meals ideal for a casual lunch or snack.

Climate Guide

Weather

Suong has a tropical monsoon climate with a hot dry season from February to May, a rainy season from May to October, and a cooler dry season from November to January. Daily highs range from the mid 20s to mid 30s Celsius, with high humidity year-round. Rain is common in the wet season, creating lush green scenery and occasional flooding in low-lying areas. Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a lightweight rain jacket.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Dress modestly at religious sites

Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes where required.

Ask permission before photographing people

Some communities prefer not to be photographed; politely ask and respect a negative response.

Use the right hand for giving and receiving

The right hand is preferred for most interactions.

Respect quiet hours and local norms

Be mindful of family routines and community norms when visiting villages.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is good in urban and rural areas. Stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and carry valuables securely. Road travel can be hazardous due to rapid traffic and variable road conditions; use licensed guides and reputable transport providers, especially at night. Have basic first aid supplies and emergency contacts on hand when exploring remote areas.

Tipping in Suong

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; 5–10% at restaurants and for drivers is common when service is good.

Payment Methods

Cash in USD or Cambodian riel is widely accepted; many businesses in town accept cards, while mobile wallets are increasingly available in larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and dry with high humidity; afternoon thunderstorms are common. Seek shade, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.

Rainy season

May to October brings heavy rainfall and lush landscapes; trails may be slippery and some roads can flood. Carry a light rain jacket and waterproof bag.

Winter

November to January offers cooler, pleasant days for outdoor activities and temple visits; evenings can be cool.

Nightlife Guide

Suong at Night

Suong offers a relaxed nightlife scene centered on riverside bars, small night markets, and casual eateries. You may find live Khmer music at a few venues and informal gatherings in town squares; late-night snacks and desserts are widely available near the market areas.

Hiking in Suong

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Phnom Da Mlei Summit Trail

A 2–3 hour hike to a hilltop temple with wide valley views and photo opportunities.

Kirirom Pine Forest Loop

Shaded forest trail with occasional viewpoints and opportunities to glimpse wildlife.

Prek Teuk Riverbank Walk

Easy riverside trail along the calm stretch of the Prek Teuk with picnic spots.

Airports

How to reach Suong by plane.

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)

Main international gateway for the region; accessible by road from Suong in a few hours depending on traffic.

Siem Reap International Airport (REP)

Popular gateway for Angkor and northern Cambodia; several hours by road from Suong.

Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)

Coastal gateway with occasional connections; longer transfer from Suong but useful for seaside trips.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is good in the town center with compact markets and riverside paths. Sidewalks may be uneven or incomplete in some areas, and traffic can be busy on main roads, so exercise caution when walking near motorbikes and tuk-tuks. For scenic routes, many local attractions are within a few kilometers, making walking a pleasant option during cooler parts of the day.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Khmer majority

Predominant ethnic group with long-standing cultural and religious traditions.

Vietnamese minority

Smaller community with vibrant commerce in some neighborhoods.

Chinese community

Active merchants and artisans contributing to local markets.

Cham and other minority groups

Small communities enriching the cultural mosaic of Suong.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport, played casually in streets and organized in local clubs.

Sepak Takraw

Traditional Southeast Asian sport combining kicking and acrobatics.

Basketball

Widely played in schools and community centers.

Khmer wrestling (Pradal Serea-inspired)

Traditional combat sport sometimes demonstrated in cultural events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Suong is dominated by motorcycles and bicycles; cars and tuk-tuks share narrow streets, especially near markets. Public transportation beyond local taxis is limited, so plan private transfers if you need reliable schedules. At night, street lighting improves, but uneven surfaces can pose hazards for pedestrians.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Suong.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Khmer dishes can be made vegetarian by omitting fish sauce; look for tofu or mushroom options and request vegetable-forward curries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Suong include a provincial clinic and a small district hospital; for more serious care or specialized treatments, you may need to travel to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Pharmacies stock common medicines, but bring any prescription medications with you. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is recommended for peace of mind.

Discover Cambodia

Read more in our Cambodia 2025 Travel Guide.

Cambodia Travel Guide