Cam Ranh to Stung Treng: Road Trip Guide

This route traverses two countries and several distinct elevation drops, starting on Vietnam's coast and ending at the Mekong River's banks in Cambodia. The drive passes through the Central Highlands, offering dramatic scenery but also demands careful planning.

The border crossing at Oyadav (Cambodia) and Bo Y (Vietnam) is open daily from 7:00 to 17:00, and processing typically takes 30–45 minutes. Ensure your vehicle's paperwork is complete; temporary import permits are required for foreign plates.

The route climbs from coastal Cam Ranh through the Nha Trang hills to the Central Highlands, where the landscape transforms into rolling plantations of coffee and pepper. In Cambodia, the road follows the Srepok River, crossing into thick tropical forests, with the Mekong's floodplains appearing near Stung Treng.

Highway junctions in Buon Ma Thuot and Ban Lung are hubs for local commerce; traders sell fresh produce, ceramics, and textiles. The Yali Falls area (near Pleiku) is a scenic off-highway spot, though located about 70 km east of the main route.

For cultural depth, the temples of Angkor Wat and the entire Angkor complex are far west, not on this route, but the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear temple is a detour from Stung Treng, nearly 200 km north, and is accessible via road 66.

For a reliable guide to discovering stops like these, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The trip covers approximately 580 km, and the driving time could be how long to drive Cam Ranh to Stung Treng — usually 12–14 hours non-stop, but realistic planning with stops suggests two days.

Fuel economy varies: expect to spend around 1.2 million VND (about $50) on gasoline for a standard sedan, assuming fuel prices around 24,000 VND/liter in Vietnam and 4,500 riel/liter in Cambodia. Gas stations become sparse after Buon Ma Thuot, so fill up before entering the highlands.

• Roads: Vietnamese sections (QL27, QL14) are well-paved; Cambodian route NR78 is mostly sealed but can have potholes.
• Toll roads: None on this route, but border fees apply (~$30 for vehicle paperwork).
• Border crossing: Bo Y/Oyadav is the only international point on this path.

Sections of the Vietnamese highway are known for dense fog in the early morning, especially between Buon Ma Thuot and Pleiku, reducing visibility to under 50 meters. Drive with headlights and keep a larger following distance.

For families, the route offers several child-friendly stops: the Yok Don National Park (near Ban Lung) has interactive education centers and short jungle trails, while Stung Treng's Mekong dolphin pool tours are engaging for older kids.

Pets are generally accepted at roadside guesthouses, but it's wise to carry your own water and food. There are no dedicated dog parks or pet services along the way.

Rest zones are sparse: after Buon Ma Thuot, the next reliable stop is Se San (280 km), a small town with basic eateries and hotels. Plan for a mandatory rest every 2–3 hours; crossing the border and the winding roads add stress, so take a longer break at Ban Lung before the final stretch.

Hidden off-route spots include the waterfalls at Dray Nur, 25 km off QL14, and the minor roads near the Srepok River where you can spot hornbills. Always ask locals for current accessibility.