Ancient Wood Fossils in Stung Treng Could Be Up to 2 Million Years Old
Ancient Wood Fossils in Stung Treng Could Be Up to 2 Million Years Old
STUNG TRENG, October 25, 2025 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment has launched its second excavation of fossilised wood at Phnom Phou Ngoy in Stung Treng province, seeking to gather additional scientific data and strengthen measures to protect the country’s natural heritage.
The excavation is being conducted from October 21 to 30, 2026, in Katot village, Kampun commune, Sesan district, by specialists from the Ministry of Environment.
Lim Vannchan, head of an office under the Department of Natural Heritage within the ministry’s General Directorate of Local Communities, said the first excavation at the site took place in July 2025. Researchers discovered fossilised wood measuring approximately one metre in diameter and 17 metres in length.
Preliminary assessments suggest the fossils could be between 100,000 and two million years old. Initial findings indicate that the fossilised remains may belong to flowering and fruit-bearing plants, a broad group of plants that remains widespread today.
Researchers Hope to Find Fossils Longer Than 40 Metres
During the 2025 excavation, the team also discovered a fossilised tree measuring up to 40 metres long and approximately one metre in diameter, along with another fossilised tree nearby measuring around 10 metres in length.
Encouraged by the initial findings, the ministry has continued excavation work this year, with hopes of uncovering a fossilised tree exceeding 40 metres in length at the same location.
The team is also collecting additional scientific data and preparing a conservation plan for the site to prevent damage and preserve its historical and scientific significance for Cambodia and the wider world.
Cambodia Documents 78 Fossil Sites Nationwide
As of 2026, specialists have identified and documented 78 fossil sites across Cambodia. These locations are spread across 13 provinces: Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Kratie, Pailin, Oddar Meanchey, Kampot, Koh Kong, Kampong Thom, Pursat and Stung Treng.
The Ministry of Environment has also conducted fossil excavation projects at several locations over the years. These include wood fossil excavations in Lumphat district in 2019–2020, the discovery of Cambodia’s first dinosaur bone fossils in 2022, wood fossil excavation at Phnom Tbeng in Preah Vihear province in 2024, and the first excavation in Sesan district, Stung Treng, in 2025, which is continuing in 2026.
Preserving Cambodia’s Natural Heritage
The ministry said the excavation and research activities aim to study the characteristics of fossils and the rock layers containing them, collect scientific data, and assess appropriate measures for long-term protection and conservation.
The ongoing work at Phnom Phou Ngoy is expected to contribute to a better understanding of Cambodia’s fossil resources while helping safeguard these scientifically valuable sites for future generations.
