Three large fossilized trees found in Stung Treng province
Experts say the trees may be up to two million years old, and digging will continue in 2027.
Monday 2 November · 20:18 · 1 min read
In 30 seconds
- Experts found three large fossilized trees at an excavation site on Phou Ngoy Mountain in Stung Treng. [1]
- The experts believe the fossils are between 100,000 and 2 million years old. [1]
- The Ministry of Environment plans to keep digging in 2027 to collect more data and check historical evidence. [1]
What happened
Experts found three fossilized trees in three excavation pits on Phou Ngoy Mountain in Katot village, Sesan district. Lim Vannchan of the Department of Natural Heritage said one tree is 40 meters long and another is 10 meters long, and the base of one tree is 4 meters wide. The findings were reported on October 27, and this is the second dig at the site, after one that began in July 2025.
Why it matters
The site may later become a green recreation spot and a nature and history tourist attraction, according to the ministry's plans. The sources do not describe any direct effect on daily life yet.
Background
Experts have documented 78 fossil sites across Cambodia as of 2026. Earlier finds include fossilized wood in Ratanakiri and Cambodia's first dinosaur bone, found in Koh Kong in 2022.
Key terms
- Fossil
- The remains or traces of a plant or animal preserved in rock over a very long time.
Timeline
- July 2025 The first excavation began on Phou Ngoy Mountain and uncovered a fossilized tree about 17 meters long.
- October 2026 A second excavation uncovered three more fossilized trees at the site.
- 2027 The Ministry of Environment plans to continue the excavations.
Sources (1)
[1] Cambodianess Three Large Fossilized Trees Found in Stung Treng Province 1 Nov Read originalWas this explainer clear?
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