About Prey Veng
Prey Veng Province, home to 1.3 million people, stands out as Cambodia’s most densely populated area and ranks third in terms of population size within the country. Despite its industrial and agricultural focus, it remains largely unexplored by tourists, except for occasional visitors passing through, football enthusiasts, or NGO workers.
But this is what Cambodia Lifestyle is all about! Discover a charming blend of colonial architecture, scenic landscapes, and a laid-back atmosphere in what we think is one of the hidden gems on the Cambodian tourism trail!
Culture & History
Attractions
Eat & Drink
Shopping
Places to stay
Something Different
Eco & Wellness
Services
What is there to see and do in Prey Veng Province?
Tourists can explore various temples and resorts scattered throughout the province. Prey Veng Town, the principal population center and cultural hub, boasts colonial buildings, hotels, bars, and restaurants. Football aficionados can catch matches featuring Prey Veng Football Club, a notable participant in the Cambodian Premier League. Additionally, the Fish Growing Center in Bati Village offers insights into traditional river fishery practices.
Touristically the province boasts a number of important temples, as well as resorts.
Visit Prey Veng Town
Prey Veng Town is the main population centre, as well as being the capital of culture. The town boasts some colonial buildings, hotels, bars and restaurants.
Watch Prey Veng Football Club
Alongside Takeo and Save Rieng, Prey Veng is one of the few rural towns to boast a team in the Cambodian Premier League. At just 3, or so hours from Phnom Penh people are known to travel here for big games, such as against the Phnom Penh Crown.
Fish Growing Centre
This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prey Veng. From here visitors can learn about how river fish are traditionally caught and processed, as well as the range of fish caught Situated in Bati Village and easily reachable from the town.
Temples of Key Veng
These include Vihear Chan,Viel Brang, Prey Chong Srok and Chong Srok Temple.
Nokor Phnom
Located in Roung Dam Rei Village, Cheung Phnom Commune, Bar Phnom District, about 45 km (1h:30mn) from Provincial Town. It is one of the most important nature and wildlife preserves.
Weaving handicraft centre
Located in Prk Chorngkran Village, Prk Chorngkran Commune and offering the chance for tourists to see how it is done, as well as purchase souvenirs.
What are the must-see temples in Prey Veng Province?
Key temples like Vihear Chan, Viel Brang, Prey Chong Srok, and Chong Srok Temple provide glimpses into the province’s rich cultural heritage. Nature enthusiasts can explore Nokor Phnom, a significant wildlife preserve located in Roung Dam Rei Village, Cheung Phnom Commune.
Visitors interested in traditional crafts can visit the handicraft center in Prk Chorngkran Village, Prk Chorngkran Commune, to observe artisans at work and purchase unique souvenirs.
Where to find accommodation in Prey Veng Province?
There are a few decent hotels in Prey Veng City, as well as simpler guest house types throughout the province. Prey Veng is also well known for its number of countryside resorts where people can stay.
Rum Doulm Don Reoun Hotel - Pretty Veng Town
One of only two hotels in Prey Veng Town. You will not find it on any booking sites and will need help from a Khmer to prebook.
Ba Ray An Det Resort - Prey Veng
Located just 3 kilometers from Prey Veng town, this resort is a plain on high ground surrounded by big trees. During Khmer New Year it is the starting point for the Neakta procession to Ba Phnom.
Ba Phnom Resort - Prey Veng
Ba Phnom district, about 78 kilometers east of Phnom Penh and 45 kilometers south of Prey Veng provincial town. People come here among the mountain scenery to see the remnants of the ancient city of Nokor Phnom
As well as:
Waikor Hotel
Chom No Roung Ban Lai Guesthouse
Riverside Villa
Hill Top Lodge
Apsara guesthouse
Eating and drinking in Svay Rieng
In Prey Veng there are numerous stops for snacks before the road splits from the route to Svay Rieng. Prey Veng Town has just a few western style restaurants and karaoke, but no real, or nightlife scene to speak of.
Mittapheap Hotel and Restaurant
The most prestigious Khmer Restaurant in Prey Veng Town, dine here for western style food.
I-Coffee
Situated in Prey Veng Town, this is the most western restaurant and scores very well on Tripadvisor. Not a late night place.
Street Food Prey Veng
Not far from the main town, a bit on the road leading out, is a big row of street food vendors that stay open pretty late. Street food vendors dotting the outskirts of town offer authentic Cambodian flavors for late-night cravings.
Tours in Prey Veng
There are a number of companies and individuals that specialize in tours to the region, as well as ones that do tours throughout the provinces of Cambodia. Cambodia Lifestyle recommend the following:
Young Pioneer Tours – Offer regular tours around Cambodia, as well as bespoke trips to Prey Veng.
Traveling out of Svay Rieng
Roughly 4 hours from Phnom Penh, or if you are going the other way you can go to Vietnam via Svay Rieng. Also borders Kampong Cham and Thong Khmum.
The Province also borders 3 Vietnamese provinces, as well as being crossed by both the Mekong and Tonle Rivers.
The History of Svay Rieng Province in Cambodia
Svay Rieng’s history is deeply intertwined with the broader historical narrative of the region.
Indeed, Svay Rieng Province has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The area was part of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th centuries, and evidence of ancient settlements and temples can still be found throughout the province. During this period, the Khmer Empire exerted significant influence over the region, leaving behind a legacy of culture and architecture.
Colonial Era
Like much of Cambodia, Svay Rieng fell under French colonial rule in the 19th century. The French established control over Cambodia in the late 1800s, incorporating it into French Indochina. Svay Rieng Province, along with the rest of the country, experienced significant changes during this period, including the introduction of French administrative systems and economic policies.
Modern Era
In the 20th century, Cambodia underwent profound changes, including periods of political turmoil and conflict. Svay Rieng Province was not immune to these developments. During the mid-20th century, Cambodia gained independence from France.
Colonial Era
Today, Svay Rieng Province is a vibrant and dynamic part of Cambodia, contributing to the country’s economic and social development. It is known for its agricultural production, including rice cultivation and other crops. The province also serves as a gateway to neighboring Vietnam, facilitating trade and commerce between the two countries.
Despite its tumultuous past, Svay Rieng has emerged as a resilient and forward-looking province, embracing opportunities for growth and development while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
