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Prey Veng is an overlooked province of Cambodia, located next to the busiest national highway, connecting Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam. Despite being less known, Prey Veng offers a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Let’s explore this obscure province with Asia King Travel.
Prey Veng (Cre: _j_kimhong_5)
Prey Veng was an important center of the Funan kingdom in its early years, located between the country's commercial and political capitals, Oc Eo (An Giang) and Angkor Borei (Takeo). However, with the founding of the Chenla kingdom, the kingdom's focus shifted westward to Koh Ker and Angkor, making the region lose importance.
Under pressure from the Siamese in the 15th century, the Khmer rulers assembled an army at Ba Phnom, Prey Veng in 1473 to resist a Siamese attack.
Under the French protectorate, the colonial authorities saw the region's potential in agriculture and fishing because it was close to Cochinchina (Mekong Delta). Mass deforestation took place to create land for agriculture.
During the Khmer Rouge regime, the province was devastated. As the Vietnamese army advanced in January 1979, the region regained its position and became one of the first areas of Cambodia liberated from the Khmer Rouge.
Prey Veng, like the rest of Cambodia, has a tropical climate that is warm and humid. In the monsoon season, abundant rain allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. The year-round tropical climate makes Prey Veng ideal for developing tourism. The average temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius, with the minimum temperature around 16 degrees. December and January are the coolest months, and April is the hottest.
Weather in Prey Veng (Cre: Angkor Focus Travel)
Prey Veng can be visited throughout the year. However, you should avoid the rainy season, as countryside roads may be impassable due to the weather.
Ba Phnom Resort is located in Chheur Kach commune, Ba Phnom district, about 78 kilometers east of Phnom Penh and 45 kilometers south of Prey Veng provincial town. Ba Phnom has four mountains: Phnom Sampeou, Phnom Laang, Phnom Thom, and Phnom Banhchor, and was once the ancient city of Nokor Phnom. Few remnants of the city remain, but among those that can be seen are pieces of the ancient temple Prasat Chan.
Ba Phnom, Prey Veng (Cre: Tour Cambodia)
The view from the top of Ba Phnom is very picturesque, and a big, rocky cave near the mountaintop shelters wildlife. At the foot of the mountain, there is a pagoda called Wat Preah Vihear Chan.
Baray An Det Resort is located in Baray village. Surrounded by big trees, Baray An Det is believed to be where all of the powerful and magical spirits in Prey Veng province gather.
Baray An Det Resort, Prey Veng (Cre: Passion Indochina Travel)
On Silas days, people play pin peat music for the spirit Neakta, praying for happiness and rain to grow rice. This is also the starting point for the Neakta procession to Ba Phnom before the Khmer New Year.
Chong Srok temple is located in the village with the same name. It was built of brick and sandstone in the 7th century, Chong Srok temple was built on high ground in a field of palm trees near a koki tree. Although much of the temple has been destroyed, a sandstone statue of a bull, once revered as a powerful Bodhisattva, remains.
Chong Srok Temple, Prey Veng (Cre: Hello Angkor)
The Fish Growing Center is a nature and wildlife preserve located in Bati Village in the Peam Ror Commune, Peam Ror District. It is a popular spot for travelers to learn about different types of fish and the preservation efforts in the region. The center is 23 kilometers from the provincial town and easily accessible.
Fish Growing Center, Prey Veng (Cre: Passion Indochina Travel)
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Prey Veng is relatively easy to travel to. It is approximately 90 kilometers from Phnom Penh and 78 kilometers from Kampong Cham. The road conditions leading to this province are of relatively good standard, making it easier to enter.
Even though Prey Veng is a quiet town, there are several places to eat and drink:
Arunreas Restaurant, Prey Veng (Cre: Alamy)
For those who love traditional Khmer food stands, there are plenty in the local area, especially near the market and the parkway. The cost is very affordable.
In conclusion, Prey Veng may be an overlooked province, but it offers a wealth of history, cultural sites, and natural beauty for those willing to explore. Consider reaching out to Asia King Travel for a seamless and memorable trip to this hidden gem of Cambodia.
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