Pursat

Pursat is the fourth biggest province of Cambodia. The province is located in the western part of the country and borders clockwise from the north with Battambang, the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Chhnang, Kompong Speu, Koh Kong, and Thailand. Pursat offers a perfect access to both the Tonle Sap (just 35km far) and the Cardamom Mountains (right to the West). The name of Pursat refers to a type of tree.

For the time being, Pursat receives few travellers and the two main attractions, the Cardamoms and the Tonle Sap require a little initiative on the tourist’s part to visit. Pursat is predominantly accessible by the National Highway No 5 form Phnom Penh (174km) and Battambang (106km). There is also an old slowly train working between Phnom Penh and Battambang, which stops outside (2km) from Pursat.

The provincial capital of Pursat is also called Pursat town. The city is located right in the middle between the Tonle Sap and the Cardamom Mountains on the riverbanks of the Stung Pursat. There isn?t that much to do in that small town, so most of the tourists coming here are more or less on their way to Battambang or Phnom Penh. For people just driving by, the impression of a boring ordinary town remains. The only tourist attraction in town is the marble workshops near the bridge on the main street. The precious marble stones originate from the Cardamoms, than they are brought here, followed up and sold near the Lam Siv Eng Restaurant. About 5 km from town is the tomb of Khleang Meung.

The Tonle Sap
Pursat province offers the magnificent opportunity to see one of the larger and markedly less touristy floating villages without a significant investment in time or money. In fact, there are a number of floating villages in the province only accessible from the lake, Peach Kantil, Kbal Taol, and Prek Kr, but you can only see Kompong Luong for the cost of the day-rate for a moto ($6-8) and the cost for a boat ride once you get there.

Central Cardamoms
Pursat offers a relatively easy way to enter this fantastic ecological wonder, the massive Cardamom Mountains. Accessing the central Cardamoms from Pursat is not too difficult as there is a road from Pursat to Veal Veng, a small village between the Mt. Samkos and Mt. Aural Wildlife Sanctuaries. There’s really nothing to do but to take a drive through the country, to have a look at the mountains, and to talk to people who don’t see many foreigners ? and that is even worth it. There’s no organized transport from Pursat to this place, but if you ask around you should eventually get satisfactory results.

Geography

Pursat province is 12,692 square kilometres big. It’s located in the Southwest of the country and is bordering to the North with Battambang, to the East with Kampong Chhnang, to the South with Kampong Speu and Koh Kong and to the West with Thailand. The province consists of some typical plain wet areas near the Tonle Sap Basin, covering rice fields and other agricultural plantations. The Tonle Sap itself covers a big part in the province’s Northeast. Most surface area of the country is the Kr?vanh Mountains, or literally called “Cardamom Mountains”. This is a green, forested mountain range in the southwestern part of the province, near to the border with Thailand. The highest elevation is the 1,813m high Phnom Aural in the Southeast corner of the country.

Key AttractionsRegional CuisineCultural FestivalsGallery

Key Attractions

Pursat, located in western Cambodia, is a province that offers a variety of unique attractions for tourists. Though it may not be as well-known as destinations like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, Pursat provides a rich cultural experience and stunning natural landscapes. Here are some highlights to consider when planning a visit to Pursat:

Cardamom Mountains

The Cardamom Mountains, which extend into Pursat, are a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. This vast area of tropical rainforest is one of the largest and most pristine in Southeast Asia. Visitors can explore the diverse wildlife, go on guided treks, and experience the beauty of the lush landscape. It’s a great spot for eco-tourism and adventure activities like hiking and bird-watching.

Regional Cuisine

Exploring the culinary landscape of Pursat, Cambodia, offers an opportunity to enjoy traditional Khmer cuisine rich in flavor and cultural significance. Here are some must-try dishes and local dining experiences in Pursat:

Amok Trey (Fish Amok)

A signature dish of Cambodia, Amok Trey in Pursat is prepared using fresh fish from the nearby Tonle Sap Lake. The fish is marinated in a mixture of kroeung (a traditional spice paste), coconut milk, and eggs, then steamed in banana leaves. This dish is creamy, fragrant, and often garnished with fresh herbs.

Cultural Festivals

Pursat, a province rich in cultural heritage, celebrates a variety of festivals that highlight the traditions and customs of Cambodia. These festivals offer vibrant and immersive experiences for visitors, showcasing the local culture and community spirit. Here are some key cultural festivals celebrated in Pursat:

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)

When: Mid-April

Khmer New Year is one of Cambodia’s most significant festivals, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year. Celebrations typically last for three days, each with its own activities and rituals:

Day 1 (Moha Sangkran): Homes are cleaned, and people visit pagodas to offer food to monks.

Day 2 (Vireak Vanabat): Charity and community activities, such as giving gifts to the less fortunate, take place.

Day 3 (Vireak Loeng Sak): Buddhists honor their ancestors with ceremonies and offerings at the temples.

In Pursat, the streets come alive with traditional music, dance, and games. Families gather to enjoy special dishes, and there are often public performances and festivities in town centers and pagodas.

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