Neak Leung or Neak Loeang

Neak Leung, a Mekong river port town that is not overly romantic in real life

If you travel by car from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City, I believe you will pass through Neak Leung, also called Neak Loeang by some. This town is located in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. It is a bustling and colorful river port town on the eastern bank of the Mekong River. It is not just an ordinary rest stop but a very important waterway connection point on the Tonle Bassac or upper Mekong River route, which flows through this town before reaching Tien Giang in Vietnam.

mr.hotsia has had the chance to stop here several times. I must say Neak Leung is not just a pass-through town but a port full of life and fascinating local ways. There is a large ferry that can carry cars across the river, serving as a crucial route connecting Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, Svay Rieng, and all the way to Ho Chi Minh City.

Strolling through the riverside market in Neak Leung

I really enjoy watching the people here, especially the vendors selling along the Mekong River. Many Khmer and Vietnamese women carry goods on their heads to sell food and various items. There are local snacks, fruits, and fresh produce available from the area. Seeing people carry goods on their heads like this reminds me of the strength and endurance of the local people.

Interestingly, horse-drawn carts are still used to transport goods both in the market and on the streets. These carts share the roads with cars, creating an atmosphere that perfectly blends old and new. This port town looks old-fashioned but lively and even busier than Prey Veng city itself.

Try the delicious port town mangoes that you have to share

If you visit during mango season, don't forget to try mangoes from Neak Leung. The mangoes here are large, sweet, fragrant, and very fresh. Khmer vendors sell them along the roadside. I tried them and liked them so much I bought some to eat on the way. Svay Rieng, nearby, is also famous for mangoes, making the mangoes from this port town widely known.

Travel and accommodation recommendations around Neak Leung

Getting to Neak Leung is very convenient. If you come from Phnom Penh, buses pass through here. If you travel from Svay Rieng Province, I once took a van from Svay Rieng to Neak Leung and then rented a motorbike to Prey Veng city, about 30 kilometers away, costing just over 100 baht. For those who want to stay overnight in Prey Veng, I recommend checking outMittapheap HotelThis hotel is located in Prey Veng city center, next to a gas station and the bus departure point to Phnom Penh. It has a good location, convenient transportation, air conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi at a reasonable price. Neak Leung itself does not yet have many good accommodations, so it is suitable for a stopover or day trip.

Local food and lifestyle in Prey Veng and Neak Leung

If you want to experience authentic local food, I recommend trying street food or small local eateries where locals eat. In Neak Leung and Prey Veng, there are grilled pork and fresh French bread vendors. If you like papaya salad, try it with grilled pork and local sausages, which may look a bit dark but taste excellent. Eating like this helps us understand and absorb the local way of life much better.

For those interested in more details about food in Prey Veng Province, you can followRecommended food in Prey Veng Provincethat I have written, along with impressions of the dining atmosphere.

Neak Leung in the context of Prey Veng Province

If you want to travel deeper and understand Prey Veng Province better, try reading the articleTraveling Prey Veng Provincethat I have recorded, which will give you a clearer overview of this province, including the lifestyle of locals who still preserve their traditional identity, using horse carts and ox carts in daily life, and the peacefulness of the town that is not as hectic as big cities.

Summary from mr.hotsia about Neak Leung, a town not to be overlooked

Neak Leung may seem like just a connecting point on the map for many, but for me, mr.hotsia, it is a port town full of inspiration from real life. The simple and resilient local way of life is closely tied to nature and the Mekong River that has sustained them for a long time. If you travel this route, don't forget to stop and experience riverside life, taste sweet mangoes, and try local dishes you can't find elsewhere. I believe you will take away unique stories and memories.

For more information and travel planning, you can see details onTraveling to Prey Veng ProvinceSee you again with mr.hotsia in the next Cambodia travel article!