Travel to Prey Veng Province (Prey Veng)

Travel to Prey Veng Province: A peaceful riverside town along the Mekong waiting to be discovered

I, mr.hotsia, recently had the opportunity to visit Prey Veng, a small province located north of Svay Rieng and south of Kampong Cham in Cambodia. This province may not be widely known among international tourists, but if you enjoy a quiet atmosphere, authentic local lifestyles, and slow, relaxed travel, Prey Veng is an intriguing choice.

Prey Veng Province lies along the important Mekong River, which flows from Kampong Cham to Neak Leung, a bustling port town in this province, before continuing southward into southern Cambodia. The provincial capital, Prey Veng town, has a large lake adjacent to it, which is an important area for locals to make a living and relax. I traveled here by van from Svay Rieng to Neak Leung, then rented a motorcycle to continue about 30 kilometers into Prey Veng town. The fare was just over a hundred baht. For most tourists, the easiest way to get here is by bus from Phnom Penh, with options for direct routes to Prey Veng or via Kampong Cham.Read more details about traveling to Prey Veng Province

Lifestyle and Atmosphere of Prey Veng Town

What makes Prey Veng stand out from other provinces in Cambodia is the continued use of horse-drawn and ox-drawn carts for passenger and cargo transport alongside motor vehicles on town roads. It feels like stepping back in time to a true rural setting, something rarely seen in larger cities nowadays. I strolled through the colorful morning market of Prey Veng, filled with people and simply displayed goods. Horse carts waiting to carry goods home near the market create a rare and fascinating scene.

The large lake next to Prey Veng town impressed me as well. Walking along the lakeside with a cool breeze gave a genuine local atmosphere. Villagers often gather here for fishing and trading goods, vividly telling the story of life in Prey Veng.

Accommodation in Prey Veng Town: Mittapheap Hotel, more than just a place to stay

There are only a few guesthouses and hotels suitable for travelers like me in this town. I chose to stay at Mittapheap Hotel (pronounced Mittapheap), located next to a gas station and the bus station to Phnom Penh. The hotel is affordable, about 300 baht per night, but offers full amenities including air conditioning, hot water, and WIFI. Importantly, its location is very convenient for walking around town and catching buses to Phnom Penh, as the bus station is right in front of the hotel. Besides accommodation, the hotel also has the most famous restaurant in Prey Veng.Read more about guesthouses and hotels in Prey Veng

I also explored other hotels in town, such as Navy Hotel by the lake near the market, which has a nice atmosphere and is suitable for those wanting a lake view. However, the staff spoke little English and the hotel felt too quiet for me, so I decided to stay at Mittapheap for convenience in both lodging and travel.

Food in Prey Veng Province: Rare but worth trying

Food in Prey Veng is a challenge for travelers like me. There are very few restaurants in town. I walked almost everywhere but hardly found any simple eateries or curry rice shops familiar to me. The place I liked most was the restaurant at Mittapheap Hotel, where the owner and staff chatted loudly, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere that made me feel part of the local community.Read recommended food in Prey Veng Province

Additionally, I tried a small shop near Navy Hotel selling grilled pork skewers, fresh French bread served with seasoned papaya salad, and local sausages. Although the sausage was a bit dark in color, it tasted good and gave an authentic local eating experience. Eating local food like this helped me understand the lifestyle of Prey Veng people better. This charm is something tourists should not miss.Watch food clips from Prey Veng

Morning Market and Neak Leung Town: Key Connection Points of the Province

Before reaching Prey Veng town, I stopped at Neak Leung (also spelled Neak Loeang), a lively riverside port town on the Mekong. It is a major ferry crossing connecting routes from Phnom Penh to Svay Rieng and Ho Chi Minh City. Here, the riverside market is bustling with people selling food, fresh produce, and seasonal fruits, especially the famous mangoes of this town and Svay Rieng Province. Mango lovers must try them.
Neak Leung is also where I saw many horse-drawn carts and wagons used for transporting goods. The rural lifestyle of Cambodian people is clearly visible here.Read more about Neak Leung town and local lifestyle

Summary of Experiences and Recommendations by mr.hotsia

For me, Prey Veng Province is ideal for travelers seeking to experience authentic rural Cambodian life. It is not a touristy city crowded with visitors but a small town offering true peace and naturalness. Traveling to Prey Veng may require planning by bus from Phnom Penh or, if coming from nearby provinces like Svay Rieng, by van and motorcycle rental.
Accommodation options are limited, but Mittapheap Hotel is the perfect choice. I enjoyed good lodging, delicious food, and convenient travel back to Phnom Penh.
Activities not to miss include visiting the morning market, exploring the large lake, and tasting the rare local food available in town. Prey Veng still preserves the charm of traditional rural life and tranquility that is rare nowadays.
If you want to try traveling to a less busy province and experience genuine local life, Prey Veng is the sincere recommendation from mr.hotsia.