Travel to Prey Veng Province

Travel to Prey Veng Province, Cambodia

When talking about Prey Veng, a small province north of Svay Rieng in Cambodia, many might not be familiar with the name or have only heard of it as a passing town on the way to northern Cambodia. But for me, mr.hotsia, visiting this province was a unique and deeper experience beyond just passing through.

Prey Veng is a quiet town with rural charm that strongly preserves the traditional lifestyle of the Cambodian people. I traveled here starting from Svay Rieng Province, taking a van from Svay Rieng to Neak Leung, a riverside town on the Mekong River that is even livelier than Prey Veng itself.

Neak Leung is an important Mekong River crossing point with a ferry that can carry cars across. It was also where I saw locals transporting goods with horse carts and ox carts running alongside cars on the road. This blend of rural life and modernity is rare to find in many places.

From Neak Leung, I rented a motorcycle and rode about 30 kilometers into Prey Veng town. The fare was just over 100 baht, which is very cheap considering the experience of seeing the villagers' way of life along the way.

Travel from Phnom Penh to Prey Veng

For general tourists who cannot travel from Svay Rieng, traveling from Phnom Penh is the most convenient option. There are buses going directly to Prey Veng or passing through Kampong Cham, both convenient and frequently available.

Upon arriving in Prey Veng, I stayed at Mittapheap Hotel, pronounced “Mitpieb.” This hotel is located next to a gas station and the bus station to Phnom Penh, making it convenient for returning and strolling around town. The hotel is affordable at around 300 baht, with WiFi, hot water, and air conditioning, making it a great value for here.

There are not many hotels to choose from in Prey Veng town. Besides Mittapheap, there is the Navy Hotel located by Lake Ta Klay Market, but this hotel is better suited for those driving themselves as it is inconvenient to get into town and quite quiet. I once considered staying there but ultimately chose Mittapheap for its convenience and livelier atmosphere.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle in Prey Veng Town

Walking around Prey Veng town, I felt the simplicity of village life. Horse carts and ox carts still run on the roads alongside cars, a rare sight nowadays but one that gives this town its unique charm.

The large lake adjacent to the town is a source of livelihood for locals through fishing and agriculture. Around the lake, villagers sell goods by the roadside, laying out food and various items on their heads. This is a scene I always find impressive whenever I visit.

Local Food Not to Miss in Prey Veng

Speaking of food in Prey Veng, I must say that restaurants here are quite rare and there are not many typical rice-and-curry shops. I tried local dishes at the most famous restaurant in Mittapheap Hotel, as well as lakeside eateries and the Navy Hotel nearby.

Mittapheap Restaurant is highly recommended because the owner and staff shout and chat loudly in a fun way, creating a lively atmosphere. Most customers are local villagers who understand each other well.

My favorite dish was grilled pork sold nearby, served with warm French bread, papaya salad, and local sausages. Although the sausages were a bit dark, they tasted good and matched the atmosphere of eating like a local. I usually order authentic local food to truly absorb the lifestyle of Prey Veng people.

If you want to know more about the food and restaurants in Prey Veng Province in detail, you can read the articleRecommended Food in Prey Veng Provincewhere I have fully shared my experience.

Travel Routes and Planning

For travelers interested in visiting Prey Veng Province, I recommend planning to continue to Kampong Cham Province, which is north of Prey Veng. Then, if you enjoy nature and northern culture, you can head up to Mondulkiri or Ratanakiri.

Personally, traveling from Svay Rieng to Prey Veng was a great experience because I got to see the authentic Cambodian way of life by riding and walking around the local town, not just passing through like typical tourists.

Additional Information and Useful Links

For more detailed information about Prey Veng Province and Neak Leung town, an important Mekong River crossing point, you can read the articlesTravel to Prey Veng ProvinceandNeak Leung (Neak Loeang) Townrespectively.

Additionally, I have recorded videos and food reviews in Prey Veng Province, which you can watch atPrey Veng food - Cuisine of Prey Veng Province, Cambodiato experience the atmosphere and local flavors up close.

In summary, traveling to Prey Veng Province with me, mr.hotsia, is not just visiting a small passing town but opening new experiences that I want everyone to try. A quiet place with simple lifestyles and food that still retains authentic traditional flavors.