Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos

Pursat Province, Cambodia’s fourth-largest, stretches from the remote forests of Phnom Samkos, on the Thai border, eastwards to the fishing villages and marshes of Tonlé Sap lake. Famed for its oranges, it encompasses the northern reaches of the Cardamom Mountains, linked with the town of Pursat by disreputable roads.

You know you've hit Pursat town when huge marble monument shops begin to rim the roadside – if you're in the market for a life-size statue of a rearing horse, you're in the right place. This dusty provincial capital, known for its carvers, is no beauty but it makes a good base for a day-trip to the floating village of Kompong Luong or an expedition into the wilds of the Central Cardamoms.

Best time to visit

Cambodia has a warm and humid tropical climate that is a very pleasant to explore nearly all year round. The rainy season is appreciated for its ability to help with cultivating the various different crops. The average temperature on the Cambodia vacation tours during the cool season is 18°C to 28°C and runs from November to March. The hot season is in the region of 22°C to 34°C which runs from March to May, with April the hottest month. This might be a period to avoid for the traveller that prefers not to explore the sights in intense heat. The rainy season has a temperature range of 22° to 32°C with nearly 90% humidity, and runs from May to October. If planning to visit during the rainy season it is important to pack the light jacket or other protective wear to stay dry and comfortable.

Also, the average temperature is generally lower in Pursat compared to most other regions of Cambodia with the exception to the Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri province.

Check the below table for the general idea of Pursat weather throughout the year.

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 30.6 26.6 20.8
Feb 32.5 28.5 23.1
Mar 34.2 30.3 25.1
Apr 35.2 31.1 26.1
May 34.5 30.4 26.5
Jun 33.4 29.6 25.8
Jul 32.5 29.1 25.5
Aug 31.9 28.8 25.5
Sep 31.2 28.5 25.5
Oct 31 28.2 25.2
Nov 31.1 27.9 24.1
Dec 30.4 26.8 21.8

Pursat’s current weather and 7-day forecast

PURSAT WEATHER

Here are top things to see & do in Pursat:

1. Bak Tra Resort

The Bak Tra Resort, Pursat is a very popular destination in the area and it should not be missed. The beauty of the place will surely amaze you like none else. You can reach the Bak Tra Resort, Pursat with ease as there are numerous means of transport available and you can avail hem to reach this spot.

The Bak Tra Resort, Pursat is a natural resort that is worth paying a visit to. You need to travel for about 16 kilometers if you are staying at the provincial capital of Pursat. You need to take the Road Number 56 to reach the Kra Vanh District.
The Bak Tra Resort, Pursat is indeed very beautiful with a small mountain that is about 50 meters in height. There is a forest area as well that has a rich foliage of Thlong trees. There is also a canal and a perennial well in the area. All of these adds to the charm of the place and you should not miss it.

2. Cardamom Mountains

Check the Koh Kong chapter for information on the fried from Koh Kong to Pailin, which cuts through the Cardamom Mountains on the western edge of Pursat province. The Cardamom Mountains of Koh Kong and Pursat provinces are said to be the most pristine wilderness area remaining in Southeast Asia. This ride takes you through the area.The Cardamom Mountains are located in southwest Cambodia. The western edge of the Cardamom region abuts the Thai border, while the easternmost part ends about sixty miles northwest of the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. The region's area is 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares). The highest point in the range (and in Cambodia) is Mount Aural, at 1,813 meters (5,946 feet). There are five main rivers that run through the Cardamoms, creating dozens of waterfalls. About 25,000 people live in this region, some of whom are ethnic minorities, such as the Porr.

3. Floating Village of Lake Tonle Sap

Floating Village of Lake Tonle Sap is heading east from Pursat town, about one-third of the way to Kampong Chhnang town is the town of Krakor. Just a few kilometers to the north are Lake Tonle Sap and the floating village of Kampong Loo-uhng. It?s a complete village on the water populated mostly by Vietnamese fishermen. You can arrange for a small non-motorized boat to show you.

4. Kam Pong Luong Resort

Kampong Luong is a natural site located on the Tonle Sap in Kampong Luong commune, Krakor district, about 35 kilometers east of Pursat provincial town. The site is a sand cape suitable for swimming during the dry season. During the rainy season, especially during Pchumben, many cambodians gather there to play Chaol Teuk Leak (a traditional Khmer game, played by throwing water on one another) on the river. The game can be dangerous, however, because it is often played while in small boats.

There are four other sites that Pursat residents prefer to visit. They include:

-Kampeng: located in Pro Ngil village, Por Ngil commune, Kravanh district, about 20 kilometers from the provincial town.

-Phnom Dak Preah: located in Roleap village, Roleap commune, Pursat district, about 10 kilometers from the provincial town.

-Koh Sampeou Meas: located in front of the provincial hall in the middle of Pursat Island. It covers 2 hectares. Preah Theat: located in Sre Sdok village, Sre Sdok commune, Kan Deang district, about 20 kilometers from the provincial town.
This sites in Pursat province cater mostly to local people who visit them, especially on holidays or during the traditional festivals.Once past the mouth of the Tonle Sap, the floating village of Kompong Luong is found 30 kilometers into the lake, on its southwest shore. It's truly a floating village, with a large population of Vietnamese fishermen.Almost totally overlooked by tourists because of its remoteness and difficult access, the village is completely self-sufficient. A floating school, factories to make ice for fish preservation, church, pagoda, service stations, pigsty, stores, boat or television repair shops, video club, karaoke bar, police station… everything is on the water. All trades are represented and everybody from children to grandparents goes by boat through the network of canals that cross this little town.

5. Leach Village

It is visited by both locals and foreign tourists. The scenic beauty of the Leach Village, Pursat matched with the rich rustic tradition has made it a very popular tourist spot.Travelers also undertake excursion trips to the Leach Village in Pursat. Travelers and nature lovers from all over the world visit the place to have a feel of the pastoral atmosphere. The Leach Village, Pursat is also easily accessible. It is around 27 kms from the main town center of Pursat.

Leach Village is also a well known center of sandalwood production in the country. The nearby forests close to the Cardamom Mountains are home to sandal trees which serve the wood for the industries. The sandalwood is used for perfumes. Travelers can visit the local sandalwood firms and have an experience of the local production techniques. Travelers can also experience the local houses which are wonderfully designed.Various travel agencies organize trips to the Leach Village, Pursat. The trips are mostly done in shuttle buses or cars. The route is very charming and enjoyable. Useful information about the trip can be obtained from the travel tips and the tourist office.

6. Luaing Trach

Luaing Trach is located in Lang Trach village, Svay Sa Commune, KraKor district, about 49 kilometers (1h:30mn) from Provincial Town. It is Nature & Wildlife Preserves.

7. O'Da Rapids

O'Da Rapids is a river picnic area that the locals head out to on weekends to have a swim and kick back for a while about 52 km from town. There are Thais and Khmers working on building a logging road to extract timber from the area, which is why the river is now accessible for the locals on a fairly good gravel road for much of the way. The location is not really something to write home about, but the ride out gives you a chance to see life in the pursat countryside. To get there, turn left (if coming from Phnom Penh) at the small Caltex station (same as going to the hill temple). Down the road, 27 km from the turn, you come to the town of Leach, follow the curve of the right. At 0.7 km past that, turn left you will then see a mountain ahead. At 52.5 km past the Caltex turn, you arrive at a gate with entry fees listed, although there was nobody there to collect when I visited. The fees are listed in Khmer script, from 500 riel to 5,000 riel, depending upon whether you had a motorcycle; car of just came with others. Go beyond the gate to find the river and picnic areas.
A nice drive through rural farm country, followed by rolling forested hills, is what you get on the way to this hill temple area. With large boulders and trees lining the temple area, it's a favorite spot for the locals on Sundays and holidays. There are footpaths leading to the different temples and monuments throughout the area. There are food and drink stands near the parking area. To get there just head east from the river bridge on National Hwy5 (towards Phnom Penh) and turn right at the small Caltex gas station-you go under a brick and metal mesh gateway. Just follow this road for about twenty of twenty- five minutes (around 14 km) and you will see the hilltop temple in the distance on the left. Turn left at the blue white pillars.

8. Phnom Ba Klas

Phnom Ba Klas is a natural and cultural site located in Tnaot Chum Village, Tnaot Chum cmmune, Krakor district, about 20 kilometers east of the provincial town. The site affords visitors beautiful scenery and abundant fresh air. The near by mountains are filled with a small fruit trees, especially Kuy and Sei moan, which are popular among visitors. An old, crumbling pagoda still contains many statues and sculptures. Khmer people still come there to worship.

9. Phnom Baykhlor Resort

Pnhom Baykhlor Resorts is the natural and cultural resort. It is located at Thuaut Chum village, Thnaut Chum commune, Ko Kor District in 20-Kilometer distance from the provincial town of Pursat by the National Road N0 5 then turning right more 12 Kilometers to the East. This resort consists of:

- Beautiful scenery for tourists.

- Mountain and forest.

- Broken ancient statues and other varied sculpt.

It is a nice place to spend a day while you are out on Pursat tours. The natural beauty of the place and the exotic surroundings are sure to allure you. The beautiful scenery and the wide range of features make Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat a delightful spot and also a place worth visiting. Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat is one of the major tourist attractions in Pursat that attract the visitors with its scenic beauty and exquisiteness. There are a few resorts and fascinating places to visit while out on sightseeing in Pursat and among them Phnom Baykhlor Resort is one of the lovely places.

Phnom Baykhlor Resort in Pursat is located at Thuaut Chum village, Thnaut Chum commune, Ko Kor District. It is about 20 kilometers from the provincial town of Pursat. It is easily accessible from the town and you can reach here by taking the National Road N0 5 then turning right and driving about 12 kilometers to the East. It is visited by many vacationers seeking complete relaxation and also family units for spending a fun filled and a pleasurable day. It appeals to all sections of the society- small and big, young and the old. Well known for its beautiful scenery, Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat is a favorite with the tourists who could also capture some of the most amazing pictures. The resort also consists of broken ancient statues and there are interesting sculptures also that can be found here. The diverse landscapes and the beauty of the mountains and forests surrounding it further add a charm to Phnom Baykhlor Resort, Pursat.

10. Scenic Drive to Wat Bpahk- Dtrow

Scenic Drive to Wat Bpahk-Dtrow a nice drive through rural farm country, followed by rolling forested hills, is what you get on the way to this hill temple area. With large boulders and trees lining the temple area, it's a favorite spot for the locals on Sundays and holidays. There are footpaths leading to the different temples and monuments throughout the area. There are food and drink stands near the parking area.

To get there just head east from the river bridge on National Road No.5 (towards Phnom Penh) and turn right at the small Caltex gas station-you go under a brick and metal mesh gateway. Just follow this road for about twenty of twenty- five minutes (around 14 km) and you will see the hilltop temple in the distance on the left. Turn left at the blue white pillars.

11. Venerable Site of Neak Ta Khleang Moeang

Neak Ta Khleang Moeang is the main historical site in Cambodia and located at Snam Preah Commune, Ba Kan District, about 6 kilometers south of Pursat provincial town.

The site is the sacred place prayed and worshipped by tourists who come from the near and far areas. This venerable site has a statue of Neak Ta Khleang Moeang respected and worshipped by the Cambodian people. The statue is newly made in 1993 and put at the right place because the ancient statue is completely damaged by the civil war.

12. Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River

Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River, Pursat is one of the main areas of interest for the tourists arriving at Pursat to spend a day or two during the Tour of Cambodia. Counted among the popular sites it is included in a day's tour of the sites. Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat is the temple that is located to the southern bend of the river.

A visit here is a highly enjoyable experience and the setting quite picturesque. Driving on National Highway 5 that connects Pursat with other Cambodian cities will give a view of Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River. The visitors will find a new Wat being constructed at the temple site. Locals go there for a day's picnic by the riverside. If you intend to cross the river opt for the wooden bridge across the river road that connects the two ends of the river.

After touring the temple site, move further north of the bridge and you reach the white sandy beach that keeps pulling visitors during the weekend. A scenic drive to Wat Preh S'dai and Pursat River is worth enjoying and tourist will relish the experience for a long time.

Pursat has plenty of places to stay in and around town for the budget friendly and more upmarket travellers on the Indochina tour packages.

For the traveller that wants to experience the most comfort in Pursat it is worth booking a room at the KM Hotel, this is a large hotel with 146 rooms that offers really good value and includes the large spacious rooms with new beds, air-con and flat-screen TVs. Some of the bathrooms can be a letdown with old showers, but guests to this hotel also get access to two large swimming pools. This hotel is well located and within 2 minutes from the local train station. Additionally, this hotel has an attached restaurant that serves a variety of international classics and Asian specialties.

The Pursat Century Hotel is centrally located in town with the well proportioned rooms including air conditioning, cable TV, a private terrace, mini fridge and en-suite bathroom. The private restaurant for guests serves a wide range of international and Vietnamese dishes. Also, this hotel has room service available and a great outdoor swimming pool.

A visit to the Phnom Pich Hotel is certain to be appreciated with its very clean and spacious rooms with air-con, satellite TV and Western-style bathrooms. The hotel is conveniently located on the West Bank of the River 200m from the main bridge. The in-house restaurant has a great reputation. The cost per night is in the region of $6-$15.

The Thmar Keo Guesthouse is a low-cost place to stay with simple rooms including a single bed, western bath and fan, which costs about $5 per night. But for those that wish to upgrade to include air-con the price can go up to $10 per night. Plus, this guest house has a great location close to the market and river.

Even though the Vimean Sourkear Hotel looks quite dated from the outside, it is outfitted with the essential amenities inside with hot water and air-con rooms. Plus, this is likely to be the cheapest place to stay with air-con as standard.

A stay at the Tounsour Hotel on the Cambodia Package Holiday gives an experience that is quite similar to the Phnom Pich Hotel in relation to quality of service and room amenities. The very spacious and clean rooms are equipped with air-con, satellite TV and western-style bathroom. The price to stay the night at the Tounsour Hotel is $5 to $10.

The Hotel Orchidee is located just off National Highway No 5 and a friendly place operated by a mother-daughter partnership. There is a good common living area with a TV, while the hotel also features plenty of nice Khmer artwork. Most of the rooms include an attached bathroom with hot water and western-style bath. The cost per night is $7 to $10 – the most expensive rooms include air-con.

Similar to the restaurants in cities like Kampong Chhnang many of the places in town start to close quite early (about 9 PM). There are low-cost choices for tasty food in the local area, including the noodle cook shops and food stalls. They are quite close to the market area near national highway No 5, as well as several decent restaurants.

The Magic Fish Restaurant is found along the riverside in an area that is north of the Khmer Rouge-era dam. There is no English signage, so you need to look for a bright yellow coloured building on the right-hand side as you drive through town. This restaurant specializes in the fish-based Khmer dishes with prices costing in the region of 8000 to 15,000 Riel for the main course meal.

A visit to the Reak Smey Angkor Restaurant is certain to be appreciated by the Khmer tour groups. This is a family run restaurant that offers a varied mix of local favourites, with plenty of choices in the fried rice and noodle soup range. Plus, a western-style menu that serves the breakfast plates and omelettes.

The Lam Siveeng Restaurant is a great place for a hearty breakfast and serves French bread, omelettes and espresso for the duration of the day. Most of the staff is able to communicate in English.
 

How to get there

The best route to visit Pursat on the Cambodia tour packages is along national highway No 5 that runs from Phnom Penh to Battambang. A bus ride from Phnom Penh can cost in the region of $5 or from Battambang the cost is $2.50. Most of the bus services offer regular trips throughout the morning and early afternoon. The overall travel time from Battambang is only about 1.5 hours, while the travelers arriving from Phnom Penh can expect a travel time closer to 4 hours. The most reliable bus services seem to include Capitol Tour and Sorya.  

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

Other travel options include using the rail service that also travels between Phnom Penh and Battambang with plenty of stops en route. But this travel option is quite limited with only one or two services per week. While the train journey can be very scenic, it can be agonizingly slow and is usually completed over the course of two days.

Get around

Most of the places to visit in the central town are manageable on foot. There are also plenty of places to hire a motodop including near the train station, bus stations and market. A typical cost is in the region of 1000 Riel to anywhere in town. For those planning a day trip out of town to Kampong Luang you can expect to pay about $5-$8. It is also possible to hire the services of the tuk-tuk. For the tourists that likes to self explore and rent a motorbike, they are widely available from many of the local hotels that are rented all-day, half day, or full day basis.

Contact us to get more information

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN Cambodia
Siem Reap
Siem Reap

Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake

One of the most fish abundant lakes in the world and supports 360 floating villages and thousands of waterbirds.

Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh

Battambang
Battambang

Sihanoukville
Sihanoukville

Koh Rong Island
Koh Rong Island

image
24-hour response
guaranteed!
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision. Check below our recommended plans regarding the theme you prefer or what you can do based on the time frame you have

Cambodia PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Cambodia PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
image
Already got a plan? REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Cambodia TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDE

Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!
WHAT MORE? Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

Best Time to Visit
bee-white Best Time to Visit
Tourist Visa Policy
bee-white Tourist Visa Policy
Budget & Currency
bee-white Budget & Currency
Getting Flight There
bee-white Getting Flight There
Getting Around
bee-white Getting Around
Vaccinations
bee-white Vaccinations
Local Etiquette
bee-white Local Etiquette
Safety & Precautions
bee-white Safety & Precautions
Tipping Customs
bee-white Tipping Customs
Useful addresses
bee-white Useful addresses
Internet & Phone
bee-white Internet & Phone
Buying & Bargaining
bee-white Buying & Bargaining
Packing List
bee-white Packing List
Travel Insurance
bee-white Travel Insurance
Cambodia BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

How long to spend in Cambodia may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out. 

How long can you stay in Cambodia? 

Well, as long as you like! From 7 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Cambodia and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Cambodia is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Cambodia with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Cambodia.

...more

After nearly two years of restricting international arrivals as part of Covid-19 prevention measures, Cambodia yesterday become the first country in Southeast Asia to drop the requirements for both pre-travel PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test and on-arrival rapid antigen test for fully vaccinated travellers into the Kingdom.

...more

Cambodia has abolished the need for a PCR negative test obtained 72 hours before arrival and rapid test upon arrival in Cambodia. They also enable to visa-on arrival system on the strike to facilitate the reopening process of the tourism sector as reported on March 17th, 2022.

...more

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, who is well known to Cambodians, has returned to the Kingdom for the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020.

In the past, the American film star directed the film First They Killed My Father here after starring in Tomb Raider, released in 2001, which is considered the first international movie in modern times to introduce the wonder of Angkor Wat to a wider, western audience.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Vietnam
bee-white Vietnam
A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.
Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
loading
back top