Things To Do
in Prey Veng

Prey Veng, Cambodia sits in the heart of rural southeast Cambodia, where riverine life and rice paddies shape everyday rhythms. The town and surrounding villages offer a slower pace, friendly locals, and a window into traditional Khmer life. Markets bustle with fresh produce, fish, and herbs, while pagodas and temples provide quiet spaces for reflection.

Day trips reveal countryside scenery, clay-red earth, and tropical vegetation that is distinctly Cambodian in character.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Prey Veng
morning
:

Arrive at Prey Veng and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the charming town to get a feel for the local culture. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, trying out delicious Khmer dishes.

afternoon
:

Visit the Prey Veng District Museum to learn more about the area's rich history and heritage. Engage with friendly locals at the nearby markets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Capture some stunning photos of the local architecture and landscapes.

evening
:

Indulge in a traditional Cambodian dinner at a well-recommended restaurant. Experience the local nightlife, perhaps catching a traditional dance performance. Relax at your hotel while reflecting on your first day in this exceptional region.

day 2
Exploring Khmer Heritage
morning
:

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour to the ancient temple of Wat Pashut. Marvel at the intricate carvings and unique architecture that exemplify Khmer heritage. Engage with local guides who share fascinating tales about the temple's significance.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the tranquil banks of the Mekong River. Spend the afternoon cycling around the lush countryside, enjoying the scenic views and vibrant rice paddies. Stop at a local farm to learn about traditional farming techniques.

evening
:

Return to town for an authentic street food experience, tasting various local delicacies. Find a spot near the river to unwind and enjoy the sunset over the water. Spend the evening mingling with locals at a nearby cultural event or festival, if available.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-5
Coffee or tea$0.5-2
🥟Street food snack$0.5-2
🛏️Budget hotel room (per night)$8-25
🚲Bike rental (per day)$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed small-town vibe and friendly locals
  • Rich countryside imagery and authentic Khmer culture
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Fewer English speakers outside town centers
  • "Sous-dey" - Hello
  • "Orkun" - Thank you
  • "Ot" - No
  • "Som toh" - Please / Excuse me
  • "Knyom men teng" - I don’t understand
  • "Aoy teng neak mee?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Prey Veng

Visit one of these nice places.

Prey Veng Riverside at Dawn

Golden light over rice paddies and a calm river; a serene setting for wide landscapes and reflections.

Town Pagodas and Market Arcades

Colorful shrine roofs, intricate carvings, and morning market activity provide vibrant cultural photography.

Rice Paddies at Dounkeo Village

Patchwork fields, palm groves, and locals at work create authentic rural scenes.

Market Street Life

Dynamic street photography with vendors, bicycles, and visitors in daily life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Prey Veng

Cambodian cuisine blends fragrant herbs, rice, and river fish with a balance of sour, sweet, salty, and garlic-forward flavors. In Prey Veng you’ll encounter home-style Khmer cooking served in simple settings, often with river fish and fresh herbs from the market.

Prey Veng Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fish Amok

A fragrant fish curry steamed in banana leaves, a signature Khmer dish often found at riverside eateries and guesthouses.

Must-Try!

Kuy Teav

Noodle soup typically enjoyed for breakfast; savory broth with pork or beef and fresh herbs.

Num Banh Chok

Khmer rice noodles with a fish gravy and herbs, commonly bought from market stalls.

Lok Lak

Peppery marinated beef served with rice, greens, and a lime-pepper dip.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Prey Veng Central Market

Bustling market with fresh produce, herbs, river fish, and snack stalls; a great place to sample local bites.

Route 3 Riverfront stalls

Evening street-food stalls along the riverbank offering grilled meats, fried snacks, and fruit shakes.

Climate Guide

Weather

Prey Veng has a tropical monsoon climate with a wet season typically from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon showers; winters are mild and comfortable by Cambodian standards.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Temple etiquette

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove hats, and remove shoes where required. Speak softly and show respect to monks and elders.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially children; avoid sensitive moments and religious ceremonies without consent.

Safety Guide

Safety

General safety is similar to other rural Cambodian towns: watch for petty theft in crowded markets, use reputable transport, and avoid walking alone at night on poorly lit roads. Drink bottled water, verify food freshness, and follow local advice during heavy rains or floods.

Tipping in Prey Veng

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Cambodia, tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Service charges are not always included, so rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common in nicer places; smaller tips for guides and drivers are welcome.

Payment Methods

Cash is king in rural areas; Cambodian riel and US dollars are widely accepted. Credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted in some shops and guesthouses, but carry cash for markets and street food.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; carry water, wear hat and sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun.

Monsoon (May-Oct)

Heavy rainfall in many months; plan for muddy roads and occasional flooding; waterproof bags and appropriate footwear recommended.

Dry Season (Nov-Apr)

Pleasant temperatures with lower humidity; great for outdoor activities and photography; evenings can be cool.

Nightlife Guide

Prey Veng at Night

In Prey Veng, nightlife is low-key compared to larger cities. Most evenings center on riverside cafes, local markets, and small eateries. Some guesthouses host informal gatherings or live music; expect casual atmospheres with friendly crowds rather than club scenes.

Hiking in Prey Veng

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Countryside Village Walks

Gentle trails through rice fields and villages; easy half-day hikes.

Riverside Nature Walk

Scenic paths along local waterways with birdlife and palm groves.

Airports

How to reach Prey Veng by plane.

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)

The main international gateway to Cambodia; about a few hours' drive from Prey Veng; many international connections and domestic flights.

Siem Reap International Airport (REP)

Regional gateway for northern Cambodia; longer drive from Prey Veng but good for connecting to Angkor region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Prey Veng town is compact with walkable streets, especially in the market and riverside areas. Outside town, roads can be uneven and distances between villages may require a bicycle or motorbike ride. Traffic is light by large-city standards but local sharing of road space with motorbikes and bicycles is common.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Khmer

The vast majority of residents; Buddhist practices shape daily life.

Cham Muslims

A minority community with distinct traditions present in some villages.

Vietnamese/Chinese minorities

Small communities involved in trade and local markets.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Most popular sport, with local leagues and informal pickup games in towns and villages.

Traditional Khmer martial arts (Pradal Sambath)

Local martial art practiced by some communities; seen in demonstrations and cultural events.

Transportation

Traffic

Road traffic in Prey Veng is lighter than Phnom Penh. Motorbikes, bicycles, and tuk-tuks are common for short trips. Public transport is limited; car and motorbike rentals are common for longer day trips. Expect dusty roads in dry seasons and muddy paths during the monsoon.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Prey Veng.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Khmer dishes can be made meat-free by requesting vegetables, tofu, or mushroom alternatives. Sticking to rice, fresh vegetables, and tofu-based dishes is common; inform kitchen staff about no meat or fish.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are primarily district clinics and a provincial hospital in the region. For serious medical needs or surgeries, travel to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap may be required; bring any needed medications and consider travel insurance with medical coverage.

Discover Cambodia

Read more in our Cambodia 2025 Travel Guide.

Cambodia Travel Guide