CLIMATE
The air temperature changes little throughout the course of the year, with the “hot season” in the months of March to April (25oC - 38oC) and the “rainy season” between May and November (23oC – 35oC). It may rain almost daily between July and November, making traveling more difficult and resulting in poor road conditions. In the “hot season” mountainous highland areas such as the Veal Veng district, provide a cool escape and a change of scenery from the lowland Pursat area.
Traveling by ferry on Tonle Sap Lake is advisable only in the dry season, as there is the possibility of bad weather and storms between May and November.
The name Pursat (Po Sat0came from the native word Po Ro Sat, which originated from a legend about a Po tree which floated up the river, germinated and later successfully grew in the province. Later, Po Ro Sat became Po Sat (Pursat) and is now used as the name for the province. Nationally, Pursat province is famous for orange fruit trees, and through its association with the region is knowas Krauch Po Sat (Pursat Orange).
Traditional ways still linger in Purat province, along with strong traces of cultural history and many historic sights. One particularly famous historic site to visit is the Tomb of Kleang Meug. Ohknha Kleang Meug is a Khmer national hero who defeated the Thais in the celebrated battle of 1482. The tomb is situated 6km outside Pursat town in the direction of Battambang.
RIVER BANK PLARK lies along the Pursat rivr, just north of the concrete bridge on the west side of the town. Originally it was constructed in Sangkum Reas Niyum period, before being destroyed by Pol Pot. Latterly, the park has been rebuilt following the instigation and guidance of Mr. H.E. Ung Samy, the Governor of Pursat province. The park is called 14 Makara (14 January), and marks the day of liberation from Pol Pot’s regime in 1979.
The park is especially popular with locals who enjoy picnics, meeting friends or taking an early evening stroll. On the east side of the river, over the northern wooden bridge (Koh Sampov Meas bridge), about 800m away from 14 january Park is an island park, which is also worth a visit.
KOH SAMPOVMEAS island park, lies in the middle of the Pursat River, just in front of the Pursat hospital, 1kkm north of the first main concrete bridge. Although in the process of being upgraded to provincial park for tourists and local residents, it already boosts fine crafted sculptures, depicting figures in Khmer culture.
The name Koh Sampov Meas cames from an ancient legend, related down the generations about a ship, which reportedly became grounded and got stuck on the bottom of the river. Even after the effort of hundreds of local residents, the boat remained and in time became overgrown and grew into a small island, and to this day is called “Koh Sampov Meas” in memory of the ancient legend.
PURSAT NEW MARKET stands along the Pursat riverbank on the west side of the town, about 700m north of the concrete bridge. The market sells everythingfrom agriculture products to electrical goods and jewelry. The fruit stalls are particularly well stocked with an array of fruits, especially the famous local oranges (Kroch Po Sat).
MARBLE AND WOOD CARVING
Pursat province is the only region where marble is found and therefore very famous throughout the County for marble products. Skilful craftsmen can be seen at work sculpting huge Buddha’s or beautiful statues. There are over 160 carving workshops in most districts, except the mountainous Veal Veng district. Most workshops are small private enterprises, although the odd one employs up to 13 craftsmen. Many workshops and in Pursat sell examples of the magnificent marble handiwork, which can make stylish souvenirs.
Another interesting craft place to visit in Bunrany Hun Sen, a vocational craft training centre. It is an ideal place to see and chat to local people, learning time honored traditional crafts such as weaving silk scarves, grass mats, sewing beautiful bags and purses or learning the trade of a sculpture. The centre is located next to Pursat High School on the north side of Pursat, along street No9.
OKNHA KLANG MEUNG
Is the must-see historic site in will be happy to take you and tell you all about the historic hero who committed the ultimate sacrifice for his King and country. It is told that, in an selfless act, Kleang Meug took both his and his families live, to mobilize ghost forces. The story then goes on to say that the ghost forces came to aid the King’s army and helped him to regain his throne. The memory of Oknha Klang Moeurng is aliveand well today and very popular with Cambodian people, who wish to pay their respects at the site in Kampeng Svay village, Snam Preas commune in the Bakan district. Recently, an impressive golden statue has been erected to dedicated to his honor. The tomb is also at the centre of religious festival Loeung Nak Ta, held in May. The Cambodia people believe that they should visit the site each year to pay their respects and in return believe they will have good luck, health and peace. If you only have a couple of hours to spare this is an ideal short trip, as it takes only fifteen minutes to reach. And hiring a motodup should cost approximately $1 USD for a return trip. SIGHTSEEING ALONG THE RIVERBANK
Whilst, in Pursat explore the scenic riverbanks, lined with traditional Khmer wooden housing and many kinds of fruit trees. There are several routes to take: you can either walk or hire a bicycle and go along the gravel road on the east side, 4km north from the concrete bridge to Wat Po, or go over the wooden bridge to the west side and come back to south or you can do a circular route starting at the main concrete bridge, go over to the east side, heading south until you come across the long wooden bridge, then pass over it and you will find yourself on the west side, and your starting point. The circular route in either direction is about 2km. KAMPONG LUONG, TONLE SAP GREAT LAKE
The floationg village of Kompong Luong on the Tonle Sap is most unique and interesting place to visit in Pursat Province. It’s a complete village on water populated by over 10,000 inhabitants. Everyone lives in boats and the whole village moves and down with the level of the water in lake. The town has most of the usual facilities, restaurants, schools and even karaoke bars. There is however nowhere to stay, but it possible to get there and back in a day, as it is between 35km – 40km northeast of pursat. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or moto taxi to Krakor, which is on the way to Kampong Chhnang town, just a few kilometers to the north is the Lake Tonle Sap and the floating village of Kampong Luong. A moto driver from Pursat should be approximately USD $6 per day and the journey should take about ½ hours each day. At Kampong Luong you can charter a boat to show you around and it should cost approximately USD $3/person for an hour, with a maximum of foru tourists allowed per boat. Please contact the Tonle Sap Boating agency for more information or the Department of Tourism will assist in obtaining all necessary information.
CHROK LA EING WATERFALL
Chrak La Eang waterfall is a sight of natural beauty, with views of waterfall and forests. Visitors can swim or slide down the cascading river or relax in the calmer 2km stretch of steam. To get there, head for Chheu Tom commune, Krakor district, and 73kkm southeast of Pursat town and about 41kkm from Krakor market. It takes approximately 2 hours on a motorbike and 11/2hourse driving in a pick- up from Pursat. A Motodup should cost approximately USD $10-15 for a return trip and price is negotiable.
PHNOM LANG TRACH
Is a beautiful mountain region, lying along road No 55, it’at an elevation of about 50-130m, with tall gallery forests and large natural boulders. The site is 49km southeast of Pursat town or, 17km south of Krakor market, situated in Svay Sor commune. Krakor district is to be found in the same direction to Chrak La Ean and takes only on hour to get there byroad, either by motorbike and pick-up. A morodup charges about USD $8 for a return trip from Pursat an charges about USD $3 both ways from Krakor. Remember to agree the price before you leave.
ODAR
Odar, a beautiful popular natural sight and situated along Kravanh mountain chain, 55km south of Pursat town and 26km from Phnom Kravanh district. Along both sides of the winding road, you can see forested hills; hear birds and seasonal cicadas humming. It takes only 11/2 – 2 hours to get there in the dry season by motorcycle and should costs $10 -15 for both ways. Unfortunately, the sight is not accessible in the rainy season.
L’BAC KAMRONH
For a beautiful all year round river, visit L’Bak Kamronh, another natural sight lies along road No56, (Pursat-Veal Veng district) and 53km southwest of Pursat town. It is situated in Ang Krong village, Samrong commune Phnom Kravanh district. Cascading water flows over the many rising boulders during the whole dry season. It takes 1 hour driving in a pick-up and 11/2 hours driving a motorbike. A motordup costs $8 for both ways.
PHNOM LOK
Phnom Lok is a famous mountain site where a Buddhist once monk lived on retreat and in solitude for most of his life. It is opposite L’Bac Kamrouh, next to National road No56 on the right side (from east to west). The local mountain was named, by local people, after the monk (Lok) and now known as Phnom Lok (Monk mountain) forever.
WAT SBOV REACH
Wat Sbov Reach is a Buddhist temple which has been restored to its former glory and is located in Sbov Reach village, Leach commune, Kravanh district. The original Wat was built at least 400 years ago.
VEAL VENG
Is located in southwestern Pursat province and 125km from Pursat town. Three guesthouses have recently sprung up in Pramoy, providing affordable accommodation (USD $5 per night). Several restaurants cater with local food, although take your phrase book, as English is not widely spoken and menus are in Khmer. For those wanting to step off the beaten track, Veal Veng offers an opportunity to visit a developing eco-tourism destination. For a rural/jungle experience plan to spend 3-7 days exploring the area, maybe climbing the second tallest mountain in Cambodia,-Phnom Samkos (1,717m), or maybe Phnom Tumpor. Local guides can be hired at USD $5 per day and a good guide may even be able to show you signs of elephants, sun bears and even tigers (although bear in mind this is very rare). The best time to visit is between November to February, as leeches are very common in the rainy season!
The town of Pramoy, Veal Veng was one of the last outposts of the Khmer Rouge, and is now growing quite rapidly due to successful Landmine clearing. A high percentage of people have migrated from other districts but some ethnic people still remain – the Por, although most can be found in the O Som commune. It takes about 3 hours to reach Veal Venh and several shared taxis leave Pursat each day from local taxi station, eastern old market. To secure enough space inside, its worth paying a little extra for two seats USD $5 one way trip. If you wander why the taxi is stopping just before the district centre (18km before Pramoy) it is because local people wish to pray to the soul of grandfather “Kry” who has historically been the area protector, and it is reputed that his magic soul still protects the area secretly.
DOMESTIC PRODUCTS
Oranges are special fruit in Pursat Province. This orchards are located in Dob Bath, Roleap village, Sampov Meas and Bak Chenh Chean commune, Phnom Kravanh district. Oranges are usually displayed and sold in the market along the sidewalk on the eastern side of Pursat market.
FISH PRODUCTS
Tonle Sap Great Lake provides a richarray of fish species, a valuable year-round source of protein for each Khmer household. Local fishermen also distribute many thousands of tones daily all over the country or export to neighboring countries, especially to Thailand. Prahok, smoked fish, salty and sour fish are particularly popular locally and available in the Krakor market or can also be purchased all along the road No5 or on the western side of the Pursat market.
PALM SUGAR PRODUCTS
The region is also famous for palm products, due to a high density of palm trees in the area. Pursat farmers have developed a long history of extracting sugar from the palm trees and use the palm tree yield to supplement other agricultural activities. In the province 80% are involved with rural agriculture and palm sugar production is particularly important, especially in the T’not Chum commune, Krakor district. On average year one tone of palm sugar can be extracted which earns each family about two hundred dollars. Each palm tree provides 6 liters palm a day, equivalent to about 1kg of palm sugar). The palm leaves are also used to weave mats, decorative souvenirs and its hard wood makes excellent tables and chairs and smaller souvenirs such as bowls, cups and salad serving spoons.
Koh Thas, Private Site
Koh Thas is a new island resort created in early 2009, located in Bachin Chien Commune in Kravanh District. To visit Koh Thas from Pursat, you must travel five minutes west along National Road 5 heading towards Battambang until you see a large white entrance gate for Oknha Klang Meung historical shrine on the hand side of the road 56 to Veal Venh District. Take a left here and travel through the gate. After one and a half kilometer you will see the historical shrine. Continue following the red dirt road five kilometers until the road ends and you must turn right or left. Here you should turn right and follow this road for eight kilometers until you see the Koh Thas sigh. At the sign, turn left and go one kilometer until you see the island. The trip should take no more that forty minutes. A moto ride is six dollars round trip and a Motoreumork ride should be around 15 dollars round trip depending on the numbers of passengers.
In the past the island was known by locals as O’rumchong Island. The original name derives from the saying “On Rong Cham” which means “I wait for you” the name comes from a local folklore love story about a girl who waits for a boy she love so long that she returns to stone. More recently the island’s name has changed to Koh Thas because the island is flat and shaped like a tray for serving food. In Khmer culture, food is often served on a tray during formal occasions to show respect to elders.
To access the island you must cross a narrow suspension bridge that hangs above the Pursat River. One on the island, there are many small huts with straw roofs where you can relax and eat a variety of traditional Khmer food, If it is a hot day you can swim or rent a pedal boat shaped like a duck or a swan. If you ‘re on the adventurous side, you can strap yourself into a harness and glide along a cable cord that hangs above the Pursat River. Overall Koh Thas is a wonderful place to relax and take in Khkmer culture. | 
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