Prey Pros is a rural village located 16 km northwest of Kampong Thom, capital of the province of the same name. The town is traversed by National Road 6, the main artery connecting Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, and is split in two by a lake, Boeng Prey Pros. The province remains best known to travelers for the archaeological site of Sambor Prei Kuk, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside Angkor and Preah Vihear.

Why stop at Prey Pros

Prey Pros is not a tourism destination in its own right but a rural stop on National Road 6, halfway between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. The village offers a genuine glimpse of the Cambodian countryside: rice paddies, alluvial forests, stilt houses and sugar palms frame the lake. It's a worthwhile stop to break up a long journey, observe village life and complement a visit to Sambor Prei Kuk with a quieter time by the water.

What to see and do

Boeng Prey Pros Lake

The lake structures the village and concentrates most activities. With a local guide, it's possible to board a small boat to explore the water and observe aquatic vegetation. Bringing a picnic is a common practice. In the dry season, swimming is possible from the shallow banks — don't forget sun protection, as shade is scarce in the middle of the day.

Fishing with a local captain

Fishing remains a major economic activity in Cambodge. Ask your guide to put you in touch with a village captain: you'll join him for a session using traditional nets or lines. The experience gives real insight into the techniques used on the country's inland lakes.

Cycling and walks around the lake

The dirt paths circling Boeng Prey Pros are suitable for walking or cycling. The route crosses rice paddies, hamlets and copses, and allows you to encounter the daily life of residents. The village also hosts running and cycling races, notably during Khmer New Year (April) and Pchum Ben (October), two periods when local activity is lively.

When to visit

The dry season, from November to April, is the most comfortable for exploring the village paths and considering a swim in the lake. The rainy season (May to October) swells the alluvial forests and gives the landscape its full splendor, but the trails become muddy. To experience local activity, time your visit to coincide with Khmer New Year (mid-April) or Pchum Ben (late September / early October), when village races take place.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: half a day is enough for a tour of the lake and a boat trip; plan an overnight stay if you want to participate in village life.
• Accommodation: options are limited in Prey Pros itself; the town of Kampong Thom, 16 km away, has more guesthouses and mid-range hotels.
• Guidance: for the boat trip and fishing, using a local guide is recommended — they will make the connection with village captains.
• Essentials: sun protection, water, closed-toe shoes for the trails, mosquito repellent near the lake.

How to get there

Prey Pros sits directly on National Road 6, making access simple from the country's two main tourist hubs. From Phnom Penh, expect about 4 to 5 hours of driving; from Siem Reap, 2 to 3 hours. Most travelers combine the stop with a visit to Kampong Thom and Sambor Prei Kuk, with Prey Pros as a complementary detour. Private taxi, minivan or long-distance bus stopping at Kampong Thom are the most common options; a tuk-tuk from Kampong Thom then takes you to the village.

What to combine in the region

Sambor Prei Kuk, about thirty kilometers away, is the logical stop: this group of pre-Angkorian temples from the 7th century is the province's flagship site. Further along the road to Siem Reap, you can extend your archaeological exploration with Beng Mealea, a temple engulfed by jungle, or with the temple complexes of Bakong and Pre Rup in the Angkor area. Heading toward Phnom Penh, the site of Nokor Bachey, near Kampong Cham, complements an itinerary focused on Khmer heritage well.

Plan your trip

Prey Pros fits naturally into a circuit connecting Phnom Penh to Siem Reap via Kampong Thom and Sambor Prei Kuk. To build a custom itinerary including this rural stop and the country's major sites, consult our trips to Cambodge.