Pursat is Cambodia’s fourth-largest province by area, located in the western part of the country. It borders Battambang to the north, Kampong Chhnang to the east, Kampong Speu and Koh Kong to the south, and Thailand to the west. The province is named after a native tree species and is uniquely positioned between the Tonle Sap Lake and the Cardamom Mountains, offering access to both wetland and mountain ecosystems.
Despite its strategic location and natural diversity, Pursat remains largely unexplored by mass tourism, offering a quiet, authentic experience for those who venture off the usual routes.
Geography and Natural Landscape
Covering 12,692 square kilometers, Pursat offers two distinct landscapes. In the northeast, the land is dominated by fertile plains and rice fields that form part of the Tonle Sap Basin, while the southwestern region is shaped by the Krâvanh (Cardamom) Mountains, a rugged and forested range that stretches to the Thai border.
The province also boasts Phnom Aural, Cambodia’s highest peak at 1,813 meters, located in the southeast. This varied geography provides rich biodiversity and opportunities for both agricultural and ecotourism development.
Population
As of 2007, Pursat had a population of approximately 442,973 people, accounting for about 3.1% of Cambodia’s total population. The population includes 214,651 males and 228,342 females, with a density of 35 people per square kilometer. The population is concentrated in agricultural villages, with many residents living near the Tonle Sap and relying on its resources.
Climate
Pursat experiences a tropical monsoon climate, typical of Cambodia, with distinct wet and dry seasons that support farming and freshwater fisheries. Due to its highland areas, Pursat generally has cooler temperatures than other lowland provinces, except for Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri.
Seasonal Overview:
- Cool Season: November – March (18°C – 28°C)
- Hot Season: March – May (22°C – 34°C)
- Rainy Season: May – October (22°C – 32°C, with humidity up to 90%)
The average annual temperature is about 27°C, making the region suitable for year-round travel, though caution is advised during the final months of the rainy season due to limited road conditions in rural areas.
Economy
Pursat’s economy is largely agricultural, driven by rice farming, fruit cultivation, and fishing, especially in the northern lowlands near the Tonle Sap. The area also supports sandalwood oil harvesting, a highly valued product in Asian markets, although overexploitation of sandalwood trees has become a concern.
In the forested regions, some local incomes are supplemented by the collection of non-timber forest products, and in some cases, by illegal logging of hardwood species. Wildlife poaching remains an issue, despite conservation efforts.
Marble carving is another local specialty, with workshops in Pursat town shaping marble sourced from the Cardamom Mountains into statues and household items sold in local markets.
Pursat Town and Travel
Pursat town, the provincial capital, lies midway between the Tonle Sap and the Cardamom foothills along the Stung Pursat River. While the town itself is modest and quiet, it serves as a convenient base for travelers heading to other destinations like Battambang or Phnom Penh via National Highway No. 5. It is also a stop on the Phnom Penh–Battambang railway line.
Notable sites include:
- Marble workshops near the main bridge
- The tomb of Khleang Meung, a historical figure, located 5 km outside the town
Tonle Sap and Floating Villages
Pursat offers a unique way to experience Cambodia’s floating villages without the crowds. Kompong Luong, one of the most accessible and authentic floating communities, can be visited on a motorbike day trip followed by a local boat ride. Other villages such as Peach Kantil, Kbal Taol, and Prek Kr are only reachable by water from the lake.
These communities offer insight into a lifestyle completely adapted to Cambodia’s seasonal rhythms, with houses, schools, and shops floating on the lake.
Gateway to the Central Cardamoms
Pursat also offers access to the Cardamom Mountains, one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining intact rainforests. A road from Pursat to Veal Veng, a small village located between the Mount Samkos and Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuaries, allows adventurous travelers to explore this forested region.
While facilities in Veal Veng are basic and transport is informal, the route itself offers scenic views, encounters with local communities, and a connection to Cambodia’s ecological richness.
Pursat is a province where agricultural tradition, natural diversity, and cultural authenticity come together. Though still under the radar for many visitors, it presents excellent opportunities for those seeking to explore floating villages, forested highlands, and the rhythms of rural Cambodian life. With its position between the Tonle Sap and the Cardamoms, Pursat stands as a natural gateway between two of Cambodia’s most striking landscapes.
