Veal Veng Upgrades Roads, Lights and Sites to Grow Ecotourism Around Pursat's Phnom 1500
Veal Veng district in Pursat province is widening roads, adding streetlights and planting 835 flowering trees at its mountains and waterfalls as Cambodia promotes nature-based tourism beyond its temples.
Veal Veng, a mountainous district of Pursat province in western Cambodia, is upgrading its roads, lighting and visitor sites to draw more travellers to its forests, waterfalls and streams. Local officials presented the work to journalists during a media tour on 23 October 2026, as Cambodia steps up efforts to promote nature-based destinations alongside its famous temples.
Key points
- Veal Veng district in Pursat province has planted 835 flowering trees at tourism sites, including 440 peacock flower trees around Phnom 1500.
- Main roads and routes to waterfalls have been widened and streetlights installed.
- Rubbish bins and environmental awareness signs have been placed at tourism sites.
- Provincial authorities are working with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications to improve internet access in stages.
Flowers, lights and wider roads
H.E. Theang Leng, Governor of Veal Veng District, said the district has planted 835 flowering trees at its tourism sites, among them 440 peacock flower trees around the Phnom 1500 mountain area. Main roads and the routes leading to waterfalls have been widened, and new streetlights now line key stretches.
Rubbish bins have been placed at visitor sites together with signs encouraging people to keep the area clean, and illegal structures along the zigzag road that climbs towards Phnom 1500 were removed after talks with local residents. H.E. Theang Leng said the district enjoys natural advantages, with forests, mountains, waterfalls and streams, and that no major security concerns affecting visitors have been reported.
Internet access is still limited in parts of the district. H.E. Khoy Rida, Governor of Pursat Province, said the provincial authorities are working with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications and provincial departments to improve connectivity step by step according to local needs.
Part of a national push for ecotourism
The upgrades support the Royal Government's goal of diversifying tourism beyond Angkor and other cultural heritage sites. Speaking in Pursat on 1 October, Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, said Phnom 1500 should be developed as an ecotourism destination for the public, rather than for private companies or holiday homes.
Access to the area has also improved with the opening of National Road 10, which runs about 200 kilometres through Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong provinces. The government additionally plans solar streetlights along 1,200 kilometres of road in 13 provinces, at a cost of about US$6 million, beginning in Pursat.
What it means for visitors
For travellers looking for mountains, waterfalls and forest scenery, Veal Veng is becoming easier and more comfortable to reach. Better roads, lighting and cleaner sites should also help local communities benefit from a steady flow of domestic and international visitors.
Sources: Cambodianess.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Phnom 1500?
Phnom 1500 is a mountain area in Veal Veng district, Pursat province, in western Cambodia, reached by a zigzag road from the district.
What improvements have been made for tourists in Veal Veng?
The district has planted 835 flowering trees, widened main roads and routes to waterfalls, installed streetlights and placed rubbish bins and awareness signs at tourism sites.
How can visitors reach Veal Veng?
The district is served by National Road 10, which runs about 200 kilometres through Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong provinces.
