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Kamping Puoy Lake: A Guide to Battambang's Resilient Reservoir
27 km west of Battambang.
30 - 45 mins via paved NH5 / Canal Road.
Free entry. Parking approx. 2,000 Riel.
June to Nov for full lotus blooms & high water.
Kamping Puoy is a site of profound duality. Serving as a vital reservoir for the region's agricultural lifeline and standing as a memorial to a tragic past, it offers visitors a blend of history, nature, and local weekend culture tucked safely between two mountains.
A Legacy Carved by Hand
The massive 6-kilometer Kamping Puoy reservoir is an engineering project born from human suffering. Between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge forced thousands of laborers to construct this "Killing Dam" without modern machinery. Over 10,000 lives were lost during its construction. Today, extensive irrigation rehabilitation allows the lake to support two rice crops a year, transforming a legacy of death into a source of life.
Top Things to Do at Kamping Puoy
While the history is somber, the modern atmosphere is vibrant. It serves as a favorite weekend picnic destination where local families gather to enjoy the fresh air.
Dine in a Bamboo Kiosque
Relax in a hammock within a traditional bamboo hut along the dam. Be sure to try the local specialty: grilled chicken, fresh-caught fish, and fresh lotus seeds harvested directly from the lake.
Lotus Boat Tours
Rent a rowboat (approx. 10,000 Riel) for a calming tour across the water. The lake is famous for its "Sea of Lotus Flowers," offering excellent photography opportunities.
The Spillway
On weekends, local children and families swim near the spillway where the water flows down. It is a lively place to cool off or sit near the water's edge.
Planning Your Visit
The road to Kamping Puoy is now fully paved and highly scenic, passing through lush rice paddies and small settlements. Most travelers combine this trip with a visit to Phnom Sampov (Bat Cave) in the late afternoon. If you are hiring a Tuk-tuk for the day, ask your driver to stop here for lunch before heading to the caves for sunset.
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