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Kamping Puoy Lake: A Guide to Battambang's Resilient Reservoir
35 km west of Battambang (Phnom Sampov district).
45 - 60 mins by Tuk-tuk or Moto.
Free entry. Parking is approx. 2,000 Riel.
June to November (Rainy Season) for full lotus blooms.
Kamping Puoy is more than just a scenic getaway; it is a site of profound duality. Serving as both a vital reservoir for the region's rice fields and a memorial to a tragic past, it offers visitors a unique blend of history, nature, and local culture. Located between two mountains, exploring this "Killing Dam" is an essential educational stop for any traveler in Battambang.
A History Carved by Hand
The massive Kamping Puoy reservoir is an engineering marvel born from human suffering. Between 1975 and 1979, the Khmer Rouge regime forced thousands of laborers to construct this dam by hand—without modern machinery. It is estimated that over 10,000 lives were lost to starvation, disease, and exhaustion during its construction. Today, the lake irrigates thousands of hectares of farmland, transforming a legacy of death into a source of life for the province.
Top Things to Do at Kamping Puoy
While the history is somber, the atmosphere today is vibrant. It is a favorite weekend picnic spot for locals from Battambang and Banteay Meanchey.
Dine in a Bamboo Hut
Relax in a hammock within a traditional bamboo hut (Kiosque) along the dam. Be sure to try the local specialty: Grilled Chicken with chili sauce, fresh water fish, and fresh lotus seeds harvested directly from the lake.
Lotus Boat Tours
Rent a small boat for a calming tour across the water. The lake is famous for its "Sea of Lotus Flowers" (depending on the season). It is a perfect opportunity for photography and seeing the mountains from the water.
The Spillway
On weekends, you will see local children and families swimming near the spillway where the water flows down. It is a great place to cool off, though international visitors usually prefer just dipping their feet in.
Planning Your Visit
The road to Kamping Puoy is paved and scenic, passing through beautiful rice paddies and small villages. 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 (approx. $15-$20), ask your driver to stop here for lunch before heading to the bat caves for sunset.
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