Pursat stretches from the shore of the Tonle Sap to the forested Cardamom Mountains. The provincial town, on the Pursat River, is about 174 km north-west of Phnom Penh and 106 km from Battambang, so it makes a natural stop on National Road 5.
Conditions now
Pursat
26°C
Partly cloudy · feels like 32°C
- Humidity 95%
- Wind 4 km/h
- Air: Good (AQI 50)
- TodayThunderstorms31° / 25°100% rain
- TueShowers32° / 24°88% rain
- WedThunderstorms30° / 24°75% rain
- ThuDrizzle31° / 25°83% rain
- FriShowers30° / 24°71% rain
Updated hourly. Forecast and air quality by Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). Conditions can change quickly in the wet season.
Why go to Pursat?
Come for everyday Cambodia and a glimpse of two very different landscapes: the lake and its floating communities on one side, and the mountains on the other. Pursat sees few international visitors, which is part of its appeal.
What to experience
Wat Bakan
Wat Bakan is considered one of the oldest active pagodas in Cambodia and an important site for Cambodian Buddhism; it is thought to be at least 800 years old. Visit quietly, dress modestly and give worshippers space.
Kampong Luong floating village
This large floating village on the Tonle Sap lies north of Krakor. Its distance from the main road changes with the season, as the lake expands and shrinks. Remember that it is a home to families, a mix of Khmer, Vietnamese, Cham and Chinese families, with floating pagodas; go with a local boat driver, keep a respectful distance and do not photograph children. Our Tonle Sap guide explains the lake.
Pursat town and river
The riverside is pleasant for a walk at dusk, and the town has an easy local rhythm.
The Cardamom Mountains
The province’s south-west is part of the Central Cardamom Mountains National Park. Access is difficult and should only be attempted with an experienced local guide. See our Cardamom Mountains guide.
How long should you stay?
One night is enough for Wat Bakan and the town. Two nights let you visit Kampong Luong without rushing.
Getting to Pursat
How to get there
- Compare operators and book BookMeBus · redBus Cambodia · 12Go · Baolau. These platforms list the operators on each route.
- From Phnom Penh (about 174 km) By road on National Road 5. Buses between Phnom Penh and Battambang stop in Pursat; confirm current schedules.
- From Battambang (about 106 km) Along the same road.
- Around the lake Agree the boat route beforehand and wear a life jacket where offered.
Book through the operator, your hotel, or one of the platforms above. Cambodia Handbook is independent and not sponsored. Schedules change, so check the operator’s official website or office before you travel. Last checked 19 October 2026. See also transport booking and getting around Cambodia.
Planning notes
- Getting there: buses between Phnom Penh and Battambang stop in Pursat; confirm current schedules.
- On the lake: agree the boat route beforehand and wear a life jacket where offered.
- Fees and opening arrangements: confirm current details locally rather than relying on an old price or timetable online.
- Respect: dress modestly at pagodas, ask before photographing people and keep to marked paths at historic sites.
Pursat FAQ
How far is Pursat from Phnom Penh?
About 174 km north-west of Phnom Penh, and 106 km from Battambang, on National Road 5.
Is Pursat worth a stop?
Yes, if you want a quiet stop on the Phnom Penh to Battambang route, with Wat Bakan, the river and the Kampong Luong floating village within reach.
How long should you stay?
One night covers Wat Bakan and the town; two nights let you visit Kampong Luong without rushing.
Can you visit the Cardamom Mountains from Pursat?
Yes, but access is difficult. A road runs from Pursat to Veal Veng, and visits should only be made with an experienced local guide.
Nearby provinces
Continue into a neighbouring province. See all 25 on our provinces of Cambodia page.
Sources: distances, Wat Bakan and national park from Pursat province (Wikipedia); floating village from Kampong Luong (Wikipedia). Additional detail from Kampong Luong (Wikipedia). Last checked 4 October 2026.
Featured image: Rice fields in Pursat, by Naritheole, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.