Kamping Puoy Lake – A Reservoir of a Haunting Past

Nestled between two scenic hills about 36 kilometers southwest of Battambang, Kamping Puoy Lake (Boeng Kamping Puoy) is both a beloved retreat and a place of solemn remembrance. 

This vast reservoir, framed by lush greenery, offers picnic spots, swimming, fishing, and boat rides, making it a favorite weekend escape for families and a peaceful stop for travelers seeking nature and quiet reflection.

History and Tragedy

Beneath the lake’s calm surface lies a painful past. Kamping Puoy was created during the Khmer Rouge regime as part of one of its most ambitious irrigation projects, an 8-kilometer-long dam built entirely by hand.

The construction came at an unimaginable cost. An estimated 10,000 Cambodians perished from exhaustion, starvation, disease, or execution during the project. 

While no formal monument marks the site, the functioning reservoir itself serves as a living memorial, today irrigating rice fields and sustaining nearby communities, a bittersweet legacy of resilience born from tragedy.

Natural Features & Experience

The lake stretches between two forested hills, creating a serene and dramatic backdrop for relaxation and photography. The still waters reflect the greenery and sky, making it an especially peaceful spot at sunrise and sunset.

Kamping Puoy is also a rewarding place for birdwatchers. Herons, egrets, pygmy cotton geese, whistling ducks, and lily trotters are among the many species that thrive here, turning the lake into a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Adding to its beauty, seasonal water lilies and lotus flowers bloom across the lake’s surface. Their bright colors stand in vivid contrast to the calm waters, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting.

Activities Kamping Puoy Lake

Visitors often enjoy relaxing under shaded huts along the lakeshore. These simple shelters provide the perfect spot for a picnic, where travelers can bring their own food or purchase local snacks from vendors nearby.

For those who prefer the water, swimming is a refreshing way to cool off. Small boats are also available for rent, allowing visitors to glide across the lake and admire the surrounding scenery from a new perspective.

Fishing is another popular activity, especially among locals. Travelers can join in or simply watch as people cast their lines, experiencing the slow rhythm of daily life by the water’s edge.

A countryside ride to or from the lake is part of the charm. The route winds through Battambang’s rice fields and quiet villages, and many travelers combine the trip with a visit to nearby Phnom Sampeau for a full day of exploration.