A dam that was built in Kampong Speu province’s
Oral district, about 130km from the capital, during the Khmer Rouge regime was
recently restored and has now become a local eco-friendly tourist attraction.
On the surface, the Peam Lvea Dam makes it
possible to manage irrigation of rice fields in the community and store enough
water to sustain rainy and dry seasons.
However, the dam also has a dual role. It
offers boats a channel for navigation as they ferry tourists to the scenic Oral
Mountains.
The Ministry of Water Resources and
Meteorology’s website reveals that the dam’s restoration concluded in 2017,
with a 3km road and four irrigation bridges.
“Upon completion, the dam’s irrigation system
can now supply water for more than 1,000ha during the rainy season and more
than 100ha during the dry season. It also plays an important role in mitigating
flooding from the Stung Prek Thnot stream,” it said.
Tourists can combine their visit to the dam
with seeing other eco-spots including the Oral Mountain Range where verdant
forests, rapid rivers and vast rice fields serve as refreshing sights for the
eyes.
Vat Ven, a fisherman who lives near the dam,
takes time to use his fishing boat to row tourists along the channel. “People
rent my boat to see the sights along the channel, so I take them. They take
photos of the scenic views and dozens of selfies. Sometimes, they spend hours
fishing by the bank,” says Ven.
At the lower part of the dam sits the
artificial Peam Lvea Dam Waterfall, merely 10m wide and 5m high.
Ten huts line up below the falls to provide a space of relaxation and serve refreshments to passing tourists.
“We serve food made from the villagers’ local
produce. Normally, a medium-sized plate of food costs from 20,000 riel up while
the large plate starts from 40,000 riel. Prices of fish dishes vary according
to size while roasted chicken – the most popular choice – starts from 50,000
riel,” says business owner An Narin.
“Usually, we open from 9am and stop receiving
orders at 6pm. But people can stay until 9pm. Most people play in the water.
“Although this place was built by Khmer Rouge
victims, tourists who wish to take a dip come nighttime have nothing to fear as
we provide rechargeable underwater lights,” says Narin.
Mao Saron, a tourist travelling from Phnom Penh
with friends, says: “When we have free time, my friends and I try to seek new
places, which is how we got here. In this place, we can row along the channel
and take photos from the road to the dam. More importantly, it gives us a space
to gather.”
Tourists coming from the capital can use
National Road No 5, turn left on Road 136 near Udong market to Amleang, and
then take a right turn by a forked road.
Peam Lvea Dam is located in Peam Lvea village,
Trapaing Chor commune, Oral district, in Kampong Speu province.