Peam Lvea Dam rehabilitation makes way for eco-tourism

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.

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