Siem Reap to Prey Veng Road Trip: Best Stops & Driving Tips

The National Road 6 (NR6) from Siem Reap to Kompong Cham spans 207 km through Cambodia's central plains, passing the Buddhist stupa of Wat Nokor Bachey at the 150 km mark. This route once carried Khmer Rouge logistics in the 1970s, and today the dense palm groves along the way contrast sharply with the country's busiest industrial corridor nearby.

Fuel economy is a key factor: a typical sedan consumes about 20 liters for the journey at current diesel prices. The route has one major toll plaza near Skun, costing 8,000 riel (about $2) for a car. Over half of the road is two-lane with partial shoulders; the last 70 km from Kompong Cham is one of Cambodia's busiest trucking routes.

• Road quality: NR6 is paved but watch for potholes between Kompong Thom and Skun.
• Toll: One toll booth at Skun (8,000 riel for cars).
• Fuel: Numerous petrol stations in Kompong Thom (70 km) and Skun (120 km).
• Car repair: Basic garages in Kompong Thom; for major issues head to Kompong Cham.

This route brushes the southern edge of the Tonlé Sap floodplain, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. In the dry season, you'll see rice paddies and sugar palm plantations, while the wet months bring floating villages along the riverbanks. The Preah Dak temple ruins are a minor off-route detour 10 km south of the highway, rarely visited but free to explore.

The climate is tropical monsoon: the dry months of November to March produce clear skies, but the April to October wet season creates dramatic green vistas and occasional flooding near the Chhlong river crossing. Local commerce thrives in the roadside “chett” stalls – especially famous for Skun's deep-fried spiders, a culinary specialty that started during the Khmer Rouge era when food was scarce.

For families, the highways in Cambodia are not pedestrian-friendly, so rest stops are best at major towns: Kompong Thom has a playground and picnic area by the river, while Skun attracts both thrill-seeking teenagers and local kids who sell souvenirs. Pet owners should note that most guesthouses en route do not accept pets, but the Skun market area has an open-air diner that allows them, but it's always wise to call ahead.

Road safety is a legitimate concern: Cambodia has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in Southeast Asia, so drive defensively and watch for overtaking buses. The route has no guardrails on some culverts, and night driving is discouraged due to unlit sections. On the plus side, overtaking lanes are provided on the steep passes near Oudong, making the drive easier for slower trucks.

Plan your stops to manage fatigue: after 90 minutes, the National Road 6 rest stop at Tang Krasang offers clean toilets and basic noodle stalls. Another good break is at the Stung Sen River bridge (115 km), where you can stretch legs and buy cold coconuts. For a hidden gem, take the dirt road 5 km east of Skun to Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple with 360-degree views of the Mekong – a perfect photo op before the final stretch.

Is it worth driving Siem Reap to Prey Veng? For most, yes, if you want flexibility and to experience rural Cambodia. But if you're pressed for time, direct buses are cheaper and safer. To make the most of the drive, use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities – it’s a practical guide for discovering authentic spots along any route.