Pursat is giving new hope to Cambodia’s Veal Veng tourism sector as the newly opened National Road 10 has improved links to Battambang and Koh Kong after the conflict on Thailand’s border. Since July 2026, tourist numbers have slowly started to increase after months of deserted attractions providing a welcome boost for local businesses. Improved roads, beautiful waterfalls and lush green parks are helping to slowly improve Veal Veng’s image as a mountainous destination. However, there are still some safety issues.
Cambodia’s Pursat province is leading a fresh tourism recovery in Veal Veng district after armed conflict along the Thailand border brought visitor activity almost to a standstill in late 2025. Since July 2026, tourists have slowly started to return to the area’s lush mountain viewpoints and waterfalls, providing a welcome boost for local businesses. The recovery was further accelerated by the October 1 opening of National Road 10, strengthening connections between Pursat, Battambang, and Koh Kong. While Veal Veng is preparing for a stronger tourism future, border safety concerns and difficult access to remote attractions remain important challenges.
Pursat’s Veal Veng Tourism Makes a Remarkable Recovery After Months of Border Tensions
Veal Veng district is slowly recovering from one of its most difficult periods. The armed conflict in late 2025 created widespread fear among travellers, causing tourism activity to fall to almost zero and heavily affecting roadside traders and small shops. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached on December 27, 2025, visitor confidence did not return immediately.
On October 23, 2026, Veal Veng district authorities reported encouraging signs of recovery. Weekends and public holidays are showing stronger activity, giving the district fresh hope for economic stability. While official tourist arrival figures for the first ten months of 2026 have not been released, local reports indicate a positive shift for families who depend on visitor spending.
October 2026 Brings Fresh Hope as Tourists Return to Veal Veng’s Scenic Attractions
On 23 October 2026, Veal Veng district authorities reported encouraging signs of tourism recovery.
Visitors have begun returning to mountain viewpoints, scenic roads and natural attractions. Weekends and public holidays are showing stronger activity.
The return of tourists is important for local families who depend on visitor spending.
However, the district has not released official tourist arrival figures for the first ten months of 2026.
There are also no confirmed comparisons with previous years.
The improvement therefore reflects local reports rather than a measured percentage increase. Even so, renewed tourism activity marks a positive development for Veal Veng.
Cambodia’s New National Road 10 Creates a Major Tourism Link Between Pursat, Battambang and Koh Kong
Cambodia reached an important infrastructure milestone on October 1, 2026, with the official opening of National Road 10. The 198.5-kilometre highway, which cost approximately US$252 million, passes directly through Veal Veng. It creates a major tourism link between mountain communities and coastal destinations in Battambang, Pursat, and Koh Kong.
The highway also features the impressive Techo Peace Bridge of Russey Chrum. Measuring 530 metres in length and with a height ranging between 80 and 90 metres above the streambed. The bridge includes a special viewing area where travellers can admire the surrounding landscape. Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport expects this scenic corridor to attract travellers seeking nature and photography experiences.
Russey Chrum Bridge Emerges as a Stunning New Attraction Along Cambodia’s Mountain Highway
National Road 10 also features the impressive Techo Peace Bridge of Russey Chrum.
The bridge measures 530 metres in length and with a height ranging between 80 and 90 metres above the streambed at its central section.
It includes a special viewing area where travellers can admire the surrounding landscape.
The bridge adds a striking feature to the journey between Pursat, Battambang and Koh Kong.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport expects the highway to support tourism along this scenic corridor.
Its mountain views could attract travellers seeking nature and photography experiences. However, safe road use remains essential.
Veal Veng’s Hidden Waterfalls and Phnom 1500 Offer Fresh Tourism Opportunities
Veal Veng is home to rich forests and beautiful mountain scenery. Local authorities have identified the Phnom Tambor, Thma Chang, and Khleum Thma Khmao waterfalls as key attractions. The Phnom 1500 area along National Road 55 is another development priority, with plans for gardens, seating areas, and designated photography spots.
To make the district more welcoming, authorities have planted nearly 7,000 ornamental trees along major roads. The addition of solar-powered streetlights, new rubbish bins, and tiled pedestrian walkways in market areas aims to create a better visitor experience, encouraging tourists to stay longer and explore further.
Pursat Introduces Nearly 7,000 Trees and Cleaner Public Spaces to Attract Visitors
Veal Veng authorities are also working to make the district greener and more welcoming.
According to the district administration, nearly 7,000 ornamental and colourful trees have been planted along major roads and public areas.
New rubbish bins and cleanliness signs encourage visitors to dispose of waste properly.
Solar-powered streetlights have also been installed to improve visibility.
In the market area, tiled pedestrian walkways and flowering plants have improved public spaces.
These changes aim to create a better visitor experience.
Clean streets and attractive surroundings could encourage tourists to stay longer and explore more of the district.
Returning Tourists Bring New Hope to Veal Veng’s Small Businesses
Tourism recovery is bringing fresh opportunities to local traders.
Vendors at attractions such as Antong Angel are seeing visitors return, particularly during weekends and public holidays.
However, earnings remain uncertain.
Some tourists stop briefly to enjoy the views without spending much money.
Weekday business can also be slow.
This creates a challenge for families who depend on selling food, drinks and other goods.
Longer tourist stays could support shops, restaurants and accommodation providers.
For local communities, a successful recovery will depend not only on visitor numbers but also on how much tourists spend.
Cambodia’s Tourism Recovery Still Faces Serious Challenges Near the Thailand Border
Despite these improvements, the recovery still faces hurdles. Vendors at attractions like Antong Angel are seeing visitors return, but earnings remain uncertain. Many tourists stop briefly to enjoy the views without spending much money, making it difficult for families who depend on selling food and goods.
Furthermore, border safety remains a major concern. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office still advises against all but essential travel within 20 kilometres of Cambodia’s land border with Thailand, citing continuing tensions and the danger of unexploded ordnance. With land border crossings between the two countries remaining suspended, rebuilding international visitor confidence will be just as critical for Veal Veng’s long-term success as improving its roads and attractions.
Pursat’s Veal Veng Tourism Revival Opens a New Chapter for Cambodia in 2026
Veal Veng’s gradual recovery offers hope after a difficult period.
The opening of National Road 10, better links with Battambang and Koh Kong, and improvements to natural attractions could support future tourism growth.
However, the district still needs stronger visitor confidence, safer access and reliable tourism data.
Veal Veng is seeing a renewed hope for tourism in Pursat. After months of uncertainty due to the conflict along its border with Thailand, the district has a few new things going for it. Better road links to Battambang and Koh Kong, new tourism facilities and lovely natural beauty means this area can begin attracting more tourists. However, to ensure this area can become a long term success it will need to have safer travelling conditions, improved access to more remote attractions and constant tourist spending. The real revival for families within this area will come when tourists return and not only bring excitement but also regular income for the families.
The post Pursat Leads Cambodia’s Veal Veng Tourism Revival with New Road Links to Battambang and Koh Kong After Thailand Border Conflict in 2026 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
