Secret Lake (Brateak Krola): history and how to visit

What Secret Lake is

Secret Lake, also called Brateak Krola and Boeung Tomnop Tek Krolar, is an artificial reservoir east of Kampot in Tuek Chhou. Its quiet setting today should not obscure its history: it was built through forced labour during the Khmer Rouge period.

Approach it as a landscape with a difficult human history, not simply a scenic backdrop. A knowledgeable local guide can help explain the context; this guide does not invent casualty figures or a detailed construction chronology.

Why guides stop here

The directory's recorded countryside-tour listings include the reservoir alongside farm and cave visits. Ask your operator whether the stop includes historical explanation, where you will approach the bank and how long the visit allows.

No current opening schedule, admission arrangements or visitor facilities are confirmed here. Missing information is not proof of unrestricted access or free entry. Follow local instructions and respect fishing, farming and other work around the banks.

How it fits into a countryside loop

Arrange a ride out of town rather than treating the reservoir as an old-town walking stop. The salt fields, Phnom Chhnork Cave and La Plantation are possible countryside options, not adjacent stops guaranteed to fit together. Agree the actual road route, time at each stop and return journey before leaving.

Choose one extra area if time allows and check farm or cave access separately. Keep Bokor Mountain for a different day rather than adding its summit to the same afternoon.

Go in daylight, bring water and use safe, permitted approaches to the bank. Do not assume the reservoir is a managed swimming area or enter the water based on its calm appearance. The Sras Chhuk lotus pond is a separate in-town site, not another name for this lake.

Businesses to discuss for your countryside route

Cafe Espresso, listed at 17 National Road 33 on the east side of town, is a coffee option before or after a countryside drive. It is not a cafe at the cave, lake or salt ponds; confirm its current hours and whether it fits your approach.

La Plantation, in Bosjheng, offers farm-visit activities. Treat it as a separate booking and drive, not a nearby refreshment stop. Confirm activity prices, booking requirements and meal service directly.

Peppercorn Tuk Tuk is a directory option for arranging a countryside day. Ask for the specific stops, pickup, waiting time, inclusions and return plan. The listing has no public storefront pin, so contact the operator rather than looking for an office near the attraction.

These are optional businesses for planning the wider route, not a proximity ranking or a requirement to visit all three. Check road connections with your driver; a shared region does not establish travel time. This editorial shortlist is not a paid-placement ranking.

Sources

• OpenStreetMap — Boeung Tomnop Tek Krolar
• GetYourGuide countryside tours, 1 and 6 October 2026 — Brateak Krola Lake still on the route

Prices, hours and conditions change. Confirm on the day, and tell us if something is out of date.