Plizio Visual Lab

Tatay Hydropower Plant

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

energy

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The Tatay Hydropower Plant is located in Koh Kong Province in southwestern Cambodia and is a significant energy project on the Tatay River. The facility was developed by China Huadian Corporation under a 42-year BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) agreement and was officially commissioned in 2015. With an installed capacity of 246 megawatts, it is among the country's larger hydroelectric stations and plays a crucial role in supplying energy to the coastal regions. The project features a massive rock-fill dam and an underground powerhouse system that utilizes the topographical conditions of the Cardamom Mountains. Annual power generation is estimated at over 850 gigawatt-hours, contributing to the stability of the national electricity grid. The development of this plant was part of national efforts to reduce reliance on expensive fossil fuels. Despite its industrial importance, the plant is located in an ecologically sensitive region, necessitating high standards of environmental management. The energy produced is fed into the national grid via high-voltage transmission lines.

Location: Cambodia
Nearby: Tatai (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	26	27	28	27	27	26	26	26	26	26	25
Rain mm	37	46	101	144	306	488	608	511	525	280	103	36

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Tatay Hydropower Plant is a major infrastructure project located in Koh Kong Province. It harnesses the flow of the Tatay River to generate significant electricity, playing a vital part in Cambodia's push towards national energy independence and economic development.

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Visiting

Direct access to the dam structure and powerhouses is strictly controlled and generally not permitted for casual tourists. Security is tight around the operational zones, so visitors should plan to experience the site indirectly from the surrounding natural areas.

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Where to view it

The best way to appreciate the scale of the project is often by taking a boat tour along the scenic Tatay River. From the water, surrounded by lush jungle, you can see portions of the infrastructure blending dramatically with the untamed natural landscape of the Cardamom Mountains.

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Local products

Surrounding eco-lodges and riverbank communities often serve fresh local seafood, tropical fruits, and dishes utilizing native spices from the Cardamom Mountains. You may also find small-scale handicrafts made from bamboo and rattan crafted by residents of nearby villages.

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Active season

The river and the surrounding waterfalls are most powerful and visually impressive during the rainy season from May to October. However, navigation and general travel in Koh Kong Province are often easier during the drier months between November and April.

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Nearby

Visiting the Tatay area pairs exceptionally well with exploring the extensive mangrove forests of Peam Krasaop Wildlife Sanctuary or relaxing at the nearby Tatay Waterfalls. The provincial capital of Koh Kong is also just a short drive away for further exploration.