Everything you Need to Know about Battambang
Battambang, Cambodia
Battambang is somewhat of an ode to French colonialism. The city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years it was the leading rice-producing province of the country. The 100,000-person town offers not only one of the best preserved examples of the French Colonial era, but also the small-town feel you expect to encounter in Cambodia as a rule. The true bonus however is the village life that is a mere stone’s throw away, be it by motorcycle, jeep or boat. The combined effect makes Battambang well worth the detour it requires to visit.
For centuries, Battambang was part of Siam and was used as its eastern commercial hub. The French have left a strong mark on the town's architecture, resulting in a pleasing colonial effect. The town is the gateway between Thailand and Phnom Penh but still retains a sleepy atmosphere not conducive to people looking for nightlife and fine dining.
Rather, people use the town as a base for visiting the nearby temples of Phnom Banon and Wat Ek Phnom. Some 293 kilometres from Phnom Penh, Battambang is in the heart of Cambodia's 'rice bowl' and even though it is Cambodia's second-largest city it has a marked rural feel to it.
Where to stay in Battambang, Cambodia
Battambang Hotels
Khemara Battambang I Hotel, Cambodia
From three-star resorts such as La Villa Battambang, to budget accommodation like Teo Hotel, you are sure to find the accommodation you are looking for in Battambang.
Battambang, praised as the beautifully made bowl of western Cambodia, is a relaxed little town by the river with several scenic attractions. Those include ancient Khmer ruins and mountain viewpoints. The temples of Angkor and the Tonle Sap Lake surrounded by beautiful French-style houses, lush trees, and lively, walking streets are unbelievably dreamy. Due to its close tie to Thailand, Battambang boasts many large-scale block markets. Cambodian handicrafts and souvenirs are among the famous treasures you can bring home.
Editor's Hotel Guide
An ideal trip to this town should cover a visit to the incredible sandstone carvings and sculptures from the Angkor period at the town’s museum and/or around old temples. Battambang is known as the rice bowl of Cambodia but for visitors this lovely provincial town has many more things to offer. An ideal trip to this town should cover a visit to the incredible sandstone carvings and sculptures from the Angkor period at the town’s museum and/or around old temples. Then there is the old colonial architecture to see as well as the one-of-a-kind local transportation, the norry or the bamboo train to ride on. Though Battambang is a rural town, it welcomed its first shopping mall in 2011 (The mall even has an escalator.). Look no further than our 'Editor's Guide' for where to stay in Battambang to ensure your holiday is a comfortable and economic one.The Sanctuary Villa
The Sanctuary Villa in Battambang, Cambodia
• Charming Tropical Villas
• Salt Water Pool
• One Stop Guest Service
• Great Location
Located just 300m from central Battambang, the Sanctuary Villa is like a dream oasis in this rural provincial town. It has everything to offer to sophisticated travelers within the property grounds including seven modern villas decorated with beautiful Khmer art objects, a saltwater pool and a temple. This place provides guests with classic comfort and care such as its traditional Khmer massage service and experienced tour organizer. ‘Oh Yeah’, their on-site restaurant, is a popular eatery and serves Khmer, Thai and international cuisine while the high-quality staff members really make this property stand out.
Phka Villa Battambang
Phka Villa Battambang, Cambodia
• Stand Alone Bungalows
• Internet Access
• Hot and Cold Shower
• Swimming Pool
Small but charming, Phka Villa features a group of 10 spacious bungalows decorated in traditional Khmer style and all with en-suite bathrooms. This lovely property is known for its warm hospitality and helpful staff. The swimming pool and verdant gardens offer the opportunity to cool off during the heat of day and Phka Villa is definitely a good base for those who are travelling between Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
The Bungalow
The Bungalow in Battambang, Cambodia
Charming Small Property
• Hot & Cold Shower
• Hire Bicycles
• WiFi Access
The Bungalow is a family-run hotel located in a peaceful residential neighborhood of Battambang and just a stroll or a short tuk tuk ride to town. Visitors can choose to stay in one of their stand-alone bungalows or comfortable guestrooms. All have interesting and exotic carved wooden furniture and feature modern amenities such as TV, fridge and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy The Bungalow’s free shuttle service or hop on a motodup (moto-taxi) when wanting to go or come back from the town centre.
What to see, buy, eat, attractions in Battambang Cambodia
Battambang Activities
Battambang is somewhat of an ode to French Colonialism. The city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producing province of the country.Battambang is somewhat of an ode to French Colonialism. The city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producing province of the country. The 100,000-person town offers not only one of the best preserved examples of the French Colonial era, but also the small-town feel you expect to encounter in Cambodia as a rule.
The true bonus however is the village life that is a mere stone’s throw away, be it by motorcycle, jeep or boat. The combined effect makes Battambang well worth the slight detour it requires to visit.
Battambang Museum
Battambang Museum in Cambodia
This museum displays artifacts from Battambang and nearby. Next door is a small display about local agricultural and fishing practices, and local legends and folk tales.
Circus Show
Circus Show
Good things sometimes come from bad times. One of these was the founding, in 1986 in a refugee camp on the Thai border, of Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS). This volunteer project used simple drawing workshops to help young refugees overcome the trauma of war through art and self-expression.
The children of PPS are now young adults who run a home at Anh Chanh village, near Battambang, where more than 100 students are able to enjoy free activities and support, and get an education. Among the activities are an animation centre, music classes and a circus, which now has a growing reputation.
• Tel: +855 (0) 53 730 535 or +855 (0) 53-952 424 for the circus performance schedule.
Cooking Courses
Cooking Courses in Battambang, Cambodia
The Smokin’ Pot restaurant offers courses to help you learn to cook traditional Khmer food at reasonable prices
Ride a Bamboo Train
Ride a Bamboo Train in Battambang, Cambodia
These trains, known as “norry” in Khmer, consist of a wooden frame, bamboo decking, an engine and wheels that come from a bust-up wartime tank. They chug up and down the railway line between Battambang and the outskirts of Phnom Penh.
Naturally, they are illegal, but tolerated because they are so useful – and in any case there is only one real train a week up and down the line. Bamboo trains are used for carrying people as well as freight.
A trip on one of these can be booked through most hotels, or you can arrange it through your local motorbike taxi or tuk-tuk driver.
Sightseeing by Motorbike Taxi
Motorbike Taxi in Battambang, Cambodia
A fun way to see the Cambodian countryside is on the back of a motorbike taxi. Puttering along the roads with the wind in your face, you’ll go past small villages, streams and farms. There are many places to stop and take a look around, such as Wat Sampeau which sits on top of a limestone hill 18 kilometers out of town. Another is Wat Banan, nicknamed “Mini-Angkor Wat”, which has a beautiful view once you’ve climbed the 359 steps to get to it.
Wat Baydamram is fascinating because of the large number of bats living in the trees inside the temple compound, and you should also visit Wat Ek Phnom, another “Mini-Angkor Wat”. Don’t expect to cover all these temples in one day. Take your time, take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
The Cultural Village of Watkor
Ox-cart - Village Tour in Battambang, Cambodia
Two kilometers south of the town, this village has half a dozen wooden houses dating from about 100 years ago, along with tools and other artifacts used in daily life at that time, such as a rice mill and an ox-cart.
The Naga for Peace and Development Monument
Battambang Museum in Cambodia
On the road heading south out of town, this 6.5-metre-high monument was created by four Cambodian artists and completed in September 2007. It was built from weapons surrendered by residents of Battambang province; due to the years of war at the end of last century, thousands of weapons had found their way into the hands of Cambodian civilians. Continuing efforts are being been made by the government, in conjunction with international bodies, to collect and destroy these weapons. The monument was sponsored by the Japanese government to mark Cambodia’s commitment to peace after the 30 years of conflict going back to the Vietnam War.
Battambang Restaurants
People are friendly and the town seems less commercial than other Cambodian cities. Perhaps as a result, the choice of restaurants is rather limited. But what there is, is interesting.Battambang is regarded by many visitors as the best place in the country to see and enjoy the traditional rural Cambodian way of life.
People are friendly and the town seems less commercial than other Cambodian cities. As a result, the choice of restaurants is rather limited. But what there is, is interesting.
Bus Stop Guesthouse
Bus Stop Guesthouse, Battambang
Opened in July 2007 and extended and fully renovated in June 2008, the Bus Stop has Wi-Fi Internet, serves a real English breakfast and offers great value pub snacks, such as jumbo hotdog with cheese and bacon, pepperoni roll, and hot chips with gravy, until late at night.
• Address: 149 2nd Rd, next door to The White Rose.
• Tel: +855 (0)53 730 544
Smokin’ Pot
Smokin’ Pot in Battambang, Cambodia
A popular place among travelers, Smokin’ Pot serves up authentic Khmer and Thai food. They also run half-day Cambodian cooking courses.
• Address: 298 Group 8, 20 Ousephea Village, Syaypor Commune.
• Tel: +855 (0) 12 657 125.
Sunrise Coffeehouse
Sunrise Coffeehouse in Battambang, Cambodia
Sunrise has a variety of pastries, pizzas, pies and cookies, and serves Western breakfasts and a good selection of coffees and teas.
• Address: 630, Group 24, 20 Usaphea Village, Svay Pour, West of Psah Naht, past the Royal Hotel.
White Rose
White Rose is an favourite with local residents and expats. The place is not big – it’s just a small corner shop – but the menu is full of good Khmer and Thai food at very reasonable prices.• Address: 102E8, 20 Usaphea Village, Group 8, Svay Por Commune.
• Tel: +855 (0) 53 952 862.
Battambang Nightlife
Night Life in Cambodia
To put it succinctly, there is no nightlife in Battambang unless you count sipping fruit drinks by the river, in which case you should head to the Riverside Balcony Bar.
Battambang Shopping
Shopping in Battambang, Cambodia
Battambang may not have a night life but it does boast interesting shopping opportunities. At the souvenir market you can buy woodcarvings from Battambang, marble sculptures from Pursat Province, and sapphires from Pailin.
Many of the hotels as well as the small souvenir/art/curios shops on Road 1 on the river in the centre of town offer a selection of wood and marble products. The art shops have a better selection than the hotels and a couple have very interesting collections of curios, old trinkets, coins, antiques and oddities; well worth a look.
Raw rubies and sapphires from near the Thai border are brought to Battambang to be cut and polished then graded so there are some bargains to be had but be careful as gem scams are extremely frequent when the dealer perceives inexperienced and wet-behind-the-ear buyers.
Tours in Cambodia
• Impressive Cambodia - 7 Days/ 6 Nights• Charms of Cambodia - 5 Days/ 4 Nights
• Angkor Magnificence - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Highlights of Cambodia - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Cambodia Spotlights - 4 Days/ 3 Nights
• Siem Reap to Angkor Wat - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Tour in Siem Reap & Angkor Wat - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Highlight Ancient City - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Classic tour in Phnom Penh - 3 Days/ 2 Nights
• Siem Reap & Angkor Wat tours - 2 days/ 1 night
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