Battambang Travel Guide 2024: Explore Cambodia's Secret Charm

When talking about tourism in Cambodia, Siem Reap with its world treasures such as Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, the vibrant capital Phnom Penh, or the new seaside attraction, the coastal city of Sihanoukville, often come to mind. However, for travelers eager to explore, Battambang stands out as a destination of particular relevance. 

This city still preserves many traces of its ancient French architecture and traditional Cambodian architecture. Despite being the second-largest provincial capital, Battambang retains the quaint charm of a village, untouched by tourist influence. Join us to discover this destination and add a new rewarding step to your trip to Cambodia.

Written by Nhu PHAM (local expert)Updated on 13-05-2024

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1. Why Should You Visit Battambang?

Battambang, a peaceful city in the north-west of the Kingdom of Cambodia, nestles along the Sangker River, about 300 km from the capital of Phnom Penh and 160 km from Siem Reap.

This destination offers a stark contrast to the most popular tourist spots, thanks to its tranquil and serene atmosphere. Here's why a visit to Battambang is a must-see on your trip to Cambodia:

Battambang embodies a perfect harmony between past and present. Its streets, steeped in French colonial architecture and iconic relics from the Angkor era, transport you through time.

Unlike Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, which are often invaded by visitors, Battambang retains its authenticity and tranquility. Daily life flows peacefully here, offering a real immersion in the local culture, far from the tourist hustle and bustle.

The countryside surrounding Battambang lends itself to exploring by bike. Its bumpy roads reveal simple scenes of life: modest huts, monasteries where soothing songs resonate. Sometimes, the dusty trails, which are not wide enough to accommodate a single bike, require delicate maneuvering, especially when passing a herd of cattle.

On the outskirts of the city, vast expanses dedicated to rice cultivation reveal breathtaking natural landscapes, between large rice fields and peaceful rivers. And don't miss the unique experience of the famous bamboo train.

Located just 170 km from Siem Reap, known for the legendary Angkor Temple (Angkor Wat), Battambang offers a relatively short distance. Adding it to your itinerary after visiting Angkor is an option to consider if you have extra time.

2. How to Get There?

To get to Battambang, you can travel from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap by local bus. The journey from Phnom Penh takes about 5 to 6 hours for a fare of about $13, while from Siem Reap, allows about 3 to 4 hours of driving for about $11.

Boats offer a scenic journey across the Tonle Sap and Sangke River between Battambang and Siem Reap, departing from both ports at 7:00 am each morning, at a cost of around $21. Arrival times may vary depending on the boat and water level.

During the dry months of March and April, services may be interrupted due to low water. In September and October, when the canals are full, the journey takes about seven hours, but during the dry season it can be up to 10 or 12 hours. Boats usually only make one stop, so be sure to pack snacks and drinks with you.

3. When Is the Best Time to Visit Battambang?

From November to mid-March, the weather is generally mild with pleasant temperatures and little rain, providing an ideal time to travel. From mid-March until June, it is the summer period, with high temperatures. Although possible, it is recommended to dress lightly and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

After this period, the rainy season begins. Between July and August, Cambodia often experiences floods. It's a good idea to follow the weather forecast to make informed decisions about your trips.

>>> Also read: What is the best time to travel to Cambodia? 

4. What to Do in Battambang?

Bamboo Train Tour

The famous Bamboo Train, also known as the Norry, is one of Battambang's iconic attractions. Unlike conventional trains, this one consists of a bamboo platform or trolley equipped with a motor. It runs along an old railway line, once used to transport goods and even soldiers during conflicts because of its flexibility and affordability.

Nowadays, this attraction offers a unique experience to tourists. Each train can accommodate up to 3 to 4 people in addition to the driver. The drive is scenic, passing through rice paddies and charming little villages, making for a memorable excursion.

Wat Banan

Built during the Angkor period, the Phnom Banan temple stands with its five towers, offering striking panoramas and an atmosphere imbued with freshness and serenity. Adorned with remarkably sophisticated carvings and engravings, this temple is a testament to the exceptional talent of ancient craftsmen.

Over time, the temple and its statues have become more mysterious, preserving precious spiritual and cultural values through the centuries. Centuries-old trees surround the temple, providing shade and showcasing the ancient architecture. From the top of this hill, the panoramic view of the surroundings is breathtaking. Many trees provide shade on the top, where a few cafes offer hammocks for visitors to relax after climbing to explore the temple.

Wat Ek Phnom

This renowned Battambang Pagoda is located near a vast lake and is home to a huge 28-meter-tall Buddha statue carved from an elegant white stone. Built in the 11th century during the reign of King Sorayakvarman, this pagoda is renowned for its finely carved pediments and lintels. Although part of the pagoda was damaged during the war, its main elements remain visible and retain their authenticity.

Prasat Baset

This temple is worth a bike tour, as the road leading to it offers incomparable beauty: picturesque rural landscapes harmonizing with nature, green rice fields as far as the eye can see punctuated by Khmer villages. Most of the houses in the area are raised on stilts and built of wood to prevent flooding and protect against large animals.

Bike tours around Battambang

Exploring Battambang by bike is the best way to discover the area. A half-day of cycling will allow you to travel along paths that are sometimes muddy, but rich in authenticity. Here you will discover picturesque villages, ancient pagodas, rice fields as far as the eye can see and lush gardens.

Capture these precious moments with memorable photos while warmly meeting the locals, sporting a welcoming smile. Take the opportunity to visit traditional craft villages, specialized in the manufacture of rice alcohol or weaving, for an authentic immersion in local life.

Kayaking at the Stung Sangke River

In Battambang, kayaking is a popular activity, especially along the Stung Sangke River. A half-day adventure from the village of Ksach Poy to the heart of the city offers breathtaking panoramas. Throughout this getaway, local life reveals itself to be authentic along the shores, allowing you to immerse yourself in serene nature.

>>> Read for a trip to Battambang ? 12-Day Cambodia Delight: From Temples to Beach Bliss

Discovery of the city and its French colonial architecture

Battambang, which became a major trading center and provincial capital during the Siamese occupation between 1795 and 1907, then came under the control of the French, who ruled the region and all of Cambodia. As in other parts of the country, the hallmarks of French colonial architecture are ubiquitous in the city, manifesting themselves through its decrepit constructions and old buildings.

The Provincial Museum

This museum contains many beautiful ancient artifacts dating back to the Khmer Empire, which were found at many archaeological sites in the region.

The Prasat Phnom Banon Winery

Prasat Phnom Banon Winery is Cambodia's only winery, specializing primarily in the use of shiraz grapes to make its red wine. If you're curious, why not come here to discover and taste the wine made in Cambodia?

Authentic Battambang Cuisine

Battambang province is renowned as the rice breadbasket of the country and for its thriving agriculture. This makes it a great place to enjoy traditional Khmer cuisine, which is fresh and more affordable than in the big tourist cities.Among the traditional dishes of Cambodia, you should try Amok (Cambodian fish curry), Beef Lok Lak, Somlar Kari Saek Mouan (Khmer red curry), Kuy Teav (Cambodian noodle soup),... and don't miss the famous desserts like Sankhya Lapov (pumpkin custard).

>>> Also read: Top 11 Delicious Tropical Fruits of Cambodia 

5. Practical Tips for a Complete Trip

Due to its proximity to Siem Reap, Battambang lends itself perfectly to a day trip from the city. Night buses or boats from Siem Reap take you to Battambang the next morning. Although two days are ideal to fully explore the city, a day in Battambang already offers a glimpse of this quiet riverside town.

Located on the border with Thailand and connecting the roads of Poipet, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Battambang is a strategic transit point for travelers traveling from Cambodia to Thailand by land. Take advantage of this opportunity to enrich your itinerary by combining your stay with a visit to Thailand.

In conclusion,

Battambang, with its charming tranquility, invites travelers to discover an authentic side of Cambodia, an experience not to be missed for those looking for extraordinary explorations. If you want to make every trip easier, tailored to your personal preferences and desires, contact us for a tailor-made tour of Cambodia and Battambang, perfectly tailored to your needs.

>>> Find more essential information about Cambodia at:

• Cambodia Travel Guide: Essential Information Before Your Trip 
• Ratanakiri: The off the Beaten Track Mountainous Region in Cambodia
• Phnom Penh's Guide to Top Restaurants
• Top 11 Delicious Tropical Fruits of Cambodia