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Battambang, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Things to Do in Battambang

Things to Do in Battambang

Battambang, ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ​កម្ពុជា - Complete Travel Guide

Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city, offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Khmer life away from the tourist crowds of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. This charming riverside city is renowned for its well-preserved French colonial architecture, thriving arts scene, and surrounding countryside dotted with ancient temples and traditional villages. The city serves as the heart of Cambodia's rice bowl region, where visitors can experience rural life, explore Angkorian-era temples, and witness unique local traditions like the famous bamboo train. Beyond its cultural attractions, Battambang has emerged as a hub for contemporary Cambodian arts, with numerous galleries, studios, and performance spaces showcasing local talent. The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot or by bicycle, while its proximity to significant archaeological sites and natural attractions provides endless opportunities for day trips. From bat cave spectacles at sunset to circus performances by former street children, Battambang offers experiences that blend Cambodia's rich history with its hopeful future.

Top Things to Do in Battambang

Bamboo Train (Norry) Experience

Ride the unique bamboo train, a makeshift railway vehicle consisting of a bamboo platform powered by a small motor, through the Cambodian countryside. This quirky mode of transport offers scenic views of rice paddies, local villages, and rural life while providing an unforgettable adventure on the remnants of the French colonial railway system.

Booking Tip: Tours cost $5-15 per person and run throughout the day, but early morning or late afternoon rides offer the best lighting and cooler temperatures. Book through your guesthouse or local operators, and bring sun protection and a camera.

Phnom Sampeau Bat Cave Sunset

Visit this hilltop temple complex that houses both ancient pagodas and dark reminders of the Khmer Rouge era, then witness millions of bats emerging from caves at sunset. The spectacular natural phenomenon creates a ribbon of bats stretching across the sky for nearly an hour, offering one of Cambodia's most impressive wildlife displays.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $3, and tuk-tuk rides from the city cost $10-15 return. Arrive by 5:30 PM to explore the temples before the 6 PM bat emergence. Bring insect repellent and a flashlight for cave exploration.

Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus Performance

Attend a world-class circus performance by Phare Ponleu Selpak, a renowned arts organization that trains disadvantaged youth in circus arts, music, and theater. These emotionally powerful shows combine traditional Cambodian stories with contemporary circus techniques, acrobatics, and live music, often addressing social issues through artistic expression.

Booking Tip: Tickets cost $18-38 depending on seating and are available online or at the venue. Shows run Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings. Book in advance during peak season and arrive early to explore the arts center and meet performers.

Colonial Architecture Walking Tour

Explore Battambang's remarkably well-preserved French colonial architecture through the city center, including the Governor's Residence, old market buildings, and traditional shophouses. The self-guided or organized tours reveal the city's history through its buildings, from the French protectorate period through to modern-day restoration efforts.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with maps available from guesthouses, while guided tours cost $10-20 per person. Early morning or late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography, and many buildings are best viewed from the outside.

Countryside Temple and Village Tour

Discover ancient Angkorian temples scattered throughout Battambang province, including Wat Banan (often called 'mini Angkor Wat') and Prasat Sneng, while visiting traditional villages to observe local crafts like rice paper making, fish paste production, and traditional weaving. These tours provide insight into both Cambodia's glorious past and its rural present.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $25-40 per person including transport and guide, or rent a motorbike for $5-8 per day for self-exploration. Combine multiple temples in one day and bring plenty of water and sun protection for temple climbing.

Getting There

Battambang is accessible by bus, taxi, or boat from major Cambodian cities. From Siem Reap, buses take 3-4 hours ($4-8) with several daily departures, while from Phnom Penh, the journey takes 5-6 hours ($6-12). The scenic boat journey from Siem Reap via Tonle Sap Lake operates seasonally (dry season only) and takes 6-8 hours ($20-35), offering beautiful countryside views but can be uncomfortable during low water periods. Shared taxis provide faster but more expensive options, while private transfers can be arranged through hotels.

Getting Around

Battambang is easily navigable by foot, bicycle, or tuk-tuk, with most attractions within the compact city center accessible on foot. Bicycle rentals ($2-3 per day) are ideal for exploring the city and nearby countryside, while tuk-tuks are perfect for longer distances and temple visits ($1-2 for short trips, $10-20 for day tours). Motorbike taxis are available for quick trips around town ($0.50-1), and motorbike rentals ($5-8 per day) offer independence for exploring surrounding areas. The city's flat terrain and light traffic make cycling particularly enjoyable.

Where to Stay

City Center
Riverside Area
Old French Quarter
Near Psar Nat Market
Wat Kandal Area
Outskirts near Phnom Sampeau

Food & Dining

Battambang's food scene combines traditional Khmer cuisine with international options, centered around the old market area and riverside restaurants. Local specialties include num banh chok (Khmer noodles), fresh river fish, and seasonal fruits from surrounding orchards. The night market offers excellent street food experiences with grilled meats, tropical fruits, and local desserts at budget-friendly prices. Western restaurants cater to international tastes with pizza, burgers, and vegetarian options, while upscale Khmer restaurants provide refined versions of traditional dishes in colonial-era buildings with atmospheric settings.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cambodia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Trattoria Bello

4.7 /5
(897 reviews) 2

Fellini Siem Reap

4.8 /5
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Pasta La Vista Siem Reap

4.6 /5
(622 reviews)

CUCINA - Pizza & Pasta - Italian Restaurant Siem Reap

4.8 /5
(453 reviews)
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Polo Food

4.9 /5
(338 reviews)
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Trattoria da Rasy

4.9 /5
(201 reviews) 1

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Battambang is during the cool, dry season from November to February, when temperatures are comfortable (20-30°C) and rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities and temple exploration. March to May can be extremely hot (35-40°C) but offers clear skies and is perfect for early morning and late afternoon activities. The rainy season (June-October) brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, but some rural roads may become impassable, and the bamboo train may not operate during heavy rains. The countryside is most beautiful just after the rains end in November.

Insider Tips

Visit the local markets early in the morning (6-8 AM) to see the freshest produce and experience authentic local life before the heat sets in
Many temples and attractions have informal local guides who work for tips - they provide valuable insights but agree on expectations upfront
The bamboo train experience has been relocated several times due to railway development, so confirm the current location and operating status with recent travelers or local operators before planning your visit

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