By air
Siem Reap–Angkor (SAI), then ~3 h by road
Southeast Asia · Cambodia
Battambang, Cambodia
Colonial streets, rice fields and the bamboo train
Getting there
Best time to visit
November to March — dry and cooler
Don't miss
Phnom Sampeau
Wat Ek Phnom
The old market (Psar Nat)
Phnom Banan
Things to do
The bamboo train (norry)
Cycling the countryside
Phnom Sampeau at sunset
Where to eat
What to pack
Light clothes, a sun hat
A quieter corner
The bat caves of Phnom Sampeau at dusk
Questions travellers ask
Can I get to Battambang from Siem Reap?
Yes: fly into Siem Reap–Angkor (SAI), then it's about 3 hours by road.
What are Battambang's highlights?
Ride the bamboo train (norry), cycle the countryside, and see Wat Ek Phnom, Phnom Banan and the old market (Psar Nat).
When should I visit Phnom Sampeau near Battambang?
At sunset, staying on for the bat caves at dusk. November to March is dry and cooler.
What local food should I try around Battambang?
Nom banh chok noodles, and village lunches among the rice fields.
About Battambang
- Riverside
Where it is
Battambang is a city in north-western Cambodia on the Sangker River, the capital of Battambang province, in a fertile plain of rice fields west of the Tonle Sap lake.
History
Temples such as Wat Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan show that Battambang was part of the Angkorian world by the 11th century. The region was ruled by Siam from the late 18th century until 1907, when a treaty with France returned it to Cambodia.
People
Battambang's people are Khmer, and the province, long called Cambodia's rice bowl, is farmed by families across its plain. The city is known for its arts scene, from the circus and art school of Phare Ponleu Selpak to its painters and musicians.
Known for
- The bamboo train (norry)
- Phnom Sampeau's caves and bat flight
- French colonial shophouses
- The Phare Ponleu Selpak arts school
- Cycling through the rice fields
Did you know?
Battambang's name means to lose a stick in Khmer, after the local legend of Preah Bat Dambang Kranhoung and his lost staff.
We haven't written a guide for this place yet — you can still plan a trip here.