Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Cambodia | Lượt xem: 1055
If you have a chance to travel to Cambodia, the stunning land of Battambang is worth a visit. Despite being one of the largest cities here, Battambang offers a uniquely tranquil and refreshing experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in this country. The city features vast rice paddies, lovely colonial buildings, ancient temples, gentle waterways, and a relaxing flair that somehow calms our minds in the greatest way possible.
Battambang is the capital of the same name province, which lies far northwest of Cambodia and is the leading rice producer of the whole country. Established in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire, Battambang Cambodia is now the third-largest city here (only after Phnom Penh and Siem Reap) and stands out with expertly preserved French colonial architecture and vibrant Khmer culture.
Situated on the serene Sangkae River, Battambang boasts amazing natural scenery and an impressively peaceful, quiet lifestyle. Its beautiful rural settings and captivating laidback vibe make this land a perfect destination for those who seek an off-the-beaten-track spot to unwind and dive deeper into Cambodian culture.
The typical tropical monsoon climate divides Cambodia into two distinct seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy one (May to October). The dry season will make a better period for touring Battambang and other Cambodian cities, as this is when the weather is cooler at around 25°C - 35°C, and also less humid. This is also considered the best month to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. It’s best to avoid planning your Cambodia holiday in July or August since this is the flood season and could severely affect your experience.
The most popular starting points for a trip to Battambang City Cambodia are Siem Reap and Phnom Penh - both lie very close by and have their airports. Afterward, you can take a bus, taxi, or private car to Battambang, which takes about 3 - 4 hours from Siem Reap and 5 - 6 hours from Phnom Penh. Of course, the prices vary depending on your choice.
If you’re traveling from Siem Reap, another recommended option is to take a boat ride through Tonle Sap Lake, which takes about 6 – 8 hours and costs $35 – 45 per adult. It might be a little pricey, but the scenic views along the way are worth it.
Although Battambang town itself is quite small and can be easily explored by walking, you still need transportation to reach outside spots around the province. The most common option here is tuk-tuk, which costs only $1 – 3 for a short ride. Ride-hailing apps like Grab or Uber aren’t available here, but taxis are everywhere and convenient to catch as well. For a more flexible journey, you can rent a motorbike at $5 – 10 or a bicycle at $1 – 3 per day and travel at your own pace.
It’s not hard to find a hotel in Battambang that suits your needs and budget, as the city offers an extensive range of accommodations. The prices for one night here start at $5 for affordable guesthouses and hostels, $25 for mid-range options, and $80 for luxury ones.
For nature lovers, it’s better to move a little further from the city and settle yourself in a local homestay or an eco-lodge in the countryside. While the former costs around $10 – 30, the latter may charge $40 – 80 per night.
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It will be a nice experience to stroll around the city and admire the charming French colonial buildings here, which are a remarkable aspect of Battambang and a reminder of Cambodia’s colonial past. Along the way, you will also stumble upon the iconic Ta Dumbong Kro Aung Statue (Black Man Statue), a famous landmark that represents the mythical figure Ta Dumbong, who is said to have founded the city of Battambang.
The bucolic beauty of Battambang makes it an ideal place to embark on an exciting bicycle trip throughout the area. Once you’re out of town, the narrow trails will lead you through lush green paddy fields, quaint villages, and crumbling temples. No matter which path you choose, you will feel deeply engaged in and connected with the rustic life here.
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a non-profit performing art school that aims to support children and young adults in Battambang. Its amazing circus shows, all performed by teachers and students, are an excellent experience and a must-see for every culture enthusiast. The shows take place every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evening, and cost $16 per adult and $9 per child. There are also free campus tours on weekdays if you wish to gain a deeper insight into the daily lives of the youthful artists.
Situated on Battambang’s outskirts and built around the 11th century, these pre-Angkorian temples provide a fantastic glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient history and are two of the most significant historical sites here. Banan Temple is about 25 km from the city center and consists of five towers in the classic Khmer architecture style. You will have to climb a 358-step stairway to reach it, but the views from high above are pretty rewarding. Ek Phnom, on the other hand, is a Hindu temple located only 10 km from the city. It is well-known for its stunningly carved lintels and pediments.
Heading southwest about 12 km, you will find Phnom Sampeau, an unmissable destination for those who’re into history and eager to know more about the reign of the Khmer Rouge. It’s most known for the cruel Killing Caves, which lie halfway up to the summit and partly reflect the horrendous past of the country. Apart from these caves, Phnom Sampeau also offers breathtaking aerial views of western Cambodia.
There are not many places in the world where you can witness thick swarms of bats streaming out at dusk, and Batcave Battambang is one of them. Located near the Killing Caves, this site draws visitors with the daily spectacle of thousands, sometimes millions, of bats going out for a hunt when the sun goes down, creating a mesmeric vista in the sky. This exodus often lasts only half an hour so it’s better to get here early to ensure you won’t miss it.
Racing down an old railway track on a bamboo cart is undoubtedly one of the most fun things you’ll ever experience in Battambang. Set just outside the city, Bamboo Railway Battambang (also known as “Norry”) is a quirky ride that gives you a taste of Cambodian rural life in a truly unique way. It used to be a local form of transportation in the past and only a short section of the old railway is still intact now, but a reconstructed version of the ride has been created for tourists coming here. A typical ride lasts about 20 minutes and costs around $7 per person.
Touring local markets is one of the best things to do in Cambodia, as it effectively helps you blend in with the locals and take in the atmosphere. Two of the most prominent markets in Battambang are the Central Market (Psar Nat) and the Riverside Night Market, where you can purchase beautiful traditional crafts and sample delicious street food. While the Central Market is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Riverside Night Market only welcomes guests from 4:00 p.m. onward.
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