Battambang Province, north-west Cambodia · Cambodia
A faded colonial town of art, bamboo trains, caves and countryside.
Photo: Marcel40chaudron · CC BY-SA 4.0
Battambang is Cambodia's second-largest city but feels like a quiet provincial town, with faded French-colonial shopfronts, a river, and a creative community. It is a favourite stop between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and many travellers stay longer than planned.
The famous bamboo train, or norry, is a bamboo platform on rails powered by a small engine, and gives a fun if touristy ride. Nearby, Wat Banan sits on a hilltop with five towers, Phnom Sampov holds a cave where millions of bats stream out at dusk, and the countryside is dotted with villages and rice fields.
Art is a theme here. Phare Ponleu Selpak, a non-profit arts school, offers circus performances, and small galleries and cafes show local artists. It is an easy place to relax, with good food and a gentle pace.
Why visit
Battambang is a slow, friendly stop with real character.
A quirky ride.
Millions at dusk.
Circus and galleries.
Rice fields and temples.
Old town charm.
Main attractions
The sights are spread around the town.
A short ride on a bamboo platform.
Tip Go in the late afternoon.
A hill with caves and a bat colony.
Tip Time it for dusk.
An 11th-century hilltop temple.
Tip Climb 358 steps.
An arts school with circus shows.
Tip Book tickets.
French shophouses and Psar Nath.
Tip Walk the lanes.
A sobering memorial.
Tip Visit with respect.
Things to do
Easy-going activities.
A fun short trip.
Tip Bring small bills.
Dusk at Phnom Sampov.
Tip Bring a camera.
At Phare.
Tip Book ahead.
Villages and farms.
Tip Join a tour.
Local dishes.
Tip Morning class.
Hilltop temple.
Tip Go early.
Local food
Local food is great and cheap.
Coconut fish curry.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Sweet snack.
Where to try it Roadside.
Noodle soup.
Where to try it Breakfast.
Stir-fried beef.
Where to try it Local.
Cold.
Where to try it Roadside.
Accommodation
Simple guesthouses.
Transport
Battambang is on the route between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Tuk-tuks and bikes.
When to go
Cool and dry months are best.
Cool and dry.
Hot.
Green.
Fresh and green.
Worth planning around: April and May.
Itinerary
Train, caves and art.
Train and temple
Art
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
Two days.
Yes, for tourists now.
Yes.
November to February.
Yes by bus.
No.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Battambang, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Siem Reap Province, Cambodia
A relaxed city with Pub Street, the Old Market, Phare circus, Royal Gardens and trips to the Tonle Sap floating villages.
Don't miss Eating fish amok in the old market after a day among temples.
Explore Destination — Siem Reap and Tonle SapPhnom Penh Municipality, Cambodia
A busy riverside capital with the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Central Market, Tuol Sleng, Choeung Ek and a growing food scene.
Don't miss Watching the sun set over the river from a rooftop after a day of palaces and markets.
Explore Destination — Phnom PenhSiem Reap Province, Cambodia
A day trip north of Angkor: the delicate Banteay Srei, the River of a Thousand Lingas at Kbal Spean, and the sacred Kulen Mountain with waterfalls.
Don't miss Examining carvings so fine they look like lace, at the "citadel of women".
Explore Destination — Banteay Srei and Kulen MountainRead next
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