Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia in terms of population and area, it is also the capital of Battambang province. It was founded in the 11th century AD. This is the former capital of the Khmer people, located in the middle of the northwest of Cambodia.
Before the war, when almost the entire infrastructure was destroyed, it was the country’s leading rice-growing province.
Tourists consider Battambang the most balanced city in Cambodia. It is moderately noisy, with many interesting sights to visit and friendly locals. It is located 163km away from Siem Reap city and only 165km or 3hrs by car from Buddhist temple Angkor Wat.
A large number of art boutique hotels, quaint cafes and restaurants are among the city’s most popular attractions, while the lush countryside is perfect for sightseeing.
Check this post on best things to do in Battambang city in Cambodia; stay updated on popular tourist places to visit in 2024.
1. Check Local Restaurants in Battambang
Cheap street food stalls, casual local eateries, art cafes tucked away in quiet side streets with a focus on Khmer, French and Western cuisines – Battambang has it all. Add here good service compared to many other cities in Cambodia, the freshest products and you’ll have the perfect city for food tourism in Cambodia.
If you want to indulge in classic French dishes or try a fusion of French and Cambodian (for example, fried frog with Khmer pesto), check out Pomme d’Amor Cafe ( map ) – a chic restaurant-bar located in a restored historic building. Remember that cash is preferred payment way in Cambodia compared to card.
But the most popular place among tourists is Yaan Bai ( on the map ). This innovative restaurant skillfully combines Khmer, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine in tapas-sized dishes. The seven-course set menu is $15 per person and includes dishes like Kampot Pepper Crab with Chili Jam and a savory papaya and shrimp salad. The restaurant, personally supported by Australian chef David Thompson, also operates as a social enterprise, educating the poor and homeless and donating its profits to the Cambodian Children’s Fund.
2. Hiking and Cycling tours Around the City
The countryside around Battambang is great for cycling. Bumpy roads lead past ancient shacks and monasteries where religious chants can be heard, and village streets filled with colorful wedding celebrations.
Sometimes local trails for hiking are so narrow that only one person can walk along them. And a herd of domestic animals can block your way. But cycling around Battambang is one of the must-do things. Yellow-orange sandy paths go along bright green rice fields, riddled with lazy streams.
You can rent a bike and explore the surroundings on your own or join a group tour. On behalf of the day tour, you can visit local families to learn more about the handicraft industry – from the production of rice wine to weaving.
3. River Walks
Water is the heart of Cambodian life. The huge Tonle Sap Lake is located in the center of the country, the mighty Mekong River – one of the greatest rivers in the world – is located in the east, and the Gulf of Thailand washes the south and west.
The quiet stretch of Sangkae River that runs through Battambang is ideal place for kayaking. Green Orange Kayak, a local NGO that provides free English lessons to locals, organizes half-day kayak trips down the river from Khsach Poy Church.
Such a river trip will allow you to enjoy the amazing scenery: this winding stretch of calm water is surrounded by steep banks where locals till the land, sleepy fishing villages and waving children splashing in the shallow water.
4. Historical Places to Visit in Battambang
Phnom Sampov historical site is a popular places that can be visited as a part of day tour from Battambang. Many temples and caves there are tragically associated with the Khmer Rouge. Many of the buildings here have been used as prisons and interrogation centers, the infamous Killing Caves are also nearby.
It is believed that up to ten thousand people were killed in these caves. One of the caves has now been turned into a temple, where the bones of the victims are kept in a metal cage under the watchful eye of a Buddha statue.
To learn more about the history of the area, try visiting Mr. Ole (ask at the Bamboo Hotel), a local tuk-tuk driver who will take you up into the mountains along scenic back roads and small villages.
5. Khmer Cuisine Courses
If you want to try your hand at cooking authentic Khmer dishes, there is no better place than Battambang. Smokin’ Pot launched Cambodia’s first out-of-towner cooking course, which still teaches tourists the basics of Khmer cooking.
Restaurant owner and chef Vannak leads a three-hour class each morning, from a trip to the local market for ingredients selection to the preparation of dinner. With Vannak’s guidance, you’ll learn how to cook dishes such as bamboo-leaf-infused amok fish (Cambodia’s national dish curried with hints of coconut and lemongrass) and chicken lok lak (another national favorite of grilled marinated meat with spicy sauce).
6. Bamboo Train Rides
The lack of regular trains in Cambodia has given rise to the norrie, a quirky railway that runs on a short section of track near Battambang. People, rice and livestock are driven back and forth on low wooden platforms that are placed on top of a wheeled metal cart. Such transport moves due to small built-in engines.
The points of the route are not of tourist value, but the trip itself on such a train can be very exciting. During the half-hour journey, the bamboo train reaches a speed of 40 km/h, making its way through the jungle, rattling over small bridges and speeding past rice fields. Meeting another train on the track going in the opposite direction is also an interesting sight: the train with the least number of passengers must be dismantled and put aside to let other traffic pass.
