Located in northwestern Cambodia, Battambang is the third largest city in the country which shares borders with Thailand. Being founded in the 11th century, it is characterized by ancient temples and shrines, a laidback riverside ambiance, as well as well-preserved colonial architecture.
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia, it welcomes innumerable visitors each year who want an authentic insight into local daily life and to experience the adventurous countryside bamboo train ride while traveling to Cambodia. Most travelers to Battambang won’t miss the quirky bamboo train ride which will offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you crash through lush jungles, little bridges, and beautiful rice paddies.
Since be more like a small rural town, planning a trip to Battambang will be not very overwhelming. Our Battambang travel guide with ideas of things to do, a weather and transportation guide, and useful tips will help to make your Battambang trip much easier.
Top Things to Do in Battambang
Take a Bamboo Train Ride
The bamboo train ride on the outskirt of Battambang is widely considered the most popular attraction of the city. It is a kind of traditional transportation method once used to move goods around the country, now being replaced by the real train after the resumption of rail services. The current bamboo train was rebuilt near the former railway to enable tourists to experience this kind of traditional transportation mode.
The bamboo train is a kind of makeshift ride with a bamboo platform bolted onto the train wheels and is powered by a little motor engine. The journey is about 7 km and will take about 45 minutes, taking you through rural villages, beautiful rice paddies, and sweeping scenery.
Watch a Circus Show
Battambang is where the Phare Ponleu Selpak is located, a Cambodian non-profit NGO that dedicates itself to helping children and young adults to improve their lives through performance art. It works as an art school that offers free arts training, community programs, and social support, and is especially known for its excellent circus performances. The jaw-dropping acrobatics are their highlight which usually combines Cambodian traditions and is highly praised by visitors thanks to the performers’excellent physical comedy and performance skills. The best way to support them is to join the audience at Phare Ponleu Selpak.
Explore the Bat Caves at Phnom Sampeou
Phnom Sampeou, with golden temples on the hilltop, is home to many weird caves, and the most impressive sight here is the Bat Caves. With millions of bats nestled in, the Bat Caves is the place to witness a lifetime natural spectacle when all the bats burst out of the caves for night hunting. By then, the sky will be overcast by the flock of bats for about 30 minutes. And many people flock here to enjoy this mesmerizing sight before 5:30 PM. Stallholders at the hill-foot will put out tables and chairs in advance and get ready to entertain visitors with beer and beverages.
Discover Battambang Countryside by Bike
There is so much to explore and experience in Battambang countryside areas: rural life in small villages, verdant rice paddies, and awesome sightseeing along the way. To explore at your pace and enjoy an in-depth discovery of local culture and life, riding a bike around the nearby countryside areas is the best way. By biking, you can stop at any sites you like to see and enjoy time at your leisure.
Explore the City on Foot
Housing plenty of colonial buildings and ancient architecture and with little traffic, Battambang is a walking-friendly city. Having a walking tour around the city is the best way to get acquainted with the city. You can follow a local expert guide to meet many iconic buildings, visit local popular markets, satisfy your stomach in amazing restaurants only locals know, and spend time in museums and art galleries to look into contemporary and ancient sculptures and paintings… There is so much to see and explore.
Meet Ancient Temples
Though not as famous and spectacular as the Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, ancient hilltop temples in Battambang are also worth your visit thanks to their historical importance and beautiful appearance. The most magnificent temples and shrines in Battambang include Wat Samrong Khnong, Wat Sangke, Wat Kandal, Wat Pothiveal, and Wat Keo. Some boast a long history, and others proudly showcase the best examples of ancient Khmer architecture.
☛ Related reading: 10 Best Temples in Cambodia You Should Not Miss
Hotels in Battambang
Staying in either the Eastern River Bank or the city center area is recommended for a trip to Battambang, Cambodia. Both areas offer excellent accommodation, dining, and transportation options.
The eastern river bank is home to multiple high-end hotels and villas, such as Phka Villa Hotel. These hotels offer excellent facilities, and easy access to popular attractions while allowing visitors to relax themselves with the peaceful riverside views.
The city center area is where you can find either upscale or budget-friendly hotels. This area is also connected with convenient transportation and various entertainment options and is rich in local life.
How Many Days to Stay in Battambang
When in Battambang, we recommend spending at least 2 days to discover the city area and the surrounding countryside at a leisurely pace. If short in time, 1 day is also okay to cover its best highlights, like the bamboo train and the surrounding countryside scenery, and ancient colonial architecture. If you have more time available and are looking for a quiet place to spend a few days, Battambang is also a great choice.
☛Best Cambodia Tours including Battambang:
- 12 Days Kid-friendly Family Holiday in Cambodia
- 7 Days Best of Cambodia Tour
- 12 Days Cambodia Adventure with Southern Coast Tour
Battambang Weather: Best Time to Visit Battambang
Battambang enjoys a tropical climate and experiences low rainfall and warm temperature all year round. In most years, its temperatures range from 21-36°C (69.8-96.8°F).
The weather of Battambang can be divided into two seasons: the dry season (from October to early May), and the wet season (Mid-May to September). The best time to visit Battambang is from November to February when the city is under the dry season, seeing a pleasant climate with a cooler temperature.
☛ Related reading: Cambodia Weather: Wet Season & Dry Season
Battambang Transportation: How to Get to and Get around
How to Get to Battambang?
By Road
National Highways 5 and 6 connect Battambang with the country’s major cities like Phnom Penh, Sisophon, Poipet, and Siem Reap, making it convenient to get to Battambang by either private cars or buses. The bus ride will take about 5-6 hrs from Phnom Penh, and about 3 hrs from Siem Reap.
The Battambang bus station is about 3km from the city center, and visitors can easily take a tuk-tuk to the city center by spending about 1 USD.
By Boat
In the wet season, there is a daily boat from Siem Reap to Battambang. This scenic river journey will take about 4-12 hours, depending on the water level.
By Train
Each Wednesday, a train will depart from Phnom Penh at 7 am to Battambang. The ticket is about 5 USD.
How to Get around Battambang?
Battambang is a little city with most attractions very close to each other, so many travelers choose to explore the city on foot. For those who don’t like walking too much or want to explore the countryside, renting a bike should be the ideal choice. You can rent a bike from most hotels and bike rental companies, the cost is about US$1-2 per day. At some popular sites, it is easy to hail a tuk-tuk or motorbike taxi, and the cost is about US$2-4 for a short distance.
