Battambang Cambodia – Top 7 Most Interesting Experiences

1. Overview

Battambang is the capital city of Battambang province, Cambodia. Battambang is the second-largest city in Cambodia, located next to the peaceful and poetic Sangker River. This city is not the bustling capital center; there are no beautiful beaches, and there are no magnificent temples, but it still attracts tourists by its very own beauty, hidden many interesting things. The harmony, balance, and vibrancy come from the classic look of French architecture and the daily lives of the people here.

This city still retains its quiet space, not much affected by the modern lifestyle. There are very few tall buildings in Battambang Cambodia, and inside the city, carriages, motorbikes, and cars run alternately, creating a colorful picture of this country city.

2. When should you travel to Battambang?

Battambang has a similar climate to Vietnam, so from around July to August is the rainy season, which can cause floods, so you should limit going at this time. 

The best time to visit Battambang is from November to February next year. At this time, the weather is mild, with little rain and not too hot, which is convenient for moving as well as sightseeing and entertainment activities here.

3. Transportation to Battambang city

3.1. Airplane
Currently, there is no direct flight from Vietnam to Battambang; if you want to fly, you have to fly to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

From Vietnam, you can buy air tickets to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap directly from airlines operated by Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietnam Airlines, etc. Airfare is only about 85.03 USD to 197.51 USD, and flight time is about 1 hour.

Then you take the bus to Battambang. If you go to Phnom Penh, it will take 5 hours, but Siem Reap will be closer; it only takes about 3 hours to get there.

3.2. Traveling by bus

Buses and coaches are the means of choice for many tourists. However, when using buses and coaches, you have to travel for a long time from Vietnam to Battambang. On this journey, you have to make about 2–3 stops to get there.

Phnom Penh to Batamang

There are 14 departures daily to Battambang within 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions. There are 4 airlines for you to choose from: Mekong Express (12 USD/trip), Bayon VIP (10 USD/trip), Meanchey Express (9 USD/trip), and Cambodia Post VIP Van (9 USD/trip).

Alternatively, you can take a private taxi to Battambang from Phnom Penh. Expect to pay between 70 and 90 USD one way. Your accommodation in Phnom Penh (or Battambang) will be able to arrange this for you.

Siem Reap to Battambang

In Siem Reap, there are two daily Mekong Express buses departing at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs 8 USD. A taxi ride from Siem Reap to Battambang costs around 50 USD – 60 USD one way and can be arranged online through Bookaway or through your accommodation at either end.

3.3. Traveling by boat on the river

Instead of taking a bus to Battambang, you can also use a train or boat to get there. After arriving in Siem Reap, you will travel by boat for 5 hours, and it will cost about 15–20 USD. Taking a boat will give you a more interesting feeling, seeing the natural scenery in the country of temples before coming to Battambang.

4. Where to Stay in Battambang

Battambang city is a large place with many resort hotels for you to choose from. Some recommended hotels for you:

5. Interesting experiences in Battambang Cambodia

5.1. Visiting Wat Ek Phnom Temple and Phnom Banan Temple

Wat Ek Phnom Temple was built in the 11th century, during the reign of King Sorayak Varman II, in the Hindu style with beautifully carved reliefs. The temple is located next to a romantic lake, and behind it is a 28-meter-high Buddha statue.

Phnom Banan Temple is located on the top of the mountain, built in the 11th century Angkor period and including five towers. Phnom Banan Temple consists of five towers with beautiful scenery and a fresh, peaceful atmosphere. When visiting this temple, you can also combine visiting L’Ang But Meas Cave and the 150-year-old temple right at the foot of the mountain.

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5.2. Conquering the top of Sampeau hill

Sampeau Hilltop in Battambang is a destination for history buffs. During the journey to conquer the top of Sampeau Hill, you will visit the Killing Cave, which was once used by the Khmer Rouge army as a place to store the bodies of more than ten thousand innocent war victims.

At the top of Sampeau Hill is also a quiet temple, where the bones of war victims are kept in glass cages. The trip to the top of Sampeau Hill will be a trip back to the past to understand more and feel the loss of the Cambodian people.

5.3. Cycling around the outskirts of Battambang

It can be said that cycling to explore the beauty of the countryside in the suburbs is one of the most interesting experiences when traveling to Battambang (Cambodia). You can do this exploration in half a day or a day with the Soksabike tour.

Soksabike organizes bicycle tours to the countryside around Battambang to give visitors a chance to learn about authentic Cambodian life and culture with local student guides. This journey will take you through immense green rice fields, lovely small villages, peaceful pagodas, and visits to local traditional craft villages such as winemaking, weaving, etc. All will have the most authentic experience of the lives of the people here.

• Address: near Psar Nath (central market, Street 1.5, Krong Battambang, Cambodia
• Tel: (+85) 512 542 019
• Reference price: from 30 USD/tour.

5.4. Kayaking

An activity chosen by many tourists in Battambang is kayaking at the floating village of Ksach Poy. The boating journey from Ksach Poy village will see peaceful natural scenery and idyllic daily life on both sides of the river.

5.5. Tour the city on a bamboo train

Bamboo trains used to be a popular means of transportation in Battambang. To this day, the bamboo train is one of the most attractive tourist services when coming to Battambang City.

Said to be a bamboo train because this vehicle runs on the same track as a regular train. The fastest speed that bamboo trains can achieve is up to 50 km/h. You can pick up the car anywhere for about 8 USD each way. When traveling by car, visitors have the opportunity to see the scenery and the simple lives of the people along the route. A wide, open scene with drafts from all sides will create a rare, refreshing feeling.

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5.6. Enjoying shopping at night markets

In Battambang, there are two extremely popular night markets where you can shop for souvenirs and gifts. It is Psar Nath market, which is a traditional night market, and a new night market located near the Sangkar river.

Both of these addresses have a vibrant and local atmosphere. At the night market, visitors are free to explore and enjoy the traditional street food of the Cambodian people. Besides, the stalls of clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs will surely give you many good suggestions.

5.7. Enjoying local cuisine in Battambang

Enjoying food is one of the indispensable activities in tourism to help you better understand the traditional flavors and culture of that locality and country. In Battambang, you have many opportunities to sample local dishes in eateries or from street vendors. There are countless Cambodian specialties such as red curry, Amok steamed fish, pork rice, etc.Restaurants and eateries also have a lot for you to choose from, with Asian and European dishes. Thai and Vietnamese dishes are available.

A special thing when coming to Battambang is that visitors can cook Cambodian dishes by themselves at Smokin Pot restaurant. This restaurant has been operating for 14 years and is a favorite destination for many foreign tourists to learn to cook.

• Address: Street 1.5 Next to Ganesha Guesthouse, Battambang, Cambodia
• Tel: (+85) 512 821 400
• Open: 09:00 a.m – 22:00 p.m
• Website: https://smokin-pot.com/

6. Conclusion

Hopefully, the above sharing of Metta Voyage will help you have an interesting and memorable trip to Battambang City with your family and friends. If you want to know more about the package tour information, you can contact us immediately for advice!

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