Are you looking for a peaceful land with many tourist services that is not commercialized? Battambang is your answer!
If you just see this place for the first time, many visitors will feel that it is nothing but boring. However, you must withdraw your thoughts. Battambang city does not possess beautiful beaches, unique and long-standing architectural structures of pagodas, and temples like the Angkor complex, but this place has friendly beauty, with a mixture of life. Harmony, balance, and liveliness come from the daily lives of the people here. Battambang is located next to a gentle river and is landlocked, so the advantage of tourism is less than other places in Cambodia. However, thanks to that, Battambang is not touristized and retains its pristine beauty and natural lifestyle.
Battambang - a peaceful land with many tourist services but not commercialized
There is no doubt that Battambang has become one of the best choices for those who are looking for a place to escape from their reality and enjoy life in a fulfilled way! Let Asia Private Travels help you open the book of Battambang travel and explore a new story!
Top things to do in Battambang?
Once you travel to Battambang, you can take advantage of these must-do activities which give you a worthy experience in Cambodia tourism!
Visit Battambang historical sites
The name Battambang literally means "lost stick" and is derived from a legend related to the King of Sticks Kranhoung - Preah Bat Dambang Kranhoung. This place also experienced a period of brutal war and was once a large area of land with scattered ruins. Besides, the Battambang area once belonged to Thailand under the name Siam in modern history. It just returned to Cambodia in the 20th century and has the name it has today. Therefore, this place has many Thai characteristics that create uniqueness in local culture so the historical beauty in Battambang is extremely impressive!
You cannot miss out on Phnom Sampeau - one of the integral places to visit in Battambang. It offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical reflection. Where visitors can appreciate the spirituality of the region while also confronting the tragic events of Cambodia's recent past. In particular, you must visit the famous Killing Cave, where the Khmer Rouge army used it as a place to store the bodies of innocent war victims. On top of Sampeau Hill, there is also a quiet pagoda, where the bones of war victims are kept in glass cages. People here believe that more than ten thousand innocent people were killed in this cav. Visiting Sampeau Hilltop will be a trip to the past, and feel the trauma and loss caused by war.
Phnom Sampeau - one of the integral places to visit in Battambang
Tahm Rai Saw Temple is one of the most prominent temples in Battambang and is frequently visited by tourists. The best time to visit the temple is on Khmer New Year. At that time, people will decorate the temple and surrounding area, holding solemn ceremonies to welcome the new year. Visitors coming here will have the opportunity to learn more about the unique culture of the Khmer people.
The Wat Et Khom will be the next destination on your bucket list for Battambang tourism! This is a prominent temple in Battambang located next to a large lake and behind it is a 28-meter-tall Buddha statue. Due to the impact of the war, the temple only has a few Buddha statues and a ruined wall surrounding it. Visit the temple to learn about the historical period of Cambodia and explore a forgotten temple area.
Tahm Rai Saw Temple in Battambang
Attend art galleries and workshops in Battambang
Battambang has a growing arts scene with various art galleries and workshops showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists. It is influenced by different factors, such as the history of traditional arts, dance, and crafts; art education, and the impact of tourism. Many art galleries, exhibitions, and workshops develop and attract local and international visitors, providing exposure and potential sales for artists. The exhibitions cover many different themes, combining traditional elements and modern art.
If you have questions about exhibition locations or want to update ongoing workshops, Asia Private Travels is ready to answer!
Traveller attend art galleries and workshops
Join the biking tour & kayaking in Battambang
One of the ways to explore this land is the Battambang bike tour. There are many places to rent bicycles, and it's great to ride with your friends. Tourists will cycle through dirt roads. Although it is a bit difficult to move, it will definitely be an unforgettable memory for you. Admiring the wide fields, ancient temples, and idyllic villages here, you can stop at any place. What's more wonderful than being surrounded by pure nature? Visitors can take this exploration for half a day or a full day. This journey will take you to visit local traditional craft villages to learn about the rice wine production process and fabric weaving, which will give visitors authentic experiences about the lives of the people here.
Battambang bike tour
Besides, if you love physical activities or outdoor activities, you should definitely participate in kayaking at Stung Sangke River. Here, visitors can rent kayaks for a half-day exploration trip starting from the village of Ksach Poy. From this small village on the outskirts of Battambang, row along the Stung Sangke River and return to the city. A special chance to discover the natural wonders, including waterfalls, mangrove forests, and lagoons, along with engaging with the local community, enhances the significance of this activity. Paddling through villages and rural landscapes via kayaking provides a profound understanding of the country's culture and heritage.
Do not hesitate to ask Asia Private Travels for information on bike tours and kayaking when you have a chance to visit Battambang!
Experience bamboo train in Battambang
May you read something wrong? Absolutely not, this is actually the train made of bamboo!
The Bamboo Train consists of a small, flat bamboo platform mounted on wheels, powered by a small engine. It is an improvised form of transportation that originated as a local means of transporting goods and people along the railway tracks.
Tourists experience bamboo train
Nowadays, it has become a highlighted attraction in Battambang, and you can still explore some stretches, paying a small fee for it. Riding the bamboo train is relatively safe as it does not reach high speeds so this can be an interesting way to explore the Cambodian countryside. For all those traveling to Cambodia, Asia Private Travels advises you not to hesitate to experience the bamboo train if you have the opportunity because it will only be a memory due to the development of railway lines in Cambodia in the next few years.
Participate in a cooking class
If you have fallen in love with the food in the "Pagodas Land", then join cooking classes in Battambang!
Join cooking classes in Battambang
Thanks to the influence of cultures such as Thailand and France, the culinary flavors in Battambang are extremely unique with special preparation methods. When participating in local cooking classes, you will experience making your own dishes by purchasing ingredients, preparing, and cooking under the instructions of experienced chefs. It is promised to be a great memory on the Cambodia tour!
Feel free to ask us for detailed information on all the activities in the Battambang package tour!
What to eat in Battambang?
There is not a single restaurant in Battambang with a Michelin star, but the cuisine at this location will be something not to be missed in Cambodian tourism.
Battambang does not own many high-end dining spaces or large restaurants, but Battambang has been honored by UNESCO as a city of gastronomy and is one of 55 locations added to the Creative Cities Network (this network of destinations famous for crafts, folk art, design, cinema, cuisine, literature, media arts, and music). Why is that?
Battambang boasts a vibrant culinary heritage and is famous for crafting some of the best cuisine in the nation. This includes savory vegetables and top-quality rice, as well as artisanal items like traditional fresh vermicelli and rice paper. You can savor delectable street food and authentic dishes available at markets, street vendors, and local eateries.
Attractive food in Battambang
The land in Battambang is extremely fertile and rich, so it is no surprise that this place is one of the major rice granaries in Cambodia. Therefore, agricultural products here are of very high quality; along with the unique culture, it has created impressive dishes, becoming the pride of the Cambodian people. When traveling to Battambang, do not forget to try a variety of dishes and attend a cooking class if you have the chance!
What is the best time to travel to Battambang?
To help your Battambang travel plans go smoothly and not be affected by the weather, we would like to provide you with information about the climate as well as the best season to travel to Battambang.
The ideal time to visit Battambang is from November to February because the climate is mild, the weather is not too hot and there is little rain. Therefore, you can comfortably enjoy the beautiful scenery and sightseeing tours without fear of being affected by erratic weather. Over time, tourism services have also been expanded to serve tourists. Because the number of visitors here is not too crowded, you can fully enjoy the peaceful beauty here.
Weather in Battambang
The rainy season starts from July to August, it includes sudden storms so it may be hard for you to transfer, join in activities, or enjoy the view fulfillment. On the other side, if you love to admire Battambang’s beauty in the rain and explore different aspects, this time is not always the worst choice for tourism!
How to get to Battambang?
By air
The most common way to reach Battambang is to fly into one of Cambodia's international airports including Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport which are the major gateways. If you choose Phnom Penh Airpot, you can book a domestic flight to Battambang, although this option might not always be available due to limited domestic flight services so please check the plan and prepare carefully. Otherwise, you can fly to Siem Reap and then transfer to Battambang by bamboo train, cruise, or car.
Phnom Penh International Airport
By car
Taxis and private car services are available for hire. This option provides more flexibility in terms of schedule and allows for a more comfortable and direct journey. Besides, bus service can be a good choice to save money and convenience because of its popularity.
Taxis and private car services in Battambang
For those who are tired of making travel plans, Asia Private Travel already has the Cambodia package tour with everything you are expecting! Contact us to not worry anymore about your trip!
Where is the best place to stay in Battambang?
Battambang offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Accommodations in Battambang include hotels, hostels, homestays, resorts, etc.
Among them, the hostel type is popular with many tourists because of its reasonable price and suitability for the travel needs of many tourists. Most are backpackers who want to explore or relax in a peaceful land like Battambang, hostels are also a social and economical choice for those looking to meet fellow travelers. Guesthouse is a similar option because they provide a more intimate and local experience. It is highly recommended to try!
Accommodations in Battambang
Additionally, for a more immersive experience, you may find homestay options in and around Battambang. Staying with a local family can provide insight into Cambodian daily life and culture, which is so interesting! If you expect to travel with high service, a resort can be your ideal option. Some areas around Battambang may have resorts that offer a tranquil and upscale experience; moreover, they provide spacious rooms, spa services, and recreational facilities. What can be greater?
Battambang’s attractions are not only ancient temples, scenic countryside, and the unique bamboo train, but also the warmth of the local hospitality. Battambang's charm lies not only in its historical sites but also in its vibrant culture and the resilience of its people. Asia Private Travels hopes that this article will help you get a deeper understanding of and explore another hidden gem in Cambodia.
Thank you for reading this, and we hope to see you soon on our Cambodia tour or Indochina tour in the future!
