Battambang Travel - Explore The Hidden Gem Of Cambodia

Compared to other cities in Cambodia, Battambang has a quiet village setting. Battambang is located on the banks of the Shanker River, which further adorns the beauty of this city. Visiting Battambang, you will admire the ancient buildings from the colonial era in Cambodia; the carriages, cars, and motorbikes running on the streets all create colorful paintings.

Battambang is often overlooked by many Cambodian tourists, which is quite understandable because it does not have beautiful beaches, nor is it the capital city. Especially Battambang does not have significant architecture like majestic Angkor temples. However, in reality, this 2nd largest city in Cambodia is a place with perfect balance, bustling, friendly, and contains many interesting things to explore.

An Overview Of Battambang Travel

Battambang is a city located on the banks of the calm river Sangker and Battambang is the main rice-producing city of Cambodia. It is for this reason that this city has attracted many tourists to admire the beauty of the countryside and peaceful villages. Battambang is like a gentle picture for those who want to find a quiet retreat.

In this city, you will hardly find high-rise buildings here, as well as the excitement or bustle of the shopping center or entertainment area. When visitors leave Battambang by road, the scenery quickly appears in front of them as small villages, rice paddies, and farms, giving visitors a great opportunity to enjoy the unpolluted Cambodian countryside. The surrounding countryside is filled with ancient temples, Angkor period relics, caves, waterfalls, and even killing fields during the Khmer Rouge era.

In contrast to other cities in Cambodia, Battambang is known for its tranquil beauty of the countryside

Getting to Battambang

The easiest way to get to Battambang is by taking a bus from Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Both cities have direct bus services to Battambang, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a private car or taxi to take you to Battambang. The city also has an airport, but there are no direct flights from other countries.

How Far From Siem Reap To Battambang?

Battambang and Siem Reap are just 48 miles (77 kilometers) away; the journey by road can take up to four hours (all buses stop in Sisophon) and up to eight hours by boat.

How Far From Phnom Penh To Battambang?

If anyone thinks about how long to drive from Phnom Penh to Battambang by car, the distance is 299 kilometers. You may also calculate the distance between Phnom Penh and Battambang by taking another mode of transportation, such as a bus, metro, tram, railway, or rail.

How To Travel From Koh Ker To Battambang?

Private automobile or cab is the best method to get from Koh Ker to Battambang. Koh Ker lies around 120 kilometers east of Battambang, and the trip takes 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Because there is no direct public transit between the two locations, hiring a private vehicle or cab is the most convenient and pleasant choice.

Transportation between cities in Cambodia is easy and convenient

Fascinating Experiences While Touring In Battambang

If you want to experience the real Cambodia, come to Battambang. This city is not as bustling as other cities; however, travelers can go on an adventure to find side-of-the-road food stores, explore old country dirt roads, visit some historic temples, and then stop at a coffee shop for an artisan latte. Life is leisurely and laid back here, as it is in most locations worth visiting.

What To Do In Battambang

1. Explore The Wat Ek Phnom Temple

Wat Ek Phnom is a significant temple in Battambang located next to a large lake, and behind which there is a 28-meter-high Buddha statue. Wat Ek Phnom was built in the 11th century during the reign of King Sorayak Varman II. Due to banditry and war, the temple has only a few Buddha statues, sculptures, and ruined city walls around. Visiting this place, you can combine visiting a temple that is up to 150 years old and the L'Ang But Meas cave at the foot of this mountain. Ek Phnom is built in the Hindu style with beautifully carved reliefs.

The Wat Ek Phnom temple has a giant Buddha statue and other ancient carvings

2. Take A Ride On The Bamboo Train

Traveling around by Bamboo train should be the second thing on what to do in Battambang city on your journey. This is the main type of transportation in the Battambang region; it is both fast and cheap. Bamboo ships serving travelers are prepared more spacious and carefully than those for "domestic" guests. The bamboo trains roll on the same track, so the two trains are easy to touch; the lighter one will carry itself off the tracks waiting for the other to pass and then continue to return.

3. Visit The Sampeau Hill

Traveling Cambodia cannot ignore Sampeau Hill in Battambang, with huge rocks supporting the extremely unique temple. Visit this place where you can climb mountains and explore the caves here to admire the majestic scenery. When traveling here, you can not forget to put the Killing cave in your what to see in Battambang travel list - one of the famous monuments of the Kmer era.

4. Experience Kayaking Through The Countryside

Kayaking in the floating village of Ksach Poy is an engaging activity in Battambang that you should definitely try once. You can rent a kayak to float on the river to explore the village of Ksach Poy and enjoy the scenery on both sides of the river with peaceful natural scenery and relax after tiring hours.

Battambang offers visitors a kayak through the countryside to experience an exciting river tour

Where To Eat In Battambang

Battambang has a fantastic culinary scene, with several restaurants and street food sellers dishing up both Cambodia and international cuisine. Travelers can enjoy Cambodian specialties such as Khmer red curry, Nom banh Chok, Amok fish, pork rice, etc.

In Battambang, restaurants serve traditional Cambodian dishes, Asian - European dishes, Thai dishes, and Vietnamese food, which offers travelers many options to choose from. If you want to find a luxurious restaurant with a beautiful and unique space, you can refer to Lotus restaurant or Pomme d'Amour restaurant. You can also walk around Battambang city to choose for yourself cheap local restaurants, restaurants specializing in Western dishes or relaxing cafes, and sightseeing.

Useful Information For your safety trip in Battambang

For a safe, fun, and experiential trip to Battambang, you can refer to the following notes:

• Like other provinces in Cambodia, the weather in Battambang is quite hot during peak tourist seasons. You need to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• Hotels often run out of rooms on weekends. You should book in advance to find a good hotel as well as be able to keep the room upon arrival.
• Battambang is a tourist destination but also a holy land. So remember to pay attention to how to dress when visiting temples and pagodas.
• When traveling in Battambang, you should bargain for the price of renting a car because you might be charged higher prices, especially taxis.
• Traveling to Cambodia requires a visa. Some destinations in Battambang might require travelers to show your visa to participate in local activities. Travelers can apply for a Cambodia e-visa here before going to Battambang in order to enter this country. The latest visa requirements are also clarified by Cambodia Immigration Services at the link.

Every traveler who wants to come to Battambang must apply for an e-visa

Hopefully, with the above information, you will have a trip to Battambang to explore peaceful ancient villages, temples with unique architecture, majestic caves, and hills with interesting and memorable experiences with relatives and friends.