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Battambang

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City
—°14
Battambang (Cambodia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Battambang

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Ride the Bamboo Train in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and to avoid the intense heat.
  • Visit Phsar Nath market early in the morning to grab a traditional local breakfast.
  • Take a walk along the riverfront to admire the well-preserved French colonial architecture.
  • Head to the Bat Cave at Phnom Sampeau at dusk to watch millions of bats fly out, hire a tuk-tuk for the round trip.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kralan

Bamboo sticky rice sold at roadside stalls just outside the city.

🍽
Battambang Oranges

Sweet green oranges available at local markets.

🍽
Coconut Coffee

Refreshing iced coffee found at cafes along River Road.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Phsar Nath

The central market is excellent for spices, fresh produce, and local snacks.

🛍
Street 2.5 Galleries

Browse local art and boutique handicrafts in this creative neighborhood.

🧘
Sangker River Walk

Take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank at sunset.

🧘
Wat Ek Phnom

These ancient ruins are much less crowded than Angkor and offer a serene atmosphere.

Battambang, the capital of Battambang Province in northwestern Cambodia, is widely regarded as the country's 'rice bowl' due to its vast agricultural productivity. Established in the 11th century during the Angkorian period, the city is set along the banks of the Sangkae River, which remains central to its daily life. Battambang is celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved French colonial architecture, making it one of the most aesthetically welcoming urban centers in Southeast Asia. While it serves as a major commercial hub for trade with Thailand, it maintains a laid-back atmosphere compared to the capital. The city is famous for the 'Bamboo Train' (Norry), an ingenious local transport system that has become a popular tourist experience. Culturally, Battambang is a powerhouse, serving as the cradle of Cambodia’s modern arts scene and home to the world-renowned Phare Ponleu Selpak circus school. Nearby landmarks, such as the hilltop temple of Phnom Sampeau, offer deep insights into both ancient history and the country's recent past.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262830302927272727262625
Rain mm212767981932733042793091895210

Geography

Population
119,251 (2026)
Coordinates
13.09570, 103.19780

Facts

  • Established in the 11th century, it was a major Angkorian site.
  • Known as the leading producer of rice and oranges in Cambodia.
  • Features the best-preserved French colonial heritage in the country.
  • Home to Phare Ponleu Selpak, an influential arts school and circus.
  • The Sangkae River provides a scenic boat route to Siem Reap.
  • The city was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2023.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Wat Ek PhnomWat Ek Phnom5 km · SExplore →
Wat BananWat Banan8 km · SEExplore →
Battambang Orange OrchardsBattambang Orange Orchards10 km · SExplore →
Phnom SampeauPhnom Sampeau11 km · SExplore →
Veal Veng Crocodile SanctuaryVeal Veng Crocodile Sanctuary24 km · EExplore →
Banteay ChhmarBanteay Chhmar26 km · WExplore →
Stung Atay Hydropower PlantStung Atay Hydropower Plant28 km · EExplore →
SisophonSisophon28 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Battambang (14)

Steung Sankae Theater Hall🎭 culture

Steung Sankae theater hall in Battambang.

Battambang Circus Phare Ponleuk Selpak🎭 culture

Phare Ponleuk Selpak circus in Battambang.

🕒 Mo, Th, Sa 19:00-20:00

KC Heritage Gallery🏛 museum

KC Heritage Gallery in Battambang.

🆓

Battambang Museum🏛 museum

Battambang Provincial Museum.

Wat Damrey Sar📍 landmark

Buddhist temple featuring a white elephant statue in Battambang.

Tep Kao Sol🏛 museum

Tep Kao Sol museum in Battambang.

Lok Ta Dambong🏺 historical

Statue of the legendary Lok Ta Dambong in Battambang.

Crocodile Farm📍 landmark

A working crocodile farm in Battambang where visitors can observe the reptiles up close.

Boules ground📍 landmark

A public boules ground with a clay surface in Battambang, popular among locals.

Ganesh Statue🏺 historical

A stone statue of Ganesh at a major intersection in Battambang.

Yeay Tep Roundabout🏺 historical

A roundabout in Battambang featuring a statue of the local deity Yeay Tep.

Wat Bovil⛪ religious

Wat Bovil is a spiritual place of contemplation in the Cambodian city of Battambang. This temple is characterized by its traditional religious architecture. Worshippers and culturally interested guests can experience the peaceful atmosphere of local Buddhism here.

Wat Piphitthearam⛪ religious

The temple វត្តពិភិទ្ធារាម represents an important sanctuary in Battambang, Cambodia. Its ornate decorations reflect deeply rooted religious traditions. A visit provides insights into the spiritual practices of the local community.

Wat Kandal⛪ religious

In the heart of Cambodian Battambang, the Wat Kandal temple invites you to find inner peace. As a religious structure, it is a central gathering point for the spiritual life of the city. Visitors can admire the fascinating Cambodian temple culture within the complex.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous attraction in Battambang?
The 'Bamboo Train' (Norry) is a unique rail experience.
Is it worth visiting the bat caves?
Yes, at sunset millions of bats fly out from the cave at Phnom Sampeau.
What is the architecture like in Battambang?
The city is famous for its well-preserved French colonial buildings.
What is Phare Ponleu Selpak?
A famous arts school and circus that supports disadvantaged youth.
What is the best way to get from Siem Reap to Battambang?
Either by bus (3 hours) or by a scenic boat trip (approx. 6-8 hours).
Battambang: where is it located?
Battambang is located in Cambodia.
Battambang: what is there to see?
Highlights include Steung Sankae Theater Hall, Battambang Circus Phare Ponleuk Selpak, KC Heritage Gallery.
Battambang: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Battambang: why is it worth visiting?
Battambang, the capital of Battambang Province in northwestern Cambodia, is widely regarded as the country's 'rice bowl' due to its vast agricultural productivity.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Sisophon — Battambang (Cambodia)
Sisophon
As the capital of Banteay Meanchey province, Sisophon is a major transport junction connecting routes in the northwest.
Tatai — Battambang (Cambodia)
Tatai
Tatai is located in Koh Kong province and is famous for its wide waterfall.
Koh Kong — Battambang (Cambodia)
Koh Kong
Located near the Thai border, Koh Kong is the gateway to vast mangrove forests and the pristine Cardamom Mountains.
Samraong — Battambang (Cambodia)
Samraong
This remote outpost in the rugged north serves as the administrative center for Oddar Meanchey and access to the O'Smach border region.
Ban Mai Rut — Battambang (Cambodia)
Ban Mai Rut
A peaceful fishing community in Trat province, offering secluded beaches and authentic local life.
Chi Phat — Battambang (Cambodia)
Chi Phat
Chi Phat is a flagship ecotourism project in the Cardamom Mountains.
Koh Rong — Battambang (Cambodia)
Koh Rong
Cambodia's largest island, famous for its sparkling white sandy beaches, bioluminescent plankton, and vibrant nightlife.
Daeum Tkov Village — Battambang (Cambodia)
Daeum Tkov Village
An authentic fishing village in the north of Koh Rong with pristine beaches and local flair.
Long Set — Battambang (Cambodia)
Long Set
Long Set Beach on Koh Rong is a 4-kilometer stretch of white sand.
Koh Rong Sanloem — Battambang (Cambodia)
Koh Rong Sanloem
A peaceful and relaxed alternative to its larger sister island, known for tranquil bays and unspoiled natural beauty.
Pailin — Battambang (Cambodia)
Pailin
Located near the Thai border in the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains, Pailin has a rich history in gemstone mining.
Poipet — Battambang (Cambodia)
Poipet
As a major border crossing between Cambodia and Thailand, this city is a bustling hub for trade and transportation.
Sihanoukville — Battambang (Cambodia)
Sihanoukville
This coastal city on the Gulf of Thailand is Cambodia's only deep-water port and a rapidly growing economic center.
Siem Reap — Battambang (Cambodia)
Siem Reap
Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.
Otres Beach — Battambang (Cambodia)
Otres Beach
A formerly quiet stretch of sandy beach south of Sihanoukville on the Gulf of Thailand.

History & landmarks

Wat Banan — Battambang (Cambodia)
Wat Banan
An ancient Khmer temple atop a steep hill near Battambang, often referred to as a miniature version of Angkor Wat.
Phnom Sampeau — Battambang (Cambodia)
Phnom Sampeau
A distinctive limestone hill near Battambang featuring historic temples, also known for its dark history of the Killing Caves.
Phnom Bakheng — Battambang (Cambodia)
Phnom Bakheng
A temple mountain in Angkor, famous for its breathtaking sunset views over Angkor Wat.
Ta Keo — Battambang (Cambodia)
Ta Keo
An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Nature

Tatai River — Battambang (Cambodia)
Tatai River
A picturesque, tranquil river in the Cardamom Mountains, flowing through dense jungle and mangrove forests to the Gulf of Thailand.
Areng Valley — Battambang (Cambodia)
Areng Valley
A remote and natural river valley in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains that has fought for its cultural and biological uniqueness.
Koh Kong Coast — Battambang (Cambodia)
Koh Kong Coast
A rugged and remote coastal stretch in the west, rich in mangroves and islands.
🗺️
Botum Sakor Peninsula
A large peninsula projecting into the Gulf of Thailand, covered by dense forests.
Koh Rong Coast — Battambang (Cambodia)
Koh Rong Coast
The beaches and coasts of Koh Rong island offer white sand and crystal-clear waters.

More places

Wat Ek Phnom — Battambang (Cambodia)
Wat Ek Phnom
An atmospheric, partially collapsed 11th-century temple ruin, situated next to a massive modern white Buddha statue.
🗺️
Battambang Orange Orchards
The fertile soils around Battambang produce a unique, green variety of orange that is famous throughout Cambodia.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary — Battambang (Cambodia)
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
An essential wetland on the Tonle Sap that serves as a nesting site for many endangered waterbirds.
Veal Veng Crocodile Sanctuary — Battambang (Cambodia)
Veal Veng Crocodile Sanctuary
A remote and protected wetland in the Cardamom Mountains, serving as an important refuge for the rare Siamese crocodile.
Banteay Chhmar — Battambang (Cambodia)
Banteay Chhmar
A monumental, remote temple complex with detailed reliefs, hidden deep within the dense jungle.
🗺️
Stung Atay Hydropower Plant
Another important power generation facility in the remote areas of Pursat Province.
Cardamom Mountains — Battambang (Cambodia)
Cardamom Mountains
One of the largest intact forest regions in Southeast Asia, located in southwestern Cambodia.
Phnom Samkos — Battambang (Cambodia)
Phnom Samkos
The second highest mountain in the country is located deep in the western part of the Cardamom Mountains, forming an extremely important …