Battambang, Cambodia Travel Guide

Discover Battambang, Cambodia's hidden gem, where colonial charm meets ancient temples and lush countryside for an unforgettable travel experience.

Battambang, located in northwestern Cambodia, is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, Battambang provides a glimpse into Cambodia's past. The French influence is evident in the charming buildings that line the streets, making it a picturesque destination for walkers and photographers alike. The city is also home to an array of ancient temples and pagodas, each with its own story to tell. Wat Banan and Wat Ek Phnom are must-see sites, offering visitors a chance to explore Cambodia's rich spiritual heritage. For a more modern spiritual experience, the Battambang Bat Caves offer an intriguing spectacle as thousands of bats take flight at dusk. Beyond its historical and cultural attractions, Battambang is surrounded by lush countryside, making it an excellent base for eco-tourism. Visitors can take a ride on the famous Bamboo Train, explore local villages, or go on a bike tour through the rice paddies. The Sangker River adds to the city's charm, providing opportunities for boat trips and scenic views. Local markets and restaurants offer a taste of authentic Cambodian cuisine, with fresh produce and traditional dishes that will delight any foodie. The city's laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it a welcoming destination for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Battambang.

Visit the Battambang Bat Caves at dusk for an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Explore the city on foot or by bike to fully appreciate its colonial architecture and local culture.
Take a ride on the unique Bamboo Train for a fun and scenic experience.
Don't miss the local markets for fresh produce and authentic Cambodian dishes.
Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth exploration of Battambang's temples and historical sites.

Neighbourhoods in Battambang

Sangkat Svay Por

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Battambang

Explore Battambang: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Battambang

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Ek Phnom Pagoda

Experience the serene beauty and spiritual essence of Ek Phnom Pagoda, a captivating Buddhist temple in Krong Battambang, Cambodia.

4.3

Banon Bamboo Train

Discover the charming Banon Bamboo Train in Battambang, a unique adventure through Cambodia's stunning countryside, perfect for all ages.

4.1

Romcheik 5 Artspace & Café

Explore the vibrant art scene at Romcheik 5 Artspace & Café in Battambang, where creativity meets relaxation in a cozy atmosphere.

4.7

Mrs. Bun Roeung’s Ancient House

Explore the cultural richness of Cambodia at Mrs. Bun Roeung’s Ancient House in Krong Battambang, a captivating museum of local heritage.

4.2

Best landmarks in Battambang

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Bat Cave Phnom Sampov

Witness millions of bats take flight at dusk from Phnom Sampov's famous bat cave, a natural spectacle with a backdrop of Cambodian history.

4.5

Ek Phnom Pagoda

Discover ancient Khmer artistry and serene Buddhist spirituality at Ek Phnom Pagoda, a captivating blend of history and devotion near Battambang.

4.3

Jaan Bai Restaurant

Experience authentic Cambodian cuisine with a modern twist at Jaan Bai Restaurant, a social enterprise supporting local youth in Battambang.

4.6

Maisons Wat Kor

Experience authentic Khmer hospitality in a traditional village setting at Maisons Wat Kor near Battambang, Cambodia.

4.7

Best restaurants in Battambang

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Nary Kitchen: Cooking school, restaurant, and bar

Discover authentic Khmer cuisine at Nary Kitchen in Battambang - where cooking meets culture in every delicious bite.

4.7

White Rose Restaurant

Discover authentic Cambodian flavors at White Rose Restaurant in Krong Battambang – where culinary tradition meets modern dining.

3.9

Jaan Bai Restaurant

Discover authentic Cambodian flavors at Jaan Bai Restaurant in Battambang – where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

4.6

La Pizza Battambang

Discover delicious Italian cuisine at La Pizza Battambang, where unique flavors and warm hospitality create unforgettable dining experiences.

4.6

Best bars in Battambang

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Bar Ang

Discover Bar Ang in Krong Battambang: a cozy bar and restaurant offering delicious local cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for tourists.

4.9

The SHARX Pub

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The SHARX Pub in Krong Battambang, where locals and tourists gather for refreshing drinks and a lively atmosphere.

4.1

The Balcony

Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Balcony, a top bar and restaurant in Krong Battambang, where great food and live music meet.

4.5

Pomme

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cambodia at Pomme, where local cuisine meets a cozy atmosphere in the heart of Battambang.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Battambang

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Star Light Club

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife at Star Light Club in Krong Battambang, where music, dance, and culture unite for unforgettable experiences.

4.0

パブストリート

Discover the electrifying nightlife of Pub Street in Krong Battambang, where music, dance, and culture come alive amidst a vibrant atmosphere.

5.0

After School Pub

Discover the dynamic nightlife of Krong Battambang at After School Pub, where great music and fun vibes come together for an unforgettable experience.

Idol KTV

Discover the excitement of Idol KTV, a top night club in Krong Battambang blending karaoke, music, and local culture for an unforgettable night out.

Best shops in Battambang

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Battambang Central Market

Experience the vibrant local culture and flavors at Battambang Central Market, a must-visit destination for tourists in Cambodia.

4.1

Borey Thmey Mall

Experience shopping and dining in the heart of Krong Battambang at Borey Thmey Mall, where local culture meets modern convenience.

3.8

Chea Neang Drink Shop

Explore the vibrant Chea Neang Drink Shop in Battambang, where authentic Cambodian drinks and snacks await to tantalize your taste buds.

4.1

Hong Kong Shop(Battambang)

Explore the vibrant Hong Kong Shop in Battambang for unique gifts, toys, and local delights that reflect the essence of Cambodian culture.

4.2

Explore Battambang on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Battambang, mapped for you.

Battambang Essentials

Battambang is located in northwestern Cambodia. The nearest international airport is Siem Reap International Airport, approximately 170 kilometers away. From Siem Reap, you can take a taxi, bus, or boat to Battambang. The bus journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, while the boat ride along the Tonle Sap River offers a scenic, albeit longer, alternative. Another option is to fly into Phnom Penh International Airport and take a bus or taxi from there, which takes around 5 to 6 hours by road.
Battambang is a small city, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses and shared taxis (known as 'remorques') operate within the city and connect to nearby villages. Renting a bicycle or a motorbike is also a popular way to explore the area at your own pace.
The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Battambang, and most dispense both Cambodian Riel and US dollars.
Battambang is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Specific high-crime areas include the outskirts of the city and some remote rural areas. Be cautious when riding motorbikes or bicycles, as traffic can be chaotic.
In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 119 for medical emergencies. Battambang has a local police station and several medical facilities, including the Battambang Provincial Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow and a 'Sampeah' (pressing your palms together in front of your chest). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Battambang like a local, visit the local markets such as Psar Nat Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Bamboo Train, a unique and fun way to see the countryside. For a unique experience, take a boat ride on the Sangker River, offering picturesque views of the surrounding area.

When is the best time to visit Battambang?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Battambang

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Battambang. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- Helloសួស្តី
  [suo-sdei]
- Goodbyeលាហើយ
  [leah-heuy]
- Yesបាទ/បាទអី
  [baat/baat ei]
- Noទេ
  [te]
- Please/You're welcomeសូម
  [som]
- Thank youអរគុណ
  [aw-kun]
- Excuse me/Sorryសូមទោស
  [som-toh]
- How are you?អ្នកសួស្តីបង
  [neak suo-sdei bong]
- Fine. And you?សង្ឃ. អង្គទេ?
  [sangk ang-te?]
- Do you speak English?អ្នកនិយាយអង្គរវិលរៀនទេ?
  [neak ney-ya ang-kar vil-rean te?]
- I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនយល់
  [knhom min yol]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលម៉ឺនូធុញសូម
  [knhom chong meul menu tong som]
- I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនបិក
  [knhom min bek]
- Cheers!សូម
  [chol mui]
- I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់ប្រាក់សូម
  [knhom chong bong braak som]
- Help!ជួបជួន!
  [choub choun]
- Go away!ទៅឆ្ងាត់!
  [taw chngat]
- Call the Police!ហៅក្រសួង!
  [haw kra-suo-ng]
- Call a doctor!ហៅវេជ្ជតា!
  [haw vejjetah]
- I'm lostខ្ញុំភ្លេច
  [knhom plech]
- I'm illខ្ញុំខ្លះ
  [knhom kloh]
- I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [knhom chong tuhun...]
- I'm just lookingខ្ញុំនៅមើល
  [knhom now meul]
- How much is it?តើវ៉េខ្ញុំបញ្ចូលបានប៉ុន្មាន?
  [te ve knhom bong-jol ban ponman?]
- That's too expensiveធាតុះថ្មល់ប៉ុន្មាន
  [taat tham-loh ponman]
- Can you lower the price?តើអ្នកអាចបញ្ចូលតម្លៃបានប៉ុន្មាន?
  [te neak ac bong-jol tamle ponman?]
- What time is it?មេឌានថ្ងៃនេះ?
  [mendan thngai ney?]
- It's one o'clockនេះគិតមួយ
  [ney kit muoy]
- Half past (10)កន្លះទីលួខ
  [knlah ti lu kaw]
- Morningព្រឹក
  [preuk]
- Afternoonល្ងាច
  [lngeach]
- Eveningល្ងាច
  [lngeach]
- Yesterdayម្សិល
  [mas]
- Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [thngai ney]
- Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែ
  [thngai sae]
- 1មួយ
  [muoy]
- 2ពីរ
  [pii]
- 3បី
  [bei]
- 4បួន
  [buon]
- 5ប្រា
  [bra]
- 6ត្រល់
  [tral]
- 7បីត្រល់
  [bei tral]
- 8បើក
  [bek]
- 9កណ្តឹ
  [kandeu]
- 10ដប់
  [dop]
- Where's a/the...?នៅមាន...
  [now man...]
- What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋានមួយម៉ាយណា?
  [asity tan muoy mayna?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?តើអ្នកអាចបង់បានប៉ុន្មាន?
  [te neak ac bong-jol tamle ponman?]
- When's the next (bus)?នៅពេលណាហើយ?
  [now pel ney?]
- A ticket (to ....)សិក្ខបញ្ចូល (ទៅ ....)
  [sok ban-jol (tuh ...)]

History of Battambang

Battambang, known as 'the rice bowl of Cambodia,' has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. The city was founded during the Khmer Empire and became an important regional center. Ancient temples like Wat Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan stand as remnants of this period, showcasing the grandeur and architectural prowess of the Khmer civilization.
The name Battambang translates to 'Lost Stick,' originating from the legend of Ta Dambong. According to the tale, Ta Dambong was a cowherd who found a magical stick. He used its powers to overthrow the local king and rule the area. The king’s son eventually returned and reclaimed the throne, causing Ta Dambong to flee, losing his stick in the process. This fascinating legend is immortalized in a statue near Battambang’s central market.
In the late 19th century, Battambang came under French colonial rule as part of French Indochina. This period saw the development of infrastructure and the introduction of French architectural styles, which are still visible today in the city's colonial buildings. The French influence also brought new agricultural techniques, significantly impacting Battambang's rice production.
From 1941 to 1946, during World War II, Battambang was occupied by Thailand. This period was marked by significant cultural exchange, and many of the local customs and traditions still show Thai influences. The occupation ended after World War II, when the city was returned to Cambodia as part of the French protectorate.
After Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953, Battambang experienced a period of growth and development. However, the city was heavily impacted during the Cambodian Civil War and the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Many historical sites were damaged, and the local population suffered greatly. The city has since been rebuilding and recovering from this tumultuous period.
In recent years, Battambang has become a hub for art and culture. The city is home to several art galleries, cultural centers, and the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus, which helps preserve and promote traditional Cambodian arts. This cultural revival is transforming Battambang into a vibrant and dynamic destination for both locals and tourists.