Battambang Province: The Hidden Gem of Cambodia

• Helloសួស្តី
  [suostei]
• Goodbyeលាសប៉េង
  [leah sboeng]
• Yesបាទ
  [baat]
• Noទៅទៅ
  [tov tov]
• Please/You're welcomeសូម
  [sourm]
• Thank youអរិយយម
  [arun aum]
• Excuse me/Sorryសូមអត់
  [sourm ot]
• How are you?អ្នកសុំចុតហើយឬ?
  [nek som jor hai?]
• Fine. And you?បាទមានល្អហើយ។ អ្នកទេ?
  [baat mean lour hai. nek teh?]
• Do you speak English?តើអ្នកនៅនិយាយភាសាអង់គ្លេសបានឬ?
  [te nek now niyeay phasa angkleh sah ban?]
• I don't understandខ្ញុំមិនយល់ទេ
  [knhom min yol teh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់មើលរបស់បញ្ចប់បានទេ
  [knhom chong maul roub sa bonchop bonn teh]
• I don't eat meatខ្ញុំមិនបានបរិម្ភ
  [knhom min ban brahm]
• Cheers!អបិយ!
  [oy!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseខ្ញុំចង់បង់បានទេ
  [knhom chong bong bonn teh]

• Help!ជួយ!
  [juh!]
• Go away!ទៅវិញ!
  [tov vin!]
• Call the Police!ហោលហោលប៉ូលីស!
  [haw haw polis!]
• Call a doctor!ហោលប៉ូលីអេប៉ូល!
  [haw polis aepol!]
• I'm lostខ្ញុំបានខ្លួន
  [knhom ban kloun]
• I'm illខ្ញុំមានជំងឺ
  [knhom mean chom neak]

• I'd like to buy...ខ្ញុំចង់ទិញ...
  [knhom chong toon...]
• I'm just lookingខ្ញុំតែងជៀសទេ
  [knhom tae ches teh]
• How much is it?នឹកតិចតាមរយជាមគួរ?
  [neuk toet tamray jum kuy?]
• That's too expensiveនេះគឺលឿនសមរម្យទេ
  [neh koi larn somramy teh]
• Can you lower the price?អ្នកអាចធូរតែតម្រួតបានឬ?
  [nek aek tor ta tray tmroy ban?]

• What time is it?នរណា?
  [nor na?]
• It's one o'clockវិញនេះមួយម៉ោង
  [vin neh mouy mawng]
• Half past (10)បញ្ចប់បួនខែ
  [bonchop buon khsae]
• Morningព្រះនកាអងខែ
  [preah norak ang khsae]
• Afternoonព្រះចន្ទអងខែ
  [preah chanth ang khsae]
• Eveningព្រះព្រហងេអងខែ
  [preah preah nea ang khsae]
• Yesterdayម្ខ៉ុន
  [m'kon]
• Todayថ្ងៃនេះ
  [thngai neh]
• Tomorrowថ្ងៃស្អែក
  [thngai sae]
• 1មួយ
  [mouy]
• 2ពីរ
  [pii]
• 3បី
  [bei]
• 4បួន
  [buon]
• 5ប្រាន
  [braen]
• 6ប្រានសិក
  [braen saek]
• 7ប្រានបី
  [braen bei]
• 8ប្រានបួន
  [braen buon]
• 9ដេស
  [deh]
• 10ដប់
  [dop]

• Where's a/the...?ទីណាមានទីណា...?
  [tnei mean tnei...?]
• What's the address?អាសយដ្ឋាមួយ?
  [asyatamouy?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?អ្នកអាចបង្ហាញខ្ញុំបានឬ?
  [nek aek bonghaeng knhom ban?]
• When's the next (bus)?នៅពេលណាខណ្ឌចុះបួល?
  [now peal na khnong choh buol?]
• A ticket (to ....)បញ្ចប់សុទិនទៅ....
  [bonchop soteun to....]

Battambang Province has a rich history that dates back to the Angkorian era. It was once under the rule of the Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th century. Many temples and ruins from this period, such as Ek Phnom and Banan, are scattered across the province, showcasing the architectural brilliance and religious significance of the era.

The name 'Battambang' is derived from a local legend about Ta Dambang Kranhoung, or 'Black Wood Stick Grandfather.' According to the legend, Ta Dambang was a powerful figure who wielded a magical stick that granted him control over the area. His story is a testament to the blend of myth and history that enriches the cultural tapestry of Battambang.

From 1863 to 1953, Cambodia was under French colonial rule, and Battambang was no exception. The province became part of French Indochina in 1907. The French influence is evident in the colonial architecture that still stands in Battambang city, including the Governor's Residence and numerous shop houses. The blend of French and Khmer styles offers a unique glimpse into the colonial past.

The Khmer Rouge era from 1975 to 1979 was a dark period in Cambodia's history, and Battambang was heavily affected. The regime led by Pol Pot aimed to create an agrarian utopia, leading to forced evacuations, labor camps, and mass atrocities. Sites like the Killing Cave of Phnom Sampeau serve as somber reminders of this tragic period.

Following the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Battambang began the long process of recovery and rebuilding. The province has since developed into a vibrant cultural hub, known for its arts, crafts, and agricultural produce. The revival of traditional practices and the introduction of modern initiatives have helped Battambang regain its footing and prosper.

Battambang is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The province is a center for traditional Khmer arts, including dance, music, and sculpture. The Phare Ponleu Selpak circus school is a notable institution that preserves and promotes these arts. Additionally, local festivals and ceremonies, such as Pchum Ben and Khmer New Year, offer visitors an immersive cultural experience.

Battambang Province is accessible via multiple routes. The nearest international airport is Siem Reap International Airport, which is approximately 170 kilometers away. From Siem Reap, you can take a bus or taxi to Battambang, with the journey typically taking around 3 to 4 hours by road. Alternatively, you can travel from Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, which is about 290 kilometers away. Buses and taxis are available for this route as well. For a unique experience, you can take a boat trip from Siem Reap to Battambang along the Tonle Sap River, although this route is seasonal and depends on water levels.

Getting around Battambang is relatively easy. The city has a variety of transportation options including tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and bicycles, which are popular among tourists. Tuk-tuks are the most common form of transportation and are affordable. For those who prefer more independence, renting a motorbike or bicycle is a great way to explore the city and its surroundings. Public buses are limited but can be used for longer trips within the province. Taxis are also available but are generally more expensive.

The official currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and often preferred for larger transactions. 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, dispensing both Riel and US Dollars. It is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas.

Battambang is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft, such as bag snatching, can occur, particularly in tourist areas. Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. High-crime areas targeting tourists are not prevalent, but staying vigilant is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance, 118 for medical emergencies, and 119 for fire services. Battambang has several hospitals and clinics that can handle medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Knowing the location of your country's embassy or consulate in Cambodia can also be helpful.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect when visiting temples and pagodas. Always remove your shoes and hat before entering. 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' (placing your palms together in a prayer-like gesture). Handshakes are also common, especially among men. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't point your feet at people or religious objects, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Battambang like a local, visit the local markets such as Psar Nath where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Cambodian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the province's history and culture. Don’t miss riding the famous Bamboo Train for a unique and thrilling experience. For those interested in arts, visit the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus, which showcases the talents of local performers. Exploring the countryside by bicycle allows you to see picturesque landscapes and meet local farmers.