Battambang

Hotels In:

• Battambang
• Angkor
• Ko Kong
• Kompong Cham
• Kratie
• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap (Angkor Wat)
• Sihanoukville
• Strung Treng

Battambang is the capital of the Battambang province and the second largest city in Cambodia. Battambang literally means “disappearing stick,” and was named after a powerful stick that a legendary Khmer King used to gain and maintain power in the Battambang area. Often referred to as the “rice bowl of Cambodia,” it is the urbanized part of the Battambang District, and the main hub of the Northwest that connects the region with Phnom Penh and Thailand. The local economy focuses on rice, wood, sapphires, and food crops. The French left a clear mark in Battambang Architecture, which showcases a combination of French colonial and traditional Cambodian style.

The areas to the north and the north west of the Tonle Sap Lake were known as the territories of Amogha Boreak and Bhima Boreak during the pre-Angkor and Angkor eras. A tug-of-war for the land continued for the next several centuries and in 1946, Battambang was returned to Cambodia. It is split in half by the Sangker River, the commercial area sitting just south west of the Tonle Sap Lake.

In the city, travelers along with locals can catch a unique form of transit--the bamboo train. It is a small motorcycle engine-powered bamboo cart that picks up and drops of passengers and cargo on the railroad route. If it encounters oncoming trains, the bamboo cart can be taken off the tracks within a minute or two to allow the others to pass. Another daily attraction is the Cambodian Circus at the Phare Ponleu Selpak, a multi-cultural center, and costs about US$6. The Battambang Provincial Museum, located in the center of town, includes Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts and admission costs about US$1. The museum has rather irregular hours, opening early in the morning, closing, and then reopening later in the afternoon.

Phsar Nath, located in the center of town, is the main phsar (traditional market) and has a variety of fruits, vegetables, meat, clothes, sundries, food stalls, etc. There are also gem dealers, a few banks, photo shops, and money exchange services at the phsar. Renting a car is a great way to enjoy some of the countryside. The Ek Phnom ruins and Phnom Banan mountain top have spectacular views of Battambang, and there are local Pagodas on the way to each of these. The Bus Stop Guesthouse and the Smokin' Pot are the most popular restaurant/bars amongst travelers. They each have fast wi-fi compared to other internet spots in the city. The Bus Stop Guesthouse is a western-run restaurant, while the Smokin' Pot serves authentic Khmer and Thai food, and even offers cooking classes during the day.

The urbanized part of the city is pretty compact and easy to navigate on foot. However, a lot of sights are just out of walking distance. You can rent a car with a driver, which tends to be a little bit more expensive, or you can take a motorcycle taxi (motodup). The motodups are easy to find during the day. If you stand along a street corner, they are likely to find you.

  Favorite Nighlife in the Area

  Favorite Events in the Area

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