How to Visit Charming Battambang in Cambodia
Battambang in Cambodia is a charming regional city in northwest Cambodia that offers a refreshing glimpse into rural life beyond the country’s more touristy hotspots.
If you’re wondering “is Battambang worth visiting, my answer is yes, especially if you enjoy exploring at a slower pace. If you’re also curious about “what to do in Battambang”, there are lots of fun things to see and do in Cambodia’s second largest city.
Battambang has more to offer than meets the eye. Rich in Khmer culture and history, Battambang has a variety of attractions, from elegant French colonial architecture and serene Buddhist temples to war memorials that tell a powerful story of Cambodia’s past.
I’ve enjoyed two solo trips to Cambodia and travelled to Battambang by riverboat from Siem Reap. What struck me most was the laid-back rhythm of life, the lush rural scenery, and the genuine warmth of the local people.
If you enjoy authentic cultural experiences, Battambang in Cambodia is an underrated gem and a safe and welcoming destination for solo female travellers.
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Why Battambang is Worth Visiting
Battambang in Cambodia is absolutely worth visiting. While it may not be as famous as the capital, Phnom Penh, or the temples of Angkor Wat, this charming riverside city is a rewarding addition to any Cambodia itinerary.
With its beautiful Buddhist temples, bustling local markets and cottage industries, Battambang offers a slower, more authentic experience of Cambodian life. It’s a place where you can wander without crowds, connect with locals, and experience rural Cambodia.
If you’re wondering what to do in Battambang, there’s more than enough to fill a day or two. Ride the quirky bamboo train, explore the countryside on a tuk-tuk tour, and enjoy an evening being entertained by young local artists at the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus.
Sadly, many travellers skip Battambang, heading straight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. But if you’re looking for culture, history, and a more relaxed pace, Battambang might just become a highlight of your trip to Cambodia.
Experience Everyday Life in Battambang
One of the most memorable moments from my visit was seeing a group of barefoot monks dressed in flowing saffron robes, collecting alms on the streets at dawn.
The local community supports the monks by offering food and small donations. And this daily ritual in Battambang is a beautiful reminder of the country’s spiritual traditions and the importance of the Buddhist religion in everyday life in Cambodia.
More About Battambang, Cambodia
Battambang (pronounced Battam-BONG) is a fascinating city to explore, steeped in history and culture. Founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire, Battambang later grew into a vital trading post in the northwest of the country.
In the 19th century, the province came under Thai rule and later became part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. The colonial history is still visible in the elegant French colonial architecture that lines the riverside streets.
More recently, Battambang bore the scars of the Khmer Rouge regime when the region saw severe violence and upheaval. The Killing Cave at Phnom Sampeau is a sobering reminder of the Cambodian Civil War and the thousands who lost their lives during that time. Battambang remained on the front line of resistance until as late as 1996.
Thankfully, in the decades since, Battambang has rebuilt and reopened to visitors. Today, it’s a peaceful and welcoming city, offering insight into Cambodia’s resilience, rich heritage, and rural way of life.
Top Things to Do in Battambang
Visit the Ek Phnom Pagoda
Visiting Ek Phnom Temple is one of the most fascinating things to do in Battambang. Just a short ride from the city centre, a new and ornately decorated Buddhist pagoda sits next to the ruins of an 11th-century Khmer temple, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
This unique site blends the new and the old. I enjoyed wandering amongst the crumbling stone ruins and gained a strong sense of Cambodia’s ongoing spiritual heritage in the peaceful temple grounds. The large seated Buddha statue nearby adds to the atmosphere and offers a great photo opportunity.
I hired a tuk-tuk to visit the Ek Phnom Temple and toured the local villages on the same day.
Discover Traditional Life in the Villages Around Battambang
One of the most enriching things to do in Battambang is to venture out into the nearby villages and explore the many local cottage industries that are still thriving today. It’s a chance to see daily life up close and gain a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s food culture and cottage industries.
During my visit, I watched locals making rice wine, slicing and drying banana strips, and preparing sweet sticky rice inside bamboo tubes. We also saw the delicate process of crafting rice paper wrappers used for spring rolls, all done by hand in simple, open-air workshops.
A particularly memorable (and smelly) stop was at a rustic workroom where fish paste is made in enormous vats. Witnessing the traditional production processes was fun, and we were invited to sample and purchase some of the delicious local products along the way.
For solo travellers, this kind of tour offers a safe, guided experience with lots of personal interaction and insight. It’s a rewarding way to support local communities while discovering the rural charm that makes Battambang in Cambodia so special.
Ride the Bamboo Train (Norry)
One of the most popular and quirky things to do in Battambang is to ride the Bamboo Train, known locally as the Norry. It consists of a simple bamboo platform mounted on wheels and powered by a small engine that runs along a single-track railway reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h. It’s a fun ride through the countryside and a memorable experience for first-time visitors.
Built by the French during colonial times, the Bamboo Train has been revived as a tourist attraction and now operates just outside the city near Wat Banan.
While many travellers enjoy the novelty of the ride, the experience is a bit touristy, and some visitors have reported pressure to tip at the end. But the Bamboo Train still offers a fun and unusual way to see the countryside.
Explore the Ancient Ruins of Wat Banan
Exploring the ancient ruins of Wat Banan is one of the more adventurous and rewarding things to do in Battambang. The 11th-century hilltop temple is located about 25 kilometres south of the city and offers a peaceful escape from the city.
To reach the temple, you’ll need to climb over 350 stone steps, but the effort is well worth it. At the top, you’ll be greeted by crumbling towers and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
If you’re wondering what to do in Battambang beyond the city centre, a trip to Wat Banan offers cultural immersion and a lovely walk in the countryside.
TIP: Book a Battambang Temple Tour and see Wat Ek Phnom and the 11th-century ruins of Wat Banan, and enjoy sweeping views from the top of the mountain.
Visit Phnom Sampeau & The Killing Cave
Of all the things to do in Battambang, visiting Phnom Sampeau and the Killing Cave was by far the most moving and meaningful experience of my trip. As a solo traveller, I hired a tuk-tuk driver for the day, and it was an easy and affordable way to explore at my own pace.
This site is not just a scenic hill with a beautiful temple, it’s also one of Cambodia’s most sobering war memorials, where thousands were executed during the Khmer Rouge regime.
The hill, Phnom Sampeau, is around 12 kilometres southwest of Battambang and the temple, Wat Phnom Sampov, is at the top, surrounded by jungle, mischievous monkeys and panoramic views of the countryside.
A steep staircase with around 700 steps leads to Wat Phnom Sampov, and on the climb, I saw many monkeys. I made the mistake of stepping off the path, upsetting a territorial monkey who screeched and hissed at me, so keep your distance and hold onto your belongings.
From Wat Phnom Sampov, it’s a short walk to the Killing Cave. It’s estimated that 10,000 people died here, and it’s a haunting and deeply emotional place. Inside the cave, a reclining Buddha rests beside a glass case filled with the skulls and bones of the victims of the Khmer Rouge, many of them bludgeoned and thrown into the cave.
Just outside, life-sized sculptures depict scenes from this dark chapter of Cambodian history, bringing the story to life in a vivid and heartbreaking way.
What made my visit even more powerful was hearing the personal story of my local guide, Nani. His family suffered directly under the Khmer Rouge. Both of his parents lost their first partners during the war. They met later in a refugee camp.
Listening to his story made the experience incredibly moving and reminded me how deeply this history still shapes life in Cambodia today.
As difficult as it is, visiting the Killing Cave is essential to understanding the resilience of the Cambodian people. It’s not just a tourist stop, it’s an opportunity to bear witness and to pay respect.
Watch the Bats Fly at Sunset
After visiting the Killing Cave and Phnom Sampeau, I returned to the car park via the winding road rather than the steep staircase, and joined a growing crowd at the base of the hill for one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles, watching the bats fly out of the cave at sunset.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, an estimated 15 million small bats streamed out of the cave in a ribbon across the sky. It was an extraordinary sight. They swirl and dart overhead, heading out into the open countryside to feed under the cover of night. The air fills with movement, and you can actually hear the flutter of wings.
On the tuk-tuk ride back to Battambang, I could see clouds of bats flying low over the rice fields, hunting mosquitoes and insects.
Enjoy an Evening at the Phare Circus
One of the most uplifting and entertaining things to do in Battambang, is to spend an evening at the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus. More than just a show, this unique experience supports a social mission. The circus is run by a non-profit organisation that provides free education and artistic training to disadvantaged youth in Cambodia.
The young performers are incredibly talented, having trained in acrobatics, trapeze, tightrope walking, and theatrical storytelling. The exciting performance blends traditional Cambodian music and dance with modern circus arts.
Shows take place in Battambang on Thursday and Sunday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 PM, and the atmosphere is welcoming, safe, and family-friendly. It’s an inspiring night out that also gives back to the community.
A visit to the Phare Circus is a cultural highlight in Battambang and there are also performances in Siem Reap.
TIP: Tickets for the Phare Circus Siem Reap can be booked online in advance.
Browse Battambang’s Markets
The Phsar Nath Central Market at the northern end of town is a huge local market that’s fun to visit. It’s an opportunity to interact with locals, try something new, and perhaps find a few unique souvenirs to take home.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Battambang at night, an evening visit to one of the night markets is a great way to experience local life and sample authentic Khmer street food like noodles, grilled meats, or sweet snacks. The markets come alive after sunset with delicious aromas and a lively atmosphere.
Battambang has two main night markets. The newer one, located by the Sangkar River, offers a charming riverside setting with casual outdoor restaurants and food stalls. I enjoyed a laid-back dinner with a view here.
The older night market, near Psar Nath Central Market, has a more traditional feel with local vendors selling everything from street food to souvenirs, clothes, and jewellery. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be shy about negotiating the price.
Where Is Battambang Located?
Battambang is a regional city in northwest Cambodia, on the overland route between Thailand and Phnom Penh. Its strategic location makes it an important trade hub and a convenient stop for travellers heading to or from the Thai border.
The city lies just a few hundred kilometres from Thailand and is less than 200 km from Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor Wat, one of the largest and most awe-inspiring religious monuments in the world. For travellers crossing from Thailand, Battambang is a culturally rich and worthwhile destination that’s easy to include in your Cambodia itinerary.
TIP: If you don’t have time to stay overnight, you can visit Battambang on a full-day tour from Siem Reap. On this tour, you’ll see the elegant French colonial architecture, visit ornate Khmer temples and ride the Bamboo Train through the countryside.
Getting to Battambang: Buses, Boats, and Trains
Buses are usually the fastest and most convenient way to get between major cities in Cambodia. There are several daily services between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Battambang, with air-conditioned coaches and affordable prices.
If you’re not in a rush, travelling by river is a scenic and peaceful alternative. I took the river boat from Siem Reap to Battambang, and it was especially memorable. It takes around 6–8 hours (depending on the season) and offers a chance to see floating villages and rural life along the waterways. It’s slower, but a worthwhile experience in Cambodia.
Train travel is also an option, though much slower. The direct train from Battambang to Phnom Penh takes around 8 hours, continuing to the beach town of Sihanoukville. While not the fastest mode of transport, the train offers a safe and relaxed way to see the countryside.
TIP: Buses, trains, ferries and planes in Cambodia can be booked online with 12Go Asia. I use and recommend this service and have found it reliable and convenient for booking travel throughout Southeast Asia.
Travel by Riverboat: My Scenic Journey to Battambang
By far the most memorable way to travel to Battambang, Cambodia, is by riverboat. For me, the journey from Siem Reap to Battambang was a highlight of my trip, a scenic, slow-paced adventure through rural Cambodia that offered a glimpse into local life beyond the usual tourist trail.
The trip took around 7 hours, the weather was hot, and the boat was basic, but the experience was unforgettable. As we passed along narrow waterways and open stretches of the Sangkae River, I saw floating villages, stilted houses, and farmers working in fields just meters from the banks.
Children came running out of their floating classrooms, waving excitedly and shouting hello as we passed by. I was touched by the warmth and friendliness of the local people, and it’s one of my fondest memories of Cambodia.
While many travellers choose the quicker bus ride from Siem Reap (which takes around 4 hours), I was happy to trade some comfort for such an immersive experience. It’s a safe and eye-opening way to witness daily life in the poorer parts of Cambodia.
When we arrived at the Battambang ferry wharf, a tuk-tuk driver from my hotel (Seng Hout) was waiting to meet me, and the next day, I arranged a tuk-tuk tour to explore Ek Phnom Temple and the surrounding villages.
If you have the time, taking the riverboat is not just about getting to Battambang; it’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Cambodia.
Where to Stay in Battambang
Budget – The Lucky Hostel & Guest House is good value for money and gets great reviews for its central location.
Mid-Range: I stayed at theSeng Hout Hotel. It has a convenient central location near the river and the Night Market. I enjoyed the pool and the friendly staff. Reception at the Seng Hout Hotel arranged all my tours and bus tickets, and a free transfer from the riverboat to the hotel. My cheap room was very old & the bathroom was mouldy, so I suggest booking a more expensive room in the newer wing.
The Classy Hotel is another mid-range option with a prime riverfront location in the centre of town.
Luxury: For a more luxurious stay, try the Battambang Resort located 10 minutes out of town.
And Maisons Wat Kor also gets excellent reviews.
When to Go?
The best time to visit Cambodia is during the dry season, from November to May, when you’ll enjoy warm, sunny days and minimal rainfall.
From November to February, temperatures are slightly cooler and more comfortable, making it the most popular time for travellers. I visited in January, during the peak season, and had hot, sunny weather every day, perfect for river travel and tuk-tuk tours.
If you don’t mind the heat and occasional rain, the green season (June to October) can also be rewarding, with fewer crowds and lush landscapes. Just be prepared for higher humidity and the possibility of afternoon showers.
What to Pack for Battambang in Cambodia
Cambodia is hot year-round, with temperatures often rising above 30°C (86°F). Packing the right clothes will help keep you cool, comfortable, and respectful of local customs, especially when visiting temples.
Here’s my suggested packing list for Battambang:
Clothing:
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton or linen are ideal)
- T-shirts and sleeveless tops for casual wear
- Long-sleeved shirts to protect from the sun and bugs
- Long pants or maxi skirts – essential for visiting temples, motorbike rides, or jungle hikes
- Summer dresses (knee-length or longer)
- Shorts for non-temple days
- Sarong – perfect as a scarf, beach wrap, or temple cover-up
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring ruins and uneven roads
- Sandals or flip-flops for casual outings
- Closed-toe shoes if you plan on hiking or motorbiking
Accessories & Essentials:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat
- Swimsuit (some hotels have pools, and it’s great to cool off)
- Light waterproof rain jacket or Gore-Tex coat – especially in the rainy season
- Mosquito repellent – especially if you’ll be out after sunset
Cambodian culture is conservative, particularly around religious sites, so modest dress is important. Cover your knees and shoulders at temples like Wat Banan, Ek Phnom, and other sacred places.
Is Battambang Safe for Solo Travellers?
Yes, Battambang is generally safe and welcoming, even for solo female travellers. I travelled alone in Cambodia and had a wonderful experience in Battambang. The locals were friendly, and I felt comfortable exploring the city and the surrounding countryside by tuk-tuk.
As with any destination, it’s wise to take basic safety precautions: avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, keep valuables secure, and use hotel-recommended drivers or licensed transport when possible. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, and trust your instincts.
With a bit of common sense, Battambang is a rewarding and safe destination for solo travel.
Final Thoughts: Is Battambang Worth Visiting?
I truly enjoyed my time in Battambang, a city that blends elegant French colonial charm, ancient Khmer heritage, and a deeply moving modern history.
A standout experience was visiting the Killing Caves at Phnom Sampeau, a sobering but essential to understanding Cambodia’s past.
I also loved arriving by riverboat, a peaceful and scenic experience. Exploring the temples, villages, and attending the Phare Circus made for a rich and varied stay.
With so many unique and interesting things to do, Battambang is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
If you have the time, I highly recommend setting aside a day or two to discover this underrated gem in Cambodia’s northwest.
You might also enjoy
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