Battambang
There's something about Battambang that pulls tourists back. This Cambodian riverside gem offers a unique mix. Relax in laid-back cafes, explore the city's modern vibe, and be surprised by friendly locals. Battambang is where urban energy meets small-town charm. Want to discover hidden temples and more? Dive deeper and check out itineraries to Battambang!
Free Designed Vietnam Itinerary Now!Overview Battambang
1. LOCATION
To the far northwest of Cambodia, which shares the boundary with Thailand, and in the large delta area, the city of Battambang is situated in calm and slow. Even though it is the second biggest city in Cambodia, its rhythm is quite easy when compared to the bustling Vientiane and Siem Reap. This is what wins the tourists' hearts, visitors when arriving at the destination, they can enjoy the city atmosphere but won’t be stuck in some dull situation.
Battambang highlights and travel guide
2. BEST TIME TO VISIT BATTAMBANG
Tropical climate runs the country out, but in the north, the weather is more pleasant than in the south.
From November to May, the dry season takes place, and from November to February is the “tourist season”. During this period, the sun shines gently and the wind flows lightly, the temperature is also pleasing at 26°C average.
Go around Battambang
From June to October, the region switches to wet mode. Among all of the months, June to August would be the peak of the rainy season. But in general, the region can be visited throughout the year, rain won’t take place too severe and the temperature of the hottest time seems manageable.
3. THINGS TO DO IN BATTAMBANG
Visit Ancient Heritages
A gigantic white Buddha Statue next to the modern Buddhist Ek Phnom pagoda
The city of Battambang owns several spots of astounding remains that have always been a tourist attraction. Explore Wat Ek Phnom, which used to be a glamorous temple back in the 11th century. It was built by stone so after a millennium, most of the temple still last, the temple is famous for its carved pediments and lintels. Besides, there is a modern side of the temple and a stunning gigantic Buddha statue in the place. Wat Ek Phnom had impressed tourists at first sight. If time permits, you should visit Wat Banan, it is also on the list of remarkable ruins. Five big ancient temples are what mark its name.
Worship at Pagodas
Visit Pagodas in Battambang
Of course, the city has many pagodas that would confuse you, among them, you should visit some of these gorgeous. The famous Damrey Sor Pagoda is at the top of the list, it has many remarkable statues of Buddha and his elephants on its campus, beautiful designs, and wall sculpting statues, of Buddha images. Otherwise, you can choose the Wat Samrong Knong, which has an old-time design, has both ancient and modern buildings, big campus with hundreds of Buddha statues.
Shop at Markets
Check these markets out for some goods.
Shops in Battambang
- Wat Leap Market: Sells diverse items from made and fresh food, handicrafts, dried goods, clothes, etc. The place is rather big and easy to find.
- Central Market: where you can find rather cheap items diverse to many kinds, opens till late in the evening
- Riverside Night Market: you can find lots of vendors selling handicrafts, foods, snacks, silk, etc.
Travel to the Outskirts by Bike
Exploring Battambang’s countryside by bicycle
On the outskirts of the city, people still live by growing paddy plants and raising cattle. Hire a bicycle to travel around, you can enjoy the countryside sites and cross a wide area covered by paddy fields, and meadows.
Explore Battambang Bat Caves
Phnom Sampov - Battambang highest peak
About 11 kilometers away from Battambang city center, you will see yourself in a giant bat cave that is home to millions of bats. The best time of the day to visit the place is during sunset. At the time, bats flew out from their cave and provided a stunning view for some pictures. Not really far from Bat Caves, there is a well-known killing cave of Phnom Sampeau, right there you can catch skeletons and skulls scattered around, which is not surprising because the cave used to be the mass executing ground of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
Take the Bamboo Train
The Bamboo Train in Battambang
The train is pretty odd and simple itself, with no rooftop, cabins or long train pulled behind. It is just pieces of wood that are nailed together and 4 wheels but this special train will take you to many attractive places of the local before heading to the city. It is safe and also brings you the best experience that you have ever had on any train ride.
Cambodia Must-try Dishes and Best Things to Buy
How about spending on the regional cuisine and souvenirs for yourself and your friend to mark that you have visited Cambodia? When you are still in the city, try these dishes out:
- Khmer curry: Both with a sweet aftertaste and rather mild. They often contain a kind of meat, coconut milk, cream, fish sauce, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, and vegetables. You can eat with rice, rice noodles or bread.
Cambodian Chicken Curry
- Nom banh chok: Contains thin rice noodles, sprouts, flavor and ingredients, vegetable and green fish curry on top.
- Fish Amok: A Cambodia signature dish, it is curry with freshwater fish, cooked with coconut cream, fish sauce, sugar palm, and egg, and added in some flavor, vegetables. All together cooked in a banana leaf bowl.
- Kuy teav: Cambodia noodle soup.
- Prahok: though it smells bad however tastes beautiful, Prahok is made of fermented fish that added some flavors to it. The dish is eaten with rice, it is also a famous dish that Cambodia is reminded of.
In local gift shops and markets, you can easily buy items like Cambodian silk, bracelets, necklaces, jewelry, statues, textiles, paintings, carpets, etc. Each one of the products just looks so unique.
4. DOS & DON'TS
People here are nice and friendly, they won’t take it hard on tourists, but you should know these basics first when visiting the Battambang.
Things to do in Battambang
- Say “Sous sa rye” (hello) when you talk and meat Cambodian.
- Show your respect when entering temples
- Learn to bargain at the market
- Learn a bit of the language of Cambodia, only a few can speak English.
- Prepare Cambodian money or bring a visa/master card. They charge pretty high if you exchange the currency in markets or stores.
- Ask for the price first when you want to buy something
- Don’t give the attitude or surprise about food hygiene
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