Battambang – Travel Guide
Battambang is the largest city in northwest Cambodia, and is one of the most prosperous parts of the country outside of Phnom Penh. Attractions in the area include many Buddhist temples, some of which are 1,000 years old. Wat Ek Phnom and Prasat Banan are among the most popular. Also popular with tourists are norry rides, which are wooden platforms (and not much else!) improvised to run on train tracks at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
All about Battambang
Getting Around Battambang
By Walking
Battambang itself is very walkable due to it’s small size. However, you’ll need transportation to get a good feel for the province. The charm of Battambang is that there are a lot of interesting things to see and do outside the city.
By Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks are readily available throughout the city and are the most popular means of transport in Battambang. Tuk-tuks allow you to easily visit tourist sites such as Wat Banan, Phnom Sampov, or the famous Bamboo Train. The best way to use these is to wave one down. The drivers are often locals, know the area very well and can even offer personalized tours based on your preferences. Be sure to negotiate a price before you get in.
By Bike or Motorbike Rentals
Renting a bike or motorbike is one of the most popular and cost-effective means of transport. This option is ideal for travelers who want to explore the city at their own pace. Battambang is relatively relaxed with less traffic compared to other Cambodian cities, making cycling or motobiking both pleasant and practical.
Many hotels, hostels, and local agencies offer rental services at affordable prices. With these means of transport in Battambang, you can freely explore the surrounding traditional villages, rice fields, and temples.
By Taxi
Taxis are a convenient and comfortable way to get around for long-distance trips, or when you’re traveling in a group. There are two types of taxis: private taxis, which can be booked through hotels, local agencies, and apps like PassApp, and shared taxis, typically used for routes connecting Battambang to other cities such as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Private taxis offer a personalized, air-conditioned service, with the option to plan multiple tourist stops along the way. Shared taxis, on the other hand, are more economical, but the schedules are less flexible, and the vehicles are often filled to capacity.
Battambang FAQ
Where is Battambang located and what is it known for?
Battambang is located in Northeast Cambodia near the Thai border. It is northwest of Phnom Penh and west of Siem Reap. It’s the capital of the Battambang Province and is the third largest city in Cambodia (behind Phnom Penh and Siem Reap).
Battambang is famous for rice fields (it is the largest rice producer in Cambodia), ancient temples, and a laid-back atmosphere. It has a unique and different vibe, unlike other areas in Cambodia and Southeast Asia.
How do I get into Battambang?
If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options to get to Battambang. It is fairly easy to travel to Battambang no matter where you’re coming from in Cambodia. The main mode of transportation in Cambodia is by bus, and you can easily buy bus tickets. The most popular ways to travel to Battambang are from Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Siem Reap to Battambang: If you’re traveling from Siem Reap to Battambang, the cheapest way is by bus, and the journey will take around three hours. Another option is by ferry through Tonle Sap Lake, which takes around 6 hours. The ferry goes through floating villages and is quite peaceful – this is the more expensive and scenic way to travel.
Phnom Penh to Battambang: If you’re traveling from Phnom Penh to Battambang, the cheapest way to travel is by bus, and the ride takes around 5 hours. An alternative is a private driver that can pick you up at your hotel.
How do I get around in Battambang?
You can easily flag down a tuk-tuk to travel around the city. You can also use the Grab app (it’s the Southeast Asian answer to Uber) and hail an Indian-style tuk tuk that seats two. You will need to pay in cash, whether you hail a tuk tuk in person or via the app, and they will almost always not have change, so be prepared with small bills.
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More About Battambang
Is Battambang safe to visit?
Yes, Battambang is generally safe for visitors. Compared to larger cities in Cambodia, Battambang tends to have a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places. It’s always wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in markets and busy tourist spots.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Battambang?
We recommend at least two to three full days in Battambang. The city is small enough to visit in one day, but if you want to enjoy the city and explore the outskirts, you’ll want to stay longer. For most tourists, 3 days is sufficient to see the major sights and experience the city’s charm.
What is the currency? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency in Cambodia is the Riel. Besides the Riel, the US dollar is also officially accepted in Cambodia as a currency, where an almost fixed exchange rate exists.
In regard to tipping, the general rule is to tip around 10% of the bill. For more information about tipping visit: Tipping in Cambodia.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to go?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, which is typically from November to April. More specifically, November to February offer the best weather with cooler temperatures and less humidity, making it comfortable for exploring the city and the countryside. Temperatures generally range from mid-60s to low 80’s F.
The wet season brings higher humidity and frequent rainfall. While the rain can provide relief from the heat, it can also lead to flooding and make outdoor activities less enjoyable.
I don`t speak Khmer. Will many people speak English?
The official language is Khmer. Most locals do not speak English; however, English is increasingly prevalent, especially among younger generations with more access to education and in tourist industries. We suggest you get a good English-Khmer guidebook or app on your phone and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the food like?
The food scene offers several options. Not only do they have great local restaurants, but they also have great healthy cafes and international food. The local Khmer cuisine offers fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The city is celebrated for its vibrant street food scene and is a great place to try traditional dishes, including fresh produce and unique regional specialties. Battambang was even recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for its outstanding food and culinary culture.
What is the nightlife like in Battambang?
Battambang isn’t a city known for nightlife, but there are a few spots to enjoy an evening drink with relaxed bars, rooftop bars, clubs, and some chilled-out places near the river. The River Sangkae, which runs through the city, can be seen in all elements of Battambang, especially in the nightlife.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Emergency dial 119.
There are various hospitals and clinics in the area:
Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital (public) – Address: Intersection of Streets?505 &?512, Battambang City. Phone: +855?53?730100.
World Mate Emergency Hospital & Handa Clinic. This is trauma-focused, good for serious cases and staffed by some Western doctors.
Sovann Clinic, La Santé Clinic, Hope Medical Center – preferred for expats and those wanting quality, English-friendly care.
Top Attractions
Governor`s Residence
The two-storey Governor`s Residence, with its balconies and wooden shutters, is a handsome legacy of the early 1900s.
Phnom Banan Temple
A mountaintop, mid-11th century Angkorian-era ruin consisting of five towers arranged in the five-pointed form reminiscent of Angkor Wat.
Ta Dambong Statue
The statue is of a local legendary figure named `Ta Dumbong`, who used his magic stick to overthrow the king.
Wat Ek Phnom
Wat Ek Phnom is an angkorian temple located on the left side of the Sangkae River at the small creek of Prek Daun Taev.
Unique Experiences
Conquer the Ancient Steps of Wat Banan
Climb the long, historic staircase to the 11th-century Wat Banan Temple, an Angkor-era ruin offering serene solitude and panoramic views of the countryside.
Ride the Rickety Bamboo Express
Experience the legendary Norry by zipping through vibrant green rice paddies on a simple bamboo train, a thrilling and inventive local mode of transport.
What to expect while traveling
