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Battambang
French colonial streets, hilltop temples, the bamboo train and Cambodia’s best-known circus school
French colonial streets, hilltop temples, the bamboo train and Cambodia’s best-known circus school
Streets near the river and the central market are lined with French-era shophouses, many now cafés and galleries.
Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0
The norry, a bamboo platform on wheels powered by a small engine, was once local transport on the railway. A tourist version now runs on a short stretch of track outside town.
Check the current location and price locally.
Photo: Isderion, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
This hill has temples, views and the Killing Caves, where the Khmer Rouge murdered people. At dusk, a huge stream of bats emerges from a cave at its base.
Arrive before sunset for the bats.
Photo: PsamatheM, CC BY-SA 4.0
An 11th-century Angkorian temple with five towers sits on a hilltop south of the city, reached by a long stone staircase.
Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0
The river runs through the city; boats downstream pass floating villages on the way towards the Tonle Sap lake.
Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try nom banh chok (rice noodles with fish curry) for breakfast, lok lak and amok. Battambang is known for its rice and fruit, especially oranges.
Cooking classes are popular, and the evening Phare circus show, performed by graduates of the Phare Ponleu Selpak school, is a highlight.
Buses run from Siem Reap (about three hours) and Phnom Penh (about five to six hours). A seasonal boat runs between Siem Reap and Battambang; the trip can take a long time depending on water levels.
Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to visit the countryside sights; bicycles are good in town.
Cambodia uses the riel (KHR), but US dollars are widely used. Battambang is cheap.
Three days for the city and countryside.
Walk the colonial centre and market, take a cooking class and see the circus in the evening.
Visit Phnom Banan and the bamboo train, then Phnom Sampeau for sunset and the bats.
Tour villages by tuk-tuk or bike.
Hire a driver for the day.
Phnom Sampeau at dusk.
Book Phare shows in advance.
Carry small US dollar notes.
Quick answers for planning time in Battambang.
A tourist version runs on a short stretch of track outside town; check the current location locally.
About three hours by bus.
Caves on Phnom Sampeau where the Khmer Rouge murdered people, now a memorial.
Around dusk, from a cave at the base of the hill.
November to February, in the cooler dry season.
Planning a wider trip? Our Cambodia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.