Battambang
Southeast Asia · Cambodia
Did you know?
- A bamboo train is among the unusual ways to explore the surrounding countryside.
- The city joined UNESCO's Creative Cities network for gastronomy in 2023.
- Phnom Sampeu combines a hilltop excursion with the sombre history of its killing caves.
See also
Siem Reap
Cambodia13.36°N 103.86°E · 18 m
Angkor Archaeological Park
Cambodia13.43°N 103.83°E
Overview
Battambang offers colonial streets and a lively food culture at a calmer pace than the major tourist centres. Trips outside town reach hill shrines, caves and the bamboo train.
Languages: Khmer
Why go?
Despite being Cambodia's second largest city, Battambang is often overlooked in favor of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. It is quieter, less commercial and cheaper, offering a glimpse of a less Westernized Cambodian city with remnants of French colonial architecture. There are food and lodging options for most budgets and tastes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Battambang has one daily rail connection with Phnom Penh, costing US$8. The train departs Phnom Penh at 6:40 and arrives Battambang around 13:00. It offers better views than the bus, is safer and greener, but slower.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Battambang is very hot from February to May, when air conditioning is hard to do without. The hot season is also the least safe for food, and the city is dusty, which can cause eye problems.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation in Battambang is very affordable, with dorm beds starting from US$2 at The Real Place Hostel, which is the main backpacker hub. Other budget options include Frist Hotel (dorm from US$3), Por Chey (dorm from US$3), and Ganesha Family Guest House (dorm US$5). Mid-range hotels like Seng Hout (US$10-16) offer air-con and swimming pools.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Battambang was designated a UNESCO Creative City in gastronomy in 2023. You can get a baguette for 1,000 riel from northern street sellers. Popular budget restaurants include Flavors of India (mains US$3-5), Coconut Lyly (US$3-4), and Smokin' Pot (US$3-5). For drinks, try Kinyei Cafe for excellent coffee or Espresso Cafe for smoothies.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Key attractions include the Battambang Circus (US$16), Phnom Sampeu hill with killing caves (US$3), the 'mini-Angkor' Wat Banan, and the bamboo train (US$5 per person). You can also take bike tours with Soksabike, kayak on the Stung Sangker River (US$12), or join cooking classes at Nary's Kitchen or Smokin' Pot (US$10).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Stay safe
Battambang is generally safe but watch out for street dogs, which may attack; carrying a stick or stones is advisable. Avoid giving money to child beggars or scammers posing as charity collectors. For medical issues, visit a Western-trained doctor at Handa Medical Centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips from Battambang include Phnom Sampeu (US$3 entry), Wat Banan (included), and Wat Ek Phnom, about 10 km northwest. These can be done by tuk-tuk or as part of a tour.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A backpacker can get by on US$15-25 per day: dorm accommodation from US$2-5, meals for US$3-5, and attractions like the bamboo train for US$5. Cooking classes cost US$10.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Battambang, you can take the train or bus to Phnom Penh (southeast) or to Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat) via Sisophon. The railway line connects to Poipet on the Thai border.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Au Cabaret Vert
Bungalows around a natural swimming pool. Library, parking, free Internet, tours, car and motorbike, electric bike and tuk-tuk hire arranged, international telephone, laundry and historic film screenings.
Recorded price: US$50-66 for 2 with breakfast
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Bambu Hotel
16 rooms, including 4 suite rooms (32 m² including bath), 6 deluxe superior rooms (27 m² including bath), 4 deluxe standard rooms (27 m² including bath). All have en suite baths, air-con, telephone, cable TV, DVD player, access to DVD library, mini bar, safe and private terrace or balcony. Free Wi-Fi, 2 computers in reception for use by guests, salt water swimming pool (14 m x 6) open from 08:00–21:00. Restaurant open 06:00–22:00.
Recorded price: From US$66
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Banan Hotel
Close to bus station and city centre. Helpful staff. Free Wi-Fi, free bicycles.
Recorded price: US$15-25
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Frist Hotel
6-bed dorm and rooms. Security lockers. Free wifi. Hot water. Air con 6-bed dorm US$5 per person
Recorded price: Fan dorm bed US$3 per person. Rooms from US$7
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Ganesha Family Guest House
Dorm and rooms. Run by a German guy, but he keeps neglecting the place a little.
Recorded price: dorm bed US$5, rooms from US$11
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Khemara Battambang Hotel
Very comfortable beds, clean rooms with Internet access (LAN cable, but in some rooms a connection from a nearby Wi-Fi network is available), TV, air-con, fan and a fridge. Car parking possible. Also has great outdoor swimming pool. In room massage available from US$5/hr. Bicycle hire US$4/day.
Recorded price: US$15 or US$25 VIP
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Au Cabaret Vert Restaurant
Traditional Cambodian dishes, their speciality is fish amok, complemented by a French-style menu that includes desserts and wine.
Recorded price: US$9-16 for a main course, starters US$8-12
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Cafe Eden
Western-style river front cafe restaurant run by an American woman. Serves Western and Asian food, and coffee. Kitchen works to Western food handling and preparation standards.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Dorm beds start at US$2 at The Real Place Hostel. Mid-range hotels like Seng Hout cost US$10-16.
Food
Budget meals cost US$3-5. French-style baguettes are available for 1,000 riel from street sellers.
Health
The hot season (Feb-May) is dusty and can cause eye problems. Use sunglasses and stay hydrated.
Money
US dollars are widely accepted; riel is used for small change. One baguette costs 1,000 riel.
Safety
Street dogs can be aggressive; carry a stick or stones. Beware of scammers collecting 'charity' near the river.
Transport
The train from Phnom Penh costs US$8 and takes about 6 hours. Tuk-tuks are available for local travel.