Battambang is a destination with a great deal to offer, from ancient temples and rural settings to art and local culture. A journey through the attractive city of Battambang will enable tourists to pause and appreciate the local culture of Cambodia.
Visit Wat Banan and Enjoy the Scenic Hilltop Views
Wat Banan is an ancient Khmer temple situated at the top of a hill and provides a very serene and gratifying experience for visitors. No climbing is required to access the temple, as you are required to climb 360 stairs made of stone. Wat Banan’s ancient sandstone buildings are illustrative of Khmer architecture and the serene environment that they are known for.
Unlike the overcrowded temples in Angkor, the atmosphere of Wat Banan is much quieter and more relaxing than that of the larger temples here. It is ideal for taking pictures and experiencing the tranquillity of rural Cambodia. The best time to visit Wat Banan is in the morning or early evening, as this allows you to avoid the intense heat of the sun.
Thousands of Bats at Bat Cave (Phnom Sampeau)
Bat Cave is also a very special natural tourist site in Battambang. Every day, thousands of bats exit the cave in a flowing stream of creatures against the sky at sunset. It is a phenomenon of nature and lasts about 20-30 minutes, and is truly memorable and magical to see and experience, with people around you taking in the cool atmosphere of the evening while watching the creatures go out of the cave.
At the end of the day, you should definitely plan on going to visit the cave located within Phnom Sampeau Hill. This cave is one of the most beautiful natural formations on earth. It is simple to visit and provides ultimate things to do in Battambang, especially when you bring your camera. You’ll want to spend plenty of time enjoying yourself and taking pictures as well!
Attend Experience Cambodian Arts at Phare Ponleu Selpak
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a renowned art and social platform for young artists from Cambodia. The center is most famous for its emotionally moving circus shows and theater performances, as well as visual arts exhibitions. These performances feature a blend of acrobatic skills and storytelling through music and contemporary ideas borrowed from the real lives of Cambodians.
Viewing a performance is both entertaining and educational. Viewers obtain information about the aspects of the culture and creativity of the people of Cambodia, despite the difficult times through which the country has passed. The performance is a great platform for artists.
Discover the Ancient Ruins of Wat Ek Phnom
Wat Ek Phnon, a temple dating back to the 11th century and located just outside Battambang, is mostly in ruins; it nevertheless retains its Angkorian-style architectural beauty and a variety of Angkorian sculptures. Additionally, several new temples have been built within close distance to this site that provide an aura of spirituality and connection to the new temples. There is rural land surrounding Wat Ek Phnon, which creates a peaceful setting.
Visitors to Wat Ek Phnon have a good opportunity to relax, take photos and enjoy the peacefulness of the grounds and the ruins of the temples, as they have the chance to ride a bicycle or, if they wish, to ride a tuk-tuk through the surrounding countryside.
Exploring Breathtaking Scenery and Rich History at Phnom Sampeau
Phnom Sampeau is a hillside tourist spot where natural beauty, religious attractions, and memorable historical aspects come together. A series of temples, caves, and observation decks with views of the extensive plain and the Sangkae River are to be seen on the hill. Climbing or driving up to the summit provides great views, mostly at sunsets. Nonetheless, Phnom Sampeau has darker historical associations, which provide substance to this experience.
Many tourists visit this attraction along with the Bat Cave, which lies nearby in the late afternoon. The serene surroundings are conducive to reflection. Phnom Sampeau remains an experience that will long be remembered.
Experience Daily Life at Battambang Central Market
The Battambang Central Market immerses you into the local city culture. Here you will find locals shopping for fresh produce such as vegetables, fruit, fish, spices, clothing and other handmade goods created by local artisans. By visiting this market, you have a chance to engage with the local community and experience what it is like to live in that area.
There are several stalls throughout the marketplace where you will find many different types of traditional Cambodian foods at a very reasonable price. Here, too, you may begin your day with a typical local breakfast, snacks and coffee. The Battambang Central Market also has other forms of local items created by artisans available for purchase.
Explore History in Battambang Provincial Museum
Battambang Provincial Museum helps tourists gain information about the cultural and historical development of this region. Indeed, this museum features ancient statues, archaeological finds, and tools that belonged to various eras of Cambodian history. Its exhibits include the Angkor period, as well as other cultural traditions, and some recent historical occurrences.
Visiting this museum provides tourists with supplementary information regarding the cultural and historical attractions in Battambang. A conducive atmosphere is enjoyed while touring this museum. Tourists can walk around peacefully. In fact, this museum is best suited for tourists who value historical information.
Experience Colorful Local Festivals and Cultural Activities
There are several festivals that take place in Battambang and highlight the local customs and art. The Battambang Arts Festival is the grandest festival that takes place every November and is the most prominent event in the city. There are performances by local and foreign artists, including music, dance performances, theater performances, and even circus performances.
There are religious festivals such as the Wat Banan Festival or the Sangkae River Festival. These festivals give a chance for the locals and foreign tourists to mingle and have fun. Food and drink stands and even performances bring life to the streets. Festivals give a unique opportunity to experience the local art of Cambodia.
Experience the Peaceful Countryside around Battambang on Bike
Discovering this region of Cambodia is most delightfully accomplished by cycling throughout the countryside. Renting a bike is an uncomplicated and relatively inexpensive way to explore Battambang. Cycling allows one to travel through rice paddy fields and tiny villages, past many homes, and experience numerous types of buildings and monuments found throughout Cambodia. Cyclists will also have the opportunity of meeting many residents, who are usually very friendly toward visitors on bicycles.
There are several small bike paths that will lead cyclists to local workshops, where local artisans produce rice paper, dried bananas, fish pastes, and other types of traditional Cambodian handicrafts. Cycling allows tourists to experience Cambodia’s unique and diverse culture at a slower pace while enjoying the sights and sounds of the day-to-day activities of the Cambodian people.
A Kayak Trip Along the Sangkae River to Ksach Poy Floating Village
The Phnom Samkos Wildlife Sanctuary offers camping opportunities for trekking through thick jungles, exploring caves, and learning about wildlife. Caves in the Phnom Samkos mountains are home to many different types of bats. Camping at night under the stars is also possible during this trip.
You can also camp and arrange for assistance with meals, which include local meals, while you are camping there. Other activities available at the Wildlife Sanctuary include swimming in the rivers, trekking through the jungles, and cave exploration. There are many different ways to camp at Phuket Samkos.
Experience Battambang By Riding the Bamboo Train
Riding on the Bamboo Train (Norry) is an exciting way to experience Battambang. It’s a simple platform made from bamboo that’s powered by a small motor and runs on the old railway system that was destroyed by the many years of war. It was created by local people to help them get back to work and rebuild their economy after the Civil War. Today, this attraction has become a unique way to experience Cambodian life and the beauty of rural Cambodia.
Riding the Bamboo Train is a wonderful way to see and feel the beauty of the Khmer people, as you will be exposed to many things like how they live and work, as well as seeing their beautiful rice fields and villages. One of the most fascinating parts of riding the Bamboo Train is when two trains meet on the same track and one train is quickly lifted up, and then put back down so that the other train can pass through. You’re bound to have a great time and gain some wonderful insight into Cambodian culture.
Explore Dark Cambodia History At The Killing Caves at Phnom Sampeau
The Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau are among the most chilling historical attractions not so far from Battambang, and they are found inside a limestone cliff, about 12 km from Battambang City. It was during the period of the Khmer Rouge, between 1975 and 1979, when this cave was turned into a killing field where the executed victims were dumped inside the cave below. Nowadays, a stupa containing skulls and bones, along with a lying Buddha symbolizing peace, can be found inside the cave.
Visiting the Killing Caves is an emotive experience that allows tourists to gain insight into the tragic history of Cambodia and the strength of its people. There are information boards to give background information, and the tranquility of the caves promotes a reflective atmosphere of respect. Visits to the Killing Caves can be combined with other attractions in Phnom Sampeau, including a range of viewing points and the spectacular bat exodus at sunset, adding a positive experience to the tourist’s Battambang itinerary.
Try Local Food At Battambang
Battambang is a great place to explore the local food of Cambodia, and a culinary journey through Cambodian food is one of the most delightful experiences that the city has to offer. Khmer red curry, a light-tasting yet coconut-rich curry, or nom banh chok, a popular rice noodle and vegetable soup that is eaten for breakfast, are just a few popular Khmer dishes that a foodie can try. Fish amok, a steamed fish made in banana leaves with coconut milk and spices, or the simple but hearty grilled pork and rice, or stir-fried noodles, are a must-try as they embody the unique culinary tradition of Cambodia.
As a food-loving town, there are plenty of eateries for tourists to choose from in Battambang, regardless of what their financial status might be or what kind of dishes they might get used to going back home. Furthermore, cafés scattered across Battambang stand out as ideal venues for unwinding and observing local culture, making culinary exploration a crucial aspect of visits to Battambang.
Final Thoughts: Is Battambang Worth Visiting?
A visit to Battambang is a must if you are a travel enthusiast looking to experience a different and remote side of Cambodia, apart from visiting popular tourist destinations. While there are a number of attractions, ranging from historic ones to local markets, that will keep you engaged throughout your visit to this city, there are also a number of things to do in Battambang. The presence of art in this city, along with an experience of a unique form of transportation in a bamboo train, will not only make your visit here memorable but also add meaning to your travel experience. Let Seni World help you plan your Cambodia trip to experience all the interesting things to do in Battambang.
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Battambang Travel Guide
