Battambang Hotels
Battambang Rundown
Battambang may be the bona fide second city of Cambodia but the northwest capital of Battambang province feels well off the mainstream tourist trail. Admittedly, many do take a sharp turn at Siem Reap and Tonle Sap to admire the city of 250,000 people but, for the most part, Battambang is not yet on par with Phnom Penh, Angkor and the Temple of Preah Vihear in the crowd control department. ... Read more »
If the city and province is not overrun, this is to the benefit of intrepid wanderlusters on the make for a singular type of experience in Cambodia and, indeed, Southeast Asia. If not a hidden gem - Battambang is far too close to Siem Reap and Angkor for that - the city is a gem nonetheless. The province is the rice bowl of Cambodia and teems with bucolic village charm, furtive hillside temples and spectacular scenery, from the Dangrek Mountains to the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve.
The bellwether star of the show in Battambang, however, is architecture. The former Khmer Empire hub has some of the best colonial landmarks from the French period of rule in all of Southeast Asia. The vital architectural ensemble is largely intact, pristine even, and contrasts impressively with the myriad exemplars of traditional wat design that unfurl over the modest Battambang cityscape.
BATTAMBANG'S TOP 10
10. The Bamboo Train or Norry is a requisite tourist experience in Battambang province. |
5. Battambang Market is the best place to score lunch and cooking class ingredients. |
9. Roneam Doun Sam Wildlife Sanctuary is one hour west of Battambang. |
4. Governor’s Residence dates back to the early 1900s. |
8. Wat Ek Phnom, a fine 11th century temple partly in ruins, is just north of Battambang. |
3. Colonial Landmarks grace the small central district of Battambang and serve as reminders of France’s former interests in this part of the world. |
7. Kamping Puoy is a lakeside area fit for recreation and repose. |
2. Temples galore provide some of the most photogenic subjects in the city. |
6. Wat Banan is like a version of Angkor Wat in miniature. |
1. Battambang Museum is a humble repository of Khmer relics from the province. |
BATTAMBANG EVENTS
Cooking classes are all the rage for tourists in Southeast Asia and Battambang is no exception. The city has several top-notch schools and pop-up establishments ready to impart venerable culinary knowledge to hungry newcomers.
Tours of the countryside complete the Battambang experience. From rice paddy villages to infamous Khmer Rouge atrocity sites, sacred shrines to wildlife reserves, the province serves as a microcosm of Cambodia.
WHEN TO GO
Like Phnom Penh and the rest of Cambodia and Southeast Asia, Battambang has a tropical wet and dry climate. Though the wet season lasts from May to October, the city receives less rain than the national capital, on average. Still, it is advisable to avoid the months of September and October in particular.
Temperatures run from 67°F (19°C) to 96°F (36°C) for the year, with peak periods of heat and humidity in the months of March, April and May. Overall, December and January remain the most comfortable months to visit Battambang and Cambodia in general.
GETTING AROUND
Battambang is accessible from Phnom Penh on the main national highway. It takes about 4.5 hours to navigate the 186 mi (300 km) trip. Battambang is 106 mi (172 km) from Siem Reap/Angkor. The boat ride between the two is duly scenic and well worth the time, effort and expense.
Battambang proper is compact enough to explore on foot or bicycle. Tuk-tuks, motorcycles for hire and taxis offer cheap transport to more far-flung destinations.
« HideGolden Palace Hotel Battambang
2.5 Stars$20
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In Front Of Soun Yu Van Garden Battambang Town
Welcome to the Golden Palace Hotel Battambang, which provides the provision of superior facilities and first class ser... More hotel details
