Battambang Hotels

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

Battambang History

• Bamboo Train – This thrilling train is a unique way to see the historic villages surrounding Battambang, as well as some of its historic factories.
• Angkor Wat – Just a short drive from Battambang, these temples are among the most beautiful in the world.
• Ta Keo – This ancient religious site just outside of Battambang is a favorite for those interested in religious history.
• Phnom Sampeau – Amazing hilltop temple has a horrific past but is still a beautiful attraction.
• Phnom Banan – These Angkor ruins sit atop a hill and show the rich religious history of Battambang.

Battambang Art & Culture

• Battambang Discovery Visitors Centre – This centre offers a quick lesson in the history of the region and is a great place to learn about Battambang.
• Kinyei – This art gallery features old and contemporary work from local artists.
• Nary’s Kitchen Cooking School – Come learn how to make local specialties at this popular cooking school.
• Battambang Circus – This attraction features performances by humans and animals alike and benefits go to a great cause.
• Sammaki Art Space – This unique gallery features contemporary works from local artists, making it a great place for unique gifts.

Battambang Shopping

• Rachana Handicrafts – This shop sells handmade items made by disadvantaged local women, so profits go to a good cause.
• Boeung Chhouk Market – This unique market specializes in secondhand clothing.
• Chea Neang Grocery – The best place to stock up on supplies including local fruits, vegetables and wine.
• Heng Maly – This unique shop sells handmade wooden furniture made by local artisans in Battambang.
• Seeing Hands Massage – Come get a massage from a blind masseuse and also buy the unique handicrafts from the small gift shop.

Gay & Lesbian Battambang

• Pyramid Mega Entertainment Club – Located just outside of Battambang, this large club caters to a mixed crowd.
• Affinity Battambang – An openly gay travel guide will show you around Battambang or any other part of Cambodia.
• Sky – This mixed bar features a hopping dance floor as well as intense techno music.
• Champey Garden Restaurant – Gay-friendly restaurant features great food in a cosy, romantic atmosphere.
• Khmer Delight Restaurant – This restaurant has great local food and is run by a gay-friendly staff and proprietor.

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.