Battambang
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At a glance
- Country
- Cambodia
- Region
- Battambang
- Population
- 120,000
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Siem Reap–Angkor International (SAI)
- Coordinates
- 13.10°N, 103.20°E
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Overview
Battambang is Cambodia's second city in name but a small, unhurried town in feel, stretched along the banks of the Sangkae river. French shophouses line its streets, and a creative arts scene has grown up around galleries and a much-loved circus school.
The real draw is the countryside. Rice fields, villages and hilltop temples are all within an easy tuk-tuk or bicycle ride, and the pace is gentle compared with Siem Reap.
Things to see
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Photo: No(0)GoodNamesLeft, CC BY-SA 4.0 Phnom Sampeau
A temple-topped hill with caves and memorials, where millions of bats stream out at dusk in a long ribbon.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: BluesyPete, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wat Banan
An 11th-century temple reached by a long stone staircase, with five crumbling towers and views over the plains.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Clemens Schmillen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wat Ek Phnom
The ruins of an Angkor-era temple beside a modern pagoda and giant Buddha, north of town.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0 Colonial old town
Wander the streets around Psar Nath market for faded French shophouses and the Art Deco market itself.
Things to do
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Photo: Henry Flower at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 Ride the bamboo train
A rattling bamboo platform on rails speeds through the fields, a tourist version of the old village transport.
Find tours -
Photo: Sven Brinkhoff, CC BY-SA 3.0 Phare Ponleu Selpak circus
The arts school that started Cambodia's modern circus stages lively shows by its students.
Find tours -
Photo: shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates, CC BY 2.0 Cycle the countryside
Village roads lead past rice paper makers, fish paste stalls and fruit orchards; local guides run good half-day rides.
Where to stay
Riverside
Central and pretty, with guesthouses, cafés and evening strolls along the water.
Hotels in RiversideAround Psar Nath
In the heart of the old town, close to markets, restaurants and galleries.
Hotels in Around Psar NathOutskirts
Small garden resorts just outside town suit those wanting a pool and quiet nights.
Hotels in Outskirts
Getting around
Tuk-tuk drivers offer day tours of the main sights; bicycles and motorbikes are easy to hire for exploring on your own.
Buses from Phnom Penh take around five to six hours, and from Siem Reap about three.
When to go
November to February is dry and pleasantly warm. March to May is very hot, while the rainy season from June to October turns the rice fields a vivid green.
Plan your trip to Battambang
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.