Best & Fun 10 Things to Do in Battambang, Cambodia

Do you know the city of Battambang in Cambodia? Many tourists searching for adventures and historical understanding prefer to visit there. This article discusses the 10 best and fun things to do in Battambang. You can refer to these things for your next Cambodia tour with your families or friends!

Is Battambang Worth to Visit?

Battambang is very worth visiting! It is located in the northwestern Cambodia. People can get there by car usually from the capital city Phnom Penh or the most popular tourist city of Siem Reap.

Used to be the colonial area under Siam and French, nowadays Battambang has its voice and development. You can see lots of French colonial architecture there and have a chance to try all kinds of authentic fusion cuisine.

Compared to the Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace Museum, Battambang owns its story of historical and natural importance. Besides, it already became another UNESCO important city in the field of gastronomy, as well as crafts and folk arts, literature, music, etc.

(Must-Do) Ride on Battamabang Special & Iconic Bamboo Train

Riding on an exciting and scenic Bamboo Train is one of the most popular things to do in Battambang. You can get there from the town by taking a tuk-tuk for about 10 minutes. And get a ticket for $5 each to join in the Bamboo Train fun.

On the way, you slowly slide on the rail, with all kinds of fruit trees flashing by, like coconuts, bananas, mangoes, durian trees, etc. There are peaceful local villages and some market stalls where you can buy drinks or daily uses.

The duration of the whole ride lasts for 20 minutes going and returning. In the past, during the colonial period under the French, the Bamboo Train was used as a lorry system that could be quick at 30km/h. After that, it was abandoned and slower even than we walk. But it’s still fun!

Tip: To prevent sunburn, it is recommended to bring a sun umbrella or sunscreen clothing.

Ride on Battamabang special iconic Bamboo train

(Must-Do) Enjoy the Most Popular Nightlife Activity – Phare Circus in Battambang

Why we call the Phare Circus a nightlife activity is that because the shows here usually start at night around 7 p.m. every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. The full name of it is Phare Ponleu Selpak, which means “the Brightness of the Arts” in Khmer.

Phare Ponel Selpak is a non-profit arts school. It offers large support to children, youth, and the surrounding communities. Visitors from inland or abroad can support them by watching their shows such as dramas or acrobatics.

In terms of tickets, you’d better buy online in advance in case you miss out. For adults foreign, it takes $16 for each. For child foreign, it takes $9 for each. The Cambodian locals pay lower prices, $6 for adults and $3 for children.

Tip: Visitors can arrive in advance and grab a cold drink before the show to stay cool and enjoyable.

Phare Circus in Battambang

(Must-Do) Learn Cambodian Tragic History by Visiting the Killing Cave

Visiting the Killing Cave is one of the thrilling but meaningful things to do in Battambang. It is nearly 12km away from Battambang city center. It is a Khmer Rouge execution site, where many people were killed on top of the cave and thrown into the cave.

Traditionally many caves at Sampeau Hill are served as Buddhist temples. Nowadays, you can see the scenic views of the karstic limestone as well. If lucky, you can meet groups of macaques, which feed on bananas left by pilgrims in front of the shrines.

The whole visit is pretty much worth your time. The time of the Khmer Rouge made Cambodian people more strong and united. Climb the steps that lead to the cave and feel in person the darkest period of Cambodia.

Tip: Recommended to have a meal before climbing because it’s a bit hard to find a place to eat over there.

Visiting the Killing Cave in Battambang

(Must-Do) Watch the Endless Stream of Bats out of the Caves

The bat caves are located approximately 13km from Battambang town. Visitors should travel along National Road 57 and turn left at Phnom Sampov Pagoda. Usually, to get a ride up the hill, visitors take tuk-tuks which cost about $5 per person.

Out of the caves, you can watch thousands of bats flying out in a rush. The recommended watching time is at 5:30 p.m. since it is right before sunset. Street vendors may suggest that you buy some of their custom drinks and sit on the chairs waiting for the amazing “show”.

The caves in Phnom Sampeau were very dark places as the residence of Khmer Rouge forces in history. Most of the Cambodian people believe that the image of the “burst out” bat herd is the soul of the victims of genocide trying to free themselves from the prisons.

Tip: Prepare at least 2 hours to visit the Bat Caves because when millions of bats are flying out, it takes around 90 minutes.

The bat caves of Battambang

(Must-Do) Sip Some Wine and Wander around the Night Market

The Battambang Night Market is along the side of the Sangker River. You can enjoy the gentle breeze and chill evening vibes. The detailed address is 452X+PVW, Krong Battambang, Cambodia. From Monday to Sunday, the open hours are always from 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Locals here like to flock to it to eat kinds of Cambodian food. Except for that, it contains several stalls that sell clothes and toys. Many tourists who have a chance to get there always choose to sip wine as one of the most relaxed things to do in Battambang and take a stroll along the riverside enjoying a stunning sunset view.

Tip: Going to the night market in groups is the safest way to do it.

Sip some wine or beer at the riverside bar around the night market, Battambang

(Must-Do) Take a Tuk-Tuk for Battambang City Sightseeing

Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles, brightly colored and highly decorated. Taking on a tuk-tuk navigating through narrow streets is a must-do when visiting Battambang, Cambodia, or any other Southeastern country.

The origin of tuk-tuk is very interesting. In the 1960’s, Thailand started to import motorized ‘samlors’ from Japan. That’s when tuk-tuk was born.

Afterward, locals are used to this convenient transportation. In tourism, it naturally becomes a symbol. A trip by tuk-tuk that is up to 5 minutes is usually about $1-$1.5. Across town is about $3.

Tip: Be careful of the scammy tuk-tuks around touristy areas. Always stay aware of potential cheating.

(Optional) Cycle to Battambang Countryside Villages

After hanging around the city of Battambang, you should try on a cycling tour here to explore the local villages in the peaceful countryside. There are rice paddies, local houses, and Buddhist temples scattered around leisurely.

This activity is mostly suitable for those who like to exercise and enjoy nature. The whole journey probably lasts for like 7 hours. On the way, you get a chance to be closer to a specific local family and join them for a traditional Cambodian lunch or something.

Tip: Prepare the helmet, drinks, and snacks which are inevitably packed up.

Cycle tour in Battambang

(Optional) Encounter with Local Art at Romcheik 5 Art Space & Café

Romcheik 5 Art Space & Café is a highly-ranked art gallery and coffee house in Battambang, Cambodia. Its specific location is at Street 201A, Krong Battambang. People who fancy modern art prefer to visit there and consider it one of the most impactful things to do in Battambang.

There are many works from different artists on show. You can spend 1 hour or more time in it and take a short break having a couple of coffee or other drinks with some Cambodian desserts. Enjoy your time and grab a book from there. You could also buy prints and related products there as a souvenir.

Tip: Visiting exhibitions alone is the best way to enjoy it, as it can give oneself some room for reflection.

Enjoy Romcheik 5 Art Space & Caféin in Battambang

(Optional) Climb 358 Steps to Wat Banan with a Great Panoramic View

Many travelers are interested pretty much in climbing up 358 steps to Banan temple, whose layout was claimed to be the inspiration for Angkor Wat. It was far away from Battambang city about 25km.

It is the best-preserved of the Khmer temples in Battambang province that was built in the 11th century. At the base of the mountain is a step laterite staircase flanked by nagas. The view seen after you arrive at the top is worth your effort!

Tip: Be careful not to fall when climbing stairs because the steps are not in very great shape.

Climbing the Khmer temples in Battambang

(Option) Cruise along the Sangker River to Observe the Fishing Village Live

Sangker River flows through 6 districts and 27 communes in Battambang province before draining into the Tonle Sap Lake. It is one of the main rivers in Battambang province in northwestern Cambodia.

Cruising along the Sangker River is a great way to see how Battambang locals live! Grab your camera and photograph fishermen working, families cooking meals, and children playing along the river.

The cruise costs $8 each if you get 1-2 persons, and 3 or more persons will cost $6.5 each. Enjoy your short trip along the river. There are free beer and soda for you as well.

Tip: Recommended to start your trip at sunset to see the glittering river. 

Observe the Fishing Village Live in Sangker River

Conclusion

How do you feel after knowing about 6 must-do and 4 optional things to do in Battambang? Isn't it interesting or exciting? We can't wait for your warm visit. Contact us for more detailed information about the Cambodia tour.