🇰🇭 Welcome to Battambang, Cambodia!

Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city, located in the northwest part of the country near the border with Thailand. Surrounded by lush countryside and known as Cambodia’s top rice-producing region, Battambang offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, colonial charm, and rich cultural heritage.

Once a quiet town, Battambang is now emerging as a must-visit destination—especially for travelers who want to see the authentic side of Cambodia. From historical landmarks to art, food, and floating villages—there’s something here for everyone.

🚍 How to Get to Battambang

🚌 By Bus or Minivan

  • From Phnom Penh: 4–5 hours by road. Tickets range from $8–12.

  • From Siem Reap: Around 4 hours, tickets cost around $5.

    • Bus departure times: 7:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 1:30 PM.

    • Capitol Bus: Only $4.50 when booked directly from the Siem Reap office, with free pick-up from your hotel.

⛴️ By Boat (From Siem Reap)

  • Departure: Around 7:00 AM.

  • Travel time: 4 to 12 hours, depending on the water level.

  • Ticket price: $20.

  • You’ll need to take a tuk-tuk to the boat pier (around $5–6).

  • Important: Not available during dry season due to low water levels.

🛺 How to Get Around Battambang

🚖 Tuk-Tuk & Motodop

  • Short ride in town: Around $2.

  • Half-day tour: From $6 (city only).

  • Full-day trip (e.g., Phnom Sampeau or Phnom Banan): Around $10–15.

🚲 Bike Rentals

  • Gecko Cafe: $7/day ($5 half-day).

  • Soksabike / Today Tours: $1/day.

  • BTK Bikes: $5–6/day for mountain bikes.

  • Other rental spots: Sunrise Café and shops on Street 1/5 or 2/5.

🌄 Top Things to Do in Battambang

🚴 Explore the Countryside by Bicycle

Join a Soksabike Tour or rent a bike and cycle through rice fields, small villages, pagodas, and traditional local industries like rice wine making or weaving. This half- or full-day tour offers an up-close experience of Cambodian rural life.

🛶 Kayaking on the Sangke River

Green Orange Kayaks (an NGO) offers eco-friendly tours from Ksach Poy village back to the city. Paddle through floating villages, enjoy peaceful nature views, and support local education projects.

🚂 Ride the Bamboo Train

A unique experience in Battambang! Locally known as the norry, this bamboo platform on rails is a fun and fast way to travel. Price: $8/trip.

🏞️ Climb Sampeau Hill

This hill is both scenic and historical. Visit:

  • The Killing Caves, where thousands were tragically executed during the Khmer Rouge era.

  • A hilltop temple with a memorial of the victims.
    It’s a sobering but meaningful visit for history lovers.

🍽️ Take a Cambodian Cooking Class

Join a class at Smokin’ Pot Restaurant, the pioneer in cooking classes for tourists. It includes market visits and hands-on cooking experience. Learn to cook Khmer dishes and enjoy your own meal afterward!

🛕 Visit Wat Ek Phnom

An 11th-century Hindu temple built during King Suryavarman I’s reign. Although partially ruined, it’s worth visiting, especially in the rainy season when the surrounding river scenery is most beautiful.

🎨 Visit Romcheick Pram Art Museum

Discover contemporary Cambodian art in Battambang’s art capital. The museum features works by young local artists, including pieces that reflect Cambodia’s modern history and rebirth after the Khmer Rouge era.

🎪 Watch Phare Circus (Phare Ponleu Selpak)

Enjoy a night of entertainment with traditional and modern circus acts, from juggling to acrobatics. The circus also supports disadvantaged youth through art education.

🍽️ What to Eat in Battambang

Local Dishes to Try:

  • Kuy Teav – Traditional breakfast noodle soup with pork or beef broth, garlic, herbs, and fish balls.

  • Fish Amok, Khmer curry, Tom Yum, and Papaya Salad – showing Thai and Vietnamese influence.

  • Baguettes & French fusion dishes – remnants of French colonial influence.

Recommended Restaurants:

  • Jaan Bai – Fusion of Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines.

  • Lotus or Pomme d’Amor – Offers French-Cambodian fine dining.

  • Street food stalls – For cheap and authentic local eats.

☕ Where to Have Coffee

  • Kinyei Café – Great coffee and social enterprise.

  • Choco L’Art Café – French-Khmer couple-run café with fresh pastries and desserts.

  • Caffè Eden – Wide coffee selection, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

🏨 Where to Stay in Battambang

Here are a few high-quality options:

  • Classy Hotel – Modern amenities with river views.

  • Maison Wat Kor – Traditional Khmer style with boutique vibes.

  • Battambang Resort – Tranquil, spacious, and surrounded by greenery.

🇵🇭 Why Filipino Travelers Will Love Battambang

  • A peaceful escape from tourist-heavy destinations like Siem Reap.

  • Affordable and ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

  • Shared history of colonization and resilience.

  • Friendly locals and welcoming vibe.

  • Beautiful countryside that feels like home—yet completely different.

Suggested Tour Packages

Best of the Northern Vietnam 5D4N

Destinations: Halong Bay, Hanoi, Ninh Binh

Duration: 5 days 4 nights

Book This tour
True Asia Travel - Cầu vàng Đà Nẵng

Central Vietnam Hightlights 5D4N: Da Nang, Coconut Jungle, Hoian Ancient Town, Ba Na hills, Tra Que village

Destinations: Ba Na hills, Coconut Jungle, Da Nang, Golden Hand Bridge, Hoian

Duration: 5 days 4 nights

Book This tour

Southern Vietnam Grand Discovery 4D3N: Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong delta

Destinations: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong Delta

Duration: 4 days 3 nights

Book This tour

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to visit Hanoi?

It is highly recommended you visit Hanoi during the months of October to early December. The air is cool and dry and there are not yet many tourists (compared to the peak season of late December to early January). The period after Tet holiday from March to April is also a great time to visit as there are many festivals in and around Hanoi. If you don’t mind the heat, summer is otherwise a good time to be as accommodation and tour activities are considerably cheaper than in winter time.

2. Is Hanoi a safe city?

Hanoi is a very safe place to be in, especially in Hanoi Old Quarter area. Here and there there can be petty crimes such as pick pocketing, so beware of your belongings. Single woman travelers have consistently rated Hanoi as one of the safest cities to travel in, with very low crime rate against tourists.

3. How long should you spend in Hanoi?

It really depends on how much time you have got. The minimum recommended duration is 3 days while you can stay as long as 3 weeks to fully enjoy the city. Although Hanoi does not seem to have a lot of things to do at first sight, one will have to dig deeper to know the must-dos. From nightly street food scenes to the hidden shopping alleys, and occasional visit to craft village, Hanoi may just well be your most special destination thus far. If you need some suggestion, contact us.

4. What should I buy in Hanoi?

Hanoi is famous for its Old Quarter where each street often specialize in one single product (production and sales). Once you get here you will know exactly what you should buy. Some ideas include conical hats, handcrafted bags, silverwares… Souvenir shops that crowd Au Trieu Street, Nha Tho Street or Hang Be Street also offer more extension selection: coffee, tea, essential oils, and silk. If there is no price tag attached, it is always good to bargain.

5. How cold does it get in Hanoi?

Hanoi weather often reaches a record low of 7 Celsius degree in late December or early January. However the humid wind often makes it a lot harsher than its sounds. If you plan to travel to Hanoi during this period, make sure to pack some serious sweater or jackets. In case you travel beyond Hanoi to the mountain region of Sapa, the temperature may even drop further.