Battambang
Cambodia

"Go off-the-beaten-track to Battambang"


Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia.

In this article you'll find:



But it's still one of the "forgotten" cities in land of Angkor!

The atmosphere around town is quiet, laid-back and hardly any touts. It's one of the few off-the-beaten tracks in Cambodia. Go there before it's too late!

The town is definitely untouristy. Not to mention, the pristine and beautiful scenery around town - it's all there for you to explore!

The town gets a plus for cheap accommodation and food, compared to touristy Siem Reap.

And before I forget...

The Cambodian food is delicious!

But some will likely find this town as too quiet.

So why do backpackers come to Battambang?

Backpackers usually come here for two reasons: to see the Wat Banan and the Phnom Sampeau. But there are other things to do as well.

Read this article to find out!

How to get to, and out of Battambang

By air: The closest airport to town is Siem Reap International Airport.

By bus: The town is easily accessed from Poipet (4 hours), Siem Reap (5 hours) and Phnom Penh (6 hours).

I arranged a bus ride through Villa Siem Reap. I was picked up at 07.00 am and the bus left at 07.30 am (I paid $5 for the trip).

You can also buy bus tickets from Sorya Transport - one of the best used bus companies among backpackers in Cambodia. With Sorya, there are several bus departures from Phnom Penh.

By taxi: A taxi from Siem Reap will cost you between $35-$45.

Leaving town: Pailin is the closest border crossing. I wanted to cross the border at Pailin back in December 2007, but apparently there was a lot of fuss about it (bad road condition etc).

So the driver took us to Poipet instead. I shared a taxi with three travelers from the Netherlands. I arranged this taxi ride through Chaya Hotel. From Poipet I just took the train from Aranyaprathet to Bangkok. I left Battambang early in the morning at 08.00 am and arrived in Bangkok around 19.00.

Important places to know about:

  • Emergency Hospital east of the river.
  • Banks and ATMs are scattered around the city.
  • Post office on the riverside
  • Internet access available all over town. Check if your guesthouse provide internet services. Price: 3000-4000 riel per hour




Battambang Articles

Where to sleep



royal hotel cambodia battambang backpacking tips asia

Wondering where you should stay in town?

Here are some reviews of the hotels I stayed at!

Welcome to Cambodia accommodation

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Where to eat and relax



cambodian food food in india amok battambang backpacking tips asia

Find out where you can eat cheap food!

And you'll also get to know Smokin' Pot and their cooking classes! ;)

Click here to find cheap Cambodian food in town!

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Sights and Activities



bamboo train battambang backpacking tips asia

So, what are the things you can do in this lovely Cambodian town?

Find reviews of Wat Banan, Killing Caves, Bamboo Train, Cock Fights, Cambodian Circus, and also a short shopping section.

Things to do in town

Kiling Caves



killing caves skulls battambang backpacking tips asia

Here's a more detailed review of Killing Caves (does not include Wat Banan).

This site is just horrifying. Find out more!

Killing Caves info

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Where do you want to go next?

Click here to read about the Angkor Temples (Angkor Cambodia)

Back to Phnom Penh?

Going south to the beaches of Sihanoukville Cambodia?

Get an interactive Cambodia Map and detailed bus information for Cambodia

Read about Cambodia History

Read about Cambodia Culture

Return from Battambang to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.





Bus information
Cambodia

    Need information on bus companies that run in Cambodia?

    How to book bus tickets?

    Duration of bus journeys?

    Welcome to Cambodia

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