Refreshing Things To Do in Battambang Cambodia

6 min readJan 13, 2018

Battambang is the city of Northwestern Cambodia and is becoming one of the fastest growing cities in Cambodia. Of course, there are so many good things to do in Battambang Cambodia that you must not miss when you visit this great city.

It’s important to be prepared, here is a few tips from my experience visiting Cambodia to prepare you.

Battambang is quite popular in Cambodia despite the fact it is not as famous as Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. So, what can you find and do in Battambang?

Let us find out some interesting things to do in Battambang to complete your trip.

Bamboo Train

This is considered one of Battambang’s popular tourist attractions. The bamboo trains all so known as Norry. In the simplest terms these trains are trains made from bamboo platforms and small motors that run on the train lines.

Traditionally used by locals to move cargo back when the roads were more difficult to travel. The trains can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) on the metre gauge tracks around Battambang and Poipet.

This costs about $3 per person but they will try and charge more. Don’t pay more than $5 per person.

Wat Ek Phnom

This template an angkorian temple located on the left bank of the Sangkae River near the Peam Aek spot approximately 13 km north of the city of Battambang in north western Cambodia.

Also Wat Ek Phnom is partly collapsed and looted it is famous for its well-carved lintels and pediments.

Wat Banan Temple

This 11th century temple complex is considered a mini-Angkor wat. It has an impressive flight of stairs lead up to a dilapidated Angkor-style temple which is still in use as a Buddhist shrine.

It is a short drive from Battambang and you get to see the rural countryside and local life as you drive out. There are lovely rural views from the top. The entrance fee was $3.

Killing caves of Phnom Sampeau

The killing caves of Phnom Sampeau are a Khmer Rouge execution site on Phnom Sampeau, a hill 7 mi (11 km) southwest of Battambang in western Cambodia.

The Khmer Rouge killed their victims on top of the cave at the rim of a daylight shaft or ceiling hole and then threw the dead body into the cave. Men and women were placed in separate caves and clothes in another.

There are a number of caves at Phnom Sampeau (Sampeau Hill) that have traditionally served as Buddhist temples.

Today there is a large glass memorial in the cave next to the skulls and bones and a golden reclining Buddha, that can be reached via a staircase.

Visit Battambang Crocodile Farm

The crocodile farm is rather a breeding ground.hey keep the older crocodiles for breeding and sell the baby ones to China and Vietnam for skin and meat.

They are killed by giving injections and various products using their skin are sold in the local markets here.

There is a entrance fee of $2 to see the crocodiles and learn about their breeding. You can also hold baby crocodiles in your hands but it costs extra.

When you come here you will get introduced to the day to day lifestyle and feeding patterns of the crocodiles.

Free Cycling Tour Battambang

This tour involves cycling around the local villages where you meet with the locals. And see how different products are manufactured like rice paper, rice alcohol, banana chips, fish paste and sticky rice in bamboo.

All in all it is a fantastic way to see the day to day lives of the local people.

White Elephant Pagoda (Wat Tahm-rai-saw)

Wat Tahm-rai-saw (White Elephant Pagoda), Battambang is one of the frequently accessed tourist spots that is Located in the city center area, Wat Tahm-rai-saw (White Elephant Pagoda) is a popular tourist attraction.

The best time to visit the White Elephant Pagoda in Battambang is during the time of Khmer New Year festival.

It is during this time that the temple and the adjacent streets are particularly decorated with various colourful accessories making it more beautiful.

Where is Battambang Cambodia on the Map?

Here is where is Battambang Cambodia is on the map.

Is Battambang Worth Visiting?

It really depends on what you are interested in doing. If you are interested in the nightlife, then No.

Yes, if you are interested in doing the touristy stuff like exploring the town where there are some great restaurants and architecture. Plus there is the bamboo train, the ancient house and the killing fields to check out.

Where to Stay in Battambang Cambodia

Battambang has loads of guest houses, hostels, and hotels. Here are a few places to check out if you are planning to visit Battambang.

Remember to check the reviews and book a place that suits you interests while traveling.

Battambang Dream Bungalows
Rating 9.6, Prices start from $22 for bungalows

Offering a terrace and views of the mountain, Battambang Dream Bungalows is located in Battambang in the Battambang Province Region, 8 km from Boeung Chhouk Market.

There are a 24-hour front desk, a daily housekeeping service and laundry service available at the property. A safety deposit box is available at the reception.

Maisons Wat Kor
Rating 9.0, Prices start from $92 for double rooms

Located in the heart of Khmer Wat Kor Village, Maisons Wat Kor is a boutique hotel with an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms have a terrace offering garden or pool views.

Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen TV, minibar and tea/coffee-making facilities. A personal safe is provided. En suite bathrooms include free toiletries and a hairdryer.

333 Guesthouse
Rating 7.0, Prices start from $4 for double rooms

333 Guesthouse offers air-conditioned and fan cooled rooms, each with access to a shared balcony lined with flower pots and featuring city views. 250 m to Battambang Train Station, the property provides free private parking.

The Place
Rating 8.5 Prices start from $6 for 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

Located in a convenient area, The Place offers accommodation in the heart of Battambang. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Fan-cooled rooms are equipped with individual lockers, a light and an electric plug. Beds are fitted with curtains for privacy. The shared bathroom includes hot shower facilities.

Wrapping Up

Finally, there is so many great things to do in Battambang with loads of resorts, restaurants, activities and bars to keep you busy. Battambang is the place to go if you want to relax and explore.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the things to do in Battambang Cambodia has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if you go.