You're traveling in Cambodia and planning a stay in Battambang? What a wonderful idea! As the country's second-largest city, Battambang is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and numerous cultural treasures. So you don't miss anything essential, we're sharing the best things to do and see in Battambang.

1. Visit Wat Ek Phnom Temple

Located near the Sangkae River about ten kilometers north of Battambang, the temple Wat Ek Phnom is a jewel of Hindu Angkorian architecture.

Built in the 11th century under the reign of King Suryavarman I, it consists of a series of small temples situated on a sandstone platform. Though only partially buried ruins remain in the vegetation, you can admire magnificent pediments and bas-reliefs that have survived the ravages of time and bear witness to Cambodia's history.

The temple was later joined by a Buddhist pagoda and a gigantic Buddha statue that greets you upon arrival.

2. Visit Wat Banan Temple

Wat Banan temple is among the most important and beautiful temples in Battambang. Located 20 km south of the city, it was built in the mid-11th century by King Tak Oui Tit Ut TyaVarman II (1050-1066).

Its peculiarity? Though built earlier, Wat Banan temple is remarkably reminiscent of a miniature version of the famous Angkor temples. One thing is certain: this Brahmanical sanctuary offers a grandiose glimpse of Khmer architecture.

Near the temple, you can also visit a few caves including the sacred Kuthea Preah Teuk cave.

3. Take the Bamboo Train

The bamboo train is among Battambang's must-see attractions. Once used in the 1970s by railway workers, then by soldiers and finally by locals for transporting passengers and goods, the bamboo train has become a tourist attraction today.

It consists of a bamboo wagon topped with metal gears. Battambang's bamboo train travels back and forth on an abandoned railway line through the countryside. A chance to enjoy a fun family activity and discover the surrounding Cambodian rural landscapes...

4. Explore Phnom Sampov Mountain, Its Religious Sanctuaries and Caves

Located approximately 12 km southwest of the city, Phnom Sampov mountain is a sacred mountain. A hill about 140 meters high, you'll need to climb many steps to reach it. But the effort is worthwhile as once at the summit, you can discover beautiful views over the surrounding plains and visit several sites of interest.

You'll discover the religious sanctuaries of Phnom Sampov with their multiple Buddha statues and Angkorian warriors, as well as a golden stupa, a pilgrimage site.

Beyond the temples, you can visit several caves (Pkasla, Lakhaon and Ak Sopheak) including two caves called « Killing Caves » which served as prisons for Red Khmer torturers. Along the road leading to the hill, you can see many monkeys.

5. Witness the Flight of the Bats

While visiting Phnom Sampov, we recommend staying until sunset to witness a spectacle of nature: the flight of the bats. Indeed, Phnom Sampov mountain is home to caves where thousands of bats emerge at dusk and take flight in search of food. A captivating display you won't want to miss!

6. Cycle Around Battambang and Its Surroundings

To visit Battambang and its surroundings, what could be more pleasant than cycling? An eco-friendly mode of transport, cycling allows you to explore the city's must-see sites while meeting local residents.

You can explore downtown Battambang by bike to discover the Governor's House, see the Ta Dumbong statue, colonial architecture homes near the river and all the city's other natural and architectural wonders…

Cycling is also an excellent way to visit the areas around Battambang. On the agenda: alone or in a group, you can ride through the heart of Battambang's countryside, between rivers, rice paddies, fields and farms. Routes even allow you to reach the foot of Phnom Sampov hill to then explore its treasures.

You can also arrange a cycling tour in Battambang to discover local crafts with an English-speaking guide. On the agenda: discovering local daily life and the region's artisanal productions (bamboo cake, rice wine, rice paper, rice farming, pottery…).

Take the opportunity to stop at Battambang's vineyards which is considered the only wine-producing region of Cambodia.

7. Visit the Phare Ponleu Selpak NGO in Battambang and Attend a Circus Show

The Phare Ponleu Selpak is a Cambodian organization founded in 1994. Originally, it aimed to enable all those oppressed by the Khmer Rouge regime to express themselves artistically or culturally. Today, it's a school NGO that offers free general education complementing Cambodia's public school curriculum.

Children and young adults come to deepen their studies but also to train in artistic fields such as circus, music, dance, painting, theater... It thus brings together a social center, a kindergarten, a community preschool, a school of visual and applied arts and a performing arts school.

To discover and support the association, you can take a guided tour of Phare Ponleu Selpak on weekdays and even attend a circus show organized 3 to 4 evenings per week depending on the season: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from October to March and Monday, Thursday and Saturday from April to September (doors open at 6pm).

8. Visit Psar Nat Market and Taste Local Specialties

What better way to immerse yourself in local culture than a market visit? Head to the must-visit Psar Nat market in downtown. Housed in a yellow Art Deco building topped with a square clock tower, the building was conceived in 1936 by architect Jean Desbois.

You'll find everything there: hardware, jewelry, accessories and food stalls. A few shops offer refreshments. A chance to try some local culinary specialties such as bobor phek, a vegetable and seafood soup, banh chiao, a soy and fish crepe flavored with turmeric, or krataan, a bamboo cake.