While most travellers to Cambodia flock to the iconic temples of Angkor in Siem Reap, few venture beyond. Yet, just a few hours away lies Battambang, a charming town that offers a glimpse into the rural heart of Cambodia.
Battambang is known for its well-preserved French-era architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Travellers can also explore the town’s vibrant arts scene, visit local galleries and witness traditional Cambodian performances.
Beyond the town centre is where Battambang really shines. Its countryside is filled with picturesque views of rice paddies, local villages and, of course, temples. A day of cycling around Battambang not only showcases the sites and scenery, but provides travellers a deeper understanding of local life and culture.
EXO recommends staying one or two nights in Battambang.
Sophie Chan, EXO Cambodia Product Manager explains, ‘Battambang is small and charming. Although there are not so many things to do, it is perfect for travellers who are looking for a deep Cambodian lifestyle experience’.
Read on to learn more about the unique Cambodian experiences that await and how to plan a trip to Battambang.
‘The art gallery visits are very interesting as you learn a lot about Battambang’s history‘.
Battambang arts and culture scene
Battambang has a thriving arts scene, with several contemporary galleries and cultural centres located in the small town. Exploring this side of Battambang provides a better understanding of the community’s tumultuous past and evolution to the present.
EXO’s recommended Battambang half-day tour combines art gallery visits with a walking tour. Guests will view different forms of modern art and meet the artists behind some of the works. They will also take a closer look at the town’s architecture, learning how different styles reflect the era in which they were built.
‘The art gallery visits are very interesting as you learn a lot about Battambang’s history. Some art is bright and colourful, other pieces are dark. It can be quite emotional’, Sophie explains.
Battambang is also home to the Phare Circus’ Performing Arts School, the training ground for the popular Siem Reap music and acrobatics show of the same name. Visitors to Battambang have the special opportunity to visit the training centre and watch the students practise their performance.
‘The bike ride is a great tour and accessible to everyone. I especially love the last stop. Guests get to meet with a family at their house, talk to them and ask any questions’
Battambang’s countryside charm
With a mix of villages, bucolic landscapes, caves and temples, exploring the countryside is a highlight of any Battambang holiday.
EXO recommends a bike ride with Soksabike, a social enterprise that not only offers great tours but also helps provide a better future for underprivileged youth. The half-day bike tour goes through the outskirts of town, stopping to visit local communities and learn about traditional ways of life and food.
‘It’s a great tour and accessible to everyone as the road is flat, there are lots of stops -at least every 5 kilometres- and there is a tuk-tuk as back up in case riders get tired’, Sophie explains. ‘I especially love the last stop. Guests get to meet with a family at their house, talk to them and ask any questions’.
Battambang is also home to several beautiful temples, including Wat Banan, which offers panoramic views from its hilltop location, and Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th-century temple surrounded by serene countryside. If time allows, guests can visit these sites or take a ride on the ‘bamboo train’, a manually-operated transport platform that glides along the town’s railway tracks.
Planning a visit to Battambang:
The journey from Siem Reap to Battambang takes around 2.5 hours by private car. On the return journey, EXO recommends a visit to Banteay Chhmar, a spectacular collection of old temples that is also home to a special community-based tourism project. The site, around 2-3 hours from Battambang, is the perfect detour on the return for travellers with a late afternoon or evening flight from Siem Reap. Or, if travellers have longer, EXO recommends staying overnight at the simple but comfortable homestays at Banteay Chhmar for a true Khmer experience.
Alternatively, Battambang can be included as a stop on an overland journey between the Thai border town of Poipet and Siem Reap. It takes four hours to travel between Poipet and Battambang, or vice-versa.
" alt=""> 
" alt=""> 
