What to do in Battambang Cambodia is the frequent question from first time travelers. For an authentic Cambodian experience, Battambang is the place to go. Though it’s the second largest city in the country, Battambang often gets overlooked when travelers make their bucket list. But don’t be fooled – this city has more to offer than just white sand beaches and pub crawls.
Battambang, with its ancient temples, pristine culture, and acclaimed cuisine, offers something for everyone. Located just 3 hours away by bus from Siem Reap, it makes for an excellent stopover before journeying to Phnom Penh.
With a population of only 250,000, Battambang has the small town charm that makes it perfect for exploring on foot, bike, or moto. Pack a backpack and take a day trip to experience the bright green rice paddies, roadside food stalls, dirt roads, and ancient temples. Enjoy the simple and relaxed life here – make Battambang your next destination!
Discover what Battambang has to offer! From taking in the sights and sounds to indulging in the local culture, let’s explore top activities include best attactions to see and things to do in Battambang Cambodia.
Wat Ek Phnom Temple
Situated 13km north of Battambang, Wat Ek Phnom is an impressive yet dilapidated temple, set next to a large pond and behind a 28m high Buddha statue. Built during the 11th century, under the reign of King Sorayak Varman II, today the temple is mostly in ruins. Visitors must climb over masonry and huge blocks of stone to explore the grounds, offering a unique and tranquil experience. For anyone visiting the Battambang area, Wat Ek Phnom is a must, as it allows you to discover a forgotten temple.
The ruins are situated on a minor hill, thus there is no physical exertion required for viewing. Much of the temple is in ruins, having been extensively plundered. Some of the standing Buddha images remain intact, located on the walls higher up. Inside, a carving of a tug-of-war featuring participants tugging at a serpent can still be seen. Unfortunately, the participants on the left have lost their heads to looters, while those on the right are still intact.
The visit to Wat Ek Phnom is the thing you must do while traveling to Battambang.
Phnom Banan Temple
Located just 20km south of Battambang, Phnom Banan Temple is the most intact of the Khmer ruins in the area. However, it pales in comparison to the grandeur of Angkor Wat.
The 11th-century Angkorian ruin of Phnom Banan, located atop a mountain in Battambang, is the best-preserved of the Khmer temples in the area. As you approach, you will notice the five towers pointing skyward, reminiscent of Angkor Wat. At the base of the mountain, a steep laterite staircase, lined by nagas, awaits your ascent. Climbing 350+ steps, you will reach a tranquil and serene setting. The temple was built by Udayadityavarman II, son of Suryavarman I, and despite some looting, it is in a much better state of repair than Wat Ek Phnom. Intricate carvings are still visible across the lintels above the towers’ doorways, while others have been moved to the Battambang Museum. From the mountaintop, you can take in beautiful views of the countryside, with small villages scattered across the endless rice paddies and punctuated by sugar palm trees. To the south lies Crocodile Mountain, and to the north west, Phnom Sampeau.
Descending to the base of the mountain is a challenging but rewarding experience; at its heart lies L’Ang But Meas Cave. To access the cave, one must pass through an easily-missed fissure in a small rocky outcrop and squeeze through two short, squatted crawls. In the chamber beyond, one finds two vast and airy caverns that are illuminated by a single shaft of light. A large stalactite hangs from the ceiling, dripping sparkling water into a bowl below – according to local legend, consuming the water grants knowledge of the past, present and future. On the journey back to the car park, one will traverse a tranquil stretch of countryside, with birdsong in the air, a small pond and a centuries-old pagoda.
Visiting Phnom Banan Temple is one of best things to do in Battambang Cambodia.
Visit to Phsar Nath Market
Phsar Nath Market, an iconic landmark in Battambang, is a must-see destination. Constructed in the 1930’s by French architects, the market boasts a distinctive French-style design. Admire the shop fronts and ceilings, and experience the unique charm that the market offers. Visit the Phsar Nath Market to soak in the atmosphere of this small Cambodian city.
The market is the centre of activity for locals to purchase and sell various commodities. Commonly seen in Cambodia, you can find wet areas with fresh fish and hanging raw meat, and dry sections with fresh fruit and dried fish. All kinds of aromas and sights await to be experienced. To witness the peak of the hustle and bustle, come in the morning.
One of the most delightful aspects of shopping at Phsar Nath Market is the chance to interact with the locals. Unlike the larger markets in Cambodia, Phsar Nath Market is more intimate and people here are very friendly. If you don’t know what something is, just ask and someone will be more than happy to help you out.
Well of Shadows
The Well of Shadows serves as a tribute to the countless individuals who perished in the vicinity during the Cambodian genocide inflicted by the Khmer Rouge. The top of the memorial is adorned with glass-encased skulls of the deceased, with bas-reliefs below depicting the violent acts that happened in the nearby woods and rice fields.
The temple just outside the memorial was taken over by the Khmer Rouge and used as a prison, with an estimated 10,000 people killed there, out of the 1.5-2 million deaths that occurred between 1975 and 1979. This memorial is a solemn reminder of their loss.
Remains of victims found in reliquaries such as this one dot the country. These relics remind us of the atrocities committed, and the bas-reliefs around the memorial further illustrate the various ways in which men, women, and children were tortured and killed. The remains give us a sense of the numbers of victims, while the images provide a vivid reminder of the horror.
The inscription on the memorial in Cambodia pays homage to the tragedy of its people and the events that occurred. It states that the full impact of the genocide may never be known and some of the victims may never be found, but the resilient Khmer are an optimistic people and will courageously strive towards restoring their culture and turning the land into the paradise of the Apsaras.
Bamboo train experience
Cambodia intended to have an effective railway system, but the slow trains lacked speed and efficiency, leading to all services being suspended in 2009. This left the tracks abandoned and unused.
The Khmer people are renowned for their innovation, and it shows in the way they have utilised abandoned tracks to create their own transport systems. It is a testament to their creativity and resourcefulness.
Situated on the outskirts of Battambang town, the “nori” or bamboo train is a flatbed of bamboo powered by a small engine such as a motorcycle or tractor. Extending to the capital city of Phnom Penh, the tracks have fallen into disrepair, limiting the ride to merely 7 kilometers out to a village and back.
Bamboo train is exactly what to do in Battambang for unique experience!
Experience the unique way locals transport people and goods by building boat-sized bamboo trains that fit small families. Powered manually by a lever, these trains must be taken off the tracks when two trains meet. Come and take a trip on bamboo train in Battambang for yourself!
Kampong Pil Pagoda
The Kampong Pil Pagoda Buddhist temple, located on the other side of a 50-year old swinging bridge, is a tranquil spot to admire classic Khmer architecture. The grand entrance gate is artistically carved and a walk inside reveals statues around the temple area depicting events from the life of Buddha, including a statue of the reclining Buddha. Here, you can also get a private Buddhism lesson. Admire the simpler times and explore this unique temple.
Just 6.5 kilometers from Battambang, you can discover a rustic village and the temple located there. On the way, you can take in the sights of the fields and farmlands that surround the temple. Although not a tourist destination, this area is well worth a visit.
Biking in Battambang
Experience Cambodian culture on a bike tour of Battambang is recommended as one of most attractive things to do in Battambang Cambodia. You’ll visit a noodle factory, the biggest Buddhist temple in the city, a local market and a rice paper factory. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to try local dishes and admire incredible landscapes.
Start your day with a 7 am pick up from your hotel. We’ll provide bikes and commence our tour of Battambang’s countryside. Our first stop will be a noodle factory where you’ll learn about the production process. Then, we’ll travel to Wat Ek Phnom, the biggest Buddhist temple in the city.
Next, we’ll visit a local market where you’ll discover some of the region’s most typical products. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous sticky bamboo rice! Our last stop of the day will be a rice paper factory, where you’ll make your own spring rolls.
We’ll be back at your hotel by 12:30 pm. Join us on this unique and memorable journey through Cambodian culture!
Kayaking through villages and countryside
The majestic countryside of Battambang, Cambodia, is a destination to behold. With its lush green fields, winding rivers and nearby villages, Battambang is the perfect place to explore close to nature.
So what to do in Battambang at best? The best way to experience the beauty of Battambang is to go kayaking! Take a kayak and get ready to explore the breathtaking scenery of the region. Start the journey in the small village of Sdok Toek, which is situated on the banks of the Sangkae River. Here, you will find a plethora of small boats, called “sangkae-kut”, waiting for you to take them out to explore the surrounding countryside.
Travel through the villages and countryside of Battambang and take in the stunning views of the rice paddies, stunning waterfalls, and idyllic fishing villages. You’ll be able to see the locals going about their daily lives and get a sense of the traditional culture that still remains in Battambang.
Continue the kayaking journey to the famous Kamping Puoy Lake. This picturesque natural lake is surrounded by mountains and is the perfect place to rest and take in the beauty of the environment. After some relaxation time, take the kayak to the nearby Phnom Banan temple. This ancient temple dates back to the 12th century and is a must-see for anyone travelling to Battambang.
As you travel through the villages and countryside of Battambang, don’t forget to bring a few snacks. There are plenty of roadside eateries that serve local cuisine. Enjoy the local delicacies and take in the sounds of the gentle wind, the bubbling streams and the birds singing in the background.
Take a kayaking trip through Battambang’s villages and countryside and get ready to be amazed.
In concluson, visitors to the city can uncover the top activities in Battambang by exploring its many attractions. For starters, the city is home to numerous temples, including the iconic Wat Ek Phnom. The temple is a popular spot for sightseers and photographers. It’s also a great spot to explore the culture and history of the city.
We hope that after reading this article, you will have the clear answer for the question what to do in Battambang Cambodia.
For those looking for an outdoor adventure, Battambang is home to several popular rivers. One of the most popular is the Stung Sangkae River. It’s a great spot for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and water buffalo.
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