Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Battambang, Cambodia

For those seeking an authentic Cambodian experience, Battambang is essential. As the second-largest city in Cambodia, it remains largely overlooked by tourists, diverting attention from its marvelous ancient temples, rich local traditions, and arguably some of the finest Cambodian cuisine available.

Situated just a three-hour bus journey from Siem Reap, Battambang serves as an excellent stopover before proceeding to Phnom Penh. Despite its population of around 250,000, the city possesses a charming small-town atmosphere that invites exploration on a bicycle or motorbike. Prepare for a full day of adventure, packing a day bag to uncover roadside dining options, meander through lush rice fields, navigate rustic dirt roads, visit historic temples, and relax at a café while savoring an artisan latte. Life in Battambang is tranquil and unhurried—a hallmark of destinations worthy of exploration.

Herein we delve into the top attractions in Battambang:

1. Kayak through Villages and Countryside

The riverside in Battambang is a neighborhood uniquely characterized by stilt houses, where many locals engage in fishing, swimming, and washing attire. Moreover, a kayaking adventure will lead you downstream into rural areas, allowing you to navigate through rice paddies attended by diligent farmers and breezy rainforests.

Kayak rentals are available through Green Orange Kayaks, an NGO school reinvesting proceeds into local children’s education. Your package includes kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and a friendly English-speaking guide.

2. Phsar Nath Market

Phsar Nath Market, better known as Central Market, is a central landmark in Battambang and showcases a distinct architectural style created by French architects in the 1930s. The premises feature French shopfronts and ceilings, providing an unexpected surprise in a smaller city in Cambodia.

This market serves as the primary venue for local trade, where vendors sell various produce. Sections are designated for fresh seafood, raw meats, fruits, and dried advancements, presenting a myriad of flavors, aromas, and visuals. Mornings are the most vibrant time to experience this market at its peak.

3. Visit the Well of Shadows

Upon approaching the Well of Shadows, one may initially perceive it as merely another ornate pagoda reaching skyward. However, a closer observation reveals its somber significance.

This memorial commemorates the individuals whose lives were lost during the Khmer Rouge regime. Visitors should be prepared for a poignant experience, as human skulls and bones—many with visible gunshot wounds—are encased within a large glass enclosure.

Accompanying relics depict the tragic events that transpired during this tumultuous period, including evidence of torture and executions. To reach this site, one can cycle or ride a motorcycle along the east bank of the Sangkar River, approximately 6 kilometers north of Battambang.

4. Go on a Free Walking Tour

Experience a complimentary walking tour departing from the Central Market—also known as Phsar Nath Market—at 4 PM, when temperatures are cooler. The knowledgeable guide leads you through the central district, highlighting French architectural influences and significant historical sites while passing fruit stands and local shops.

Purchasing items is not required, and no pressure is exerted on participants. The option to sample treats along the way adds to the experience, contributing to the tour’s cost-free nature.

The tour concludes around 6 PM, providing an excellent opportunity to seek dining recommendations. This walking tour is an ideal means of familiarizing oneself with the city and serves as a foundation for further exploration of Battambang.

5. Hike to the Killing Cave

Prepare for a scenic hike along a mountain trail inhabited by monkeys and singing birds, with bats soaring through the air at sunset. This route leads you past serene pagodas, monuments, and statues, culminating at a stark memorial.

Upon reaching the caves, visitors are confronted with a juxtaposition of natural beauty and human atrocities from the Khmer Rouge’s reign. Inside, the cave features a museum of human remains lining its walls.

Gaze upwards through the aperture; it is from here that innocent families and scholars met their fates—cast into the cave where you now stand.

6. Ride the Bamboo Train

Although Cambodia once aimed for a fully operational railway, ineffective service led to the suspension of all train operations in 2009, leaving tracks abandoned. Nonetheless, the ingenious Khmer people repurposed these tracks to develop their own transportation.

They constructed boat-sized bamboo trains capable of accommodating small families, effectively providing a method of transporting individuals and goods. These “trains” are manually operated, requiring removal from the rails whenever two trains meet along the track. The experience is worth exploring firsthand.

7. Experience Village Life

Engage with the local community by supporting entrepreneurial tour guides and rural experiences in the Battambang region. Join a tour guided by Savet, a well-respected local, who is known for providing tourists with exceptional cultural interactions.

The day-long excursion lasts approximately 9-10 hours, encompassing tuk-tuk rides over rugged roads and bicycle explorations around small villages. Tour highlights include a ride on the bamboo train, enjoying an authentic Khmer lunch, learning about traditional Cambodian crafts, and interacting with residents. Additional stops at the killing caves and enjoying bat flights against the sunset complete this experience.

This tour offers an inclusive package with food, refreshments, transport, park fees, and even a hat for sun protection.

8. Sip at a Winery

Visit Prasat Phnom Banan Winery, the sole winery in Cambodia, where you can sample a distinctive array of wines. This unique vineyard grows organic grapes used to create various blends, including shiraz and cabernet sauvignon for rich reds, along with Black Queen and Black Opal grapes for delightful rosé.

Transportation to the vineyard is possible via tuk-tuk or motorbike, located 16 kilometers from Battambang, where tasting experiences are offered for a modest fee.

9. Kampong Pil Pagoda

The adventure begins as you traverse a long bamboo suspension bridge that stretches over a flowing river, swaying with each step taken. Be cautious as locals ride across on their motorbikes.

Upon reaching the pagoda, which features a golden roof and white walls, visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere. Kampong Pil is adorned with Buddha statues, Angkorian sculptures, and a substantial reclining Buddha, creating a vibrant setting ideal for photography.

10. Go on a Cycling Tour

For approximately $16, embark on a full-day cycling journey accompanied by a personal guide who will introduce you to the Cambodian countryside, immersing you in Khmer culture and showcasing natural beauty.

The Free Cycling Tours place a strong emphasis on food, incorporating stops at various vendors to introduce local specialties, including rice paper, banana chips, rice wine, bamboo sticky rice, and a local goods market.

In addition, you will bike along verdant rice paddies, through quaint village neighborhoods, and along picturesque dirt roads. This experience is truly indispensable for anyone visiting Battambang.

11. Banan Temple

Visiting Banan Temple offers a surreal experience as you navigate through overgrown jungle vines to ascend steep, weathered stairs leading to this remarkable Angkorian temple set in a remote location.

Constructed at the close of the 12th century, this temple comprises five distinct buildings. Guests are rewarded with panoramic views of the Sangker River, palm tree forests, and extensive rice paddies. On clear days, the crocodile-shaped mountain to the south is also visible.

Along the way, expect interactions with vendors, beggars, and locals marketing religious handicrafts.

12. Killing Field at Wat Samrong Knong

The impact of the Khmer Rouge regime is an affront reflected throughout the country, as sacred sites were transformed into killing fields. Wat Samrong Knong represents a location marked by tragedy.

This pristine temple, among the oldest in the region and established in 1707, features a unique blend of materials such as cement, bricks, and wood, creating a visually striking aesthetic. Unfortunately, this site also houses a monument that honors approximately 10,000 Cambodians who lost their lives in this area during this brutal chapter of history.

Note: The presence of monks at this temple necessitates modest attire for visitors.

13. The Cambodian Cheese Factory

This “cheese factory” actually specializes in producing fish paste rather than dairy products. Though the aroma may be potent for some, seafood enthusiasts will find an intriguing experience here.

The term “cheese” refers to the creamy and curdy texture of the fish product beloved in various Cambodian dishes. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to taste it in its pure form and observe how it enhances local cuisine.

The factory, known as ‘Prahoc Factory,’ is situated 7.5 kilometers north of Battambang.

14. Battambang Circus

Show your support for student artists by attending a performance at Phare Ponleu Selpak, Battambang’s vibrant circus. Distinct from other circuses that may exploit performers, this establishment is operated by a Cambodian NGO that provides at-risk youth with opportunities to learn artistic skills and achieve self-sufficiency.

The circus performance is an exhilarating affair, featuring Angkorian-era dances, acrobatic displays, and captivating juggling. Events are presented just two evenings each week, so ensure you make arrangements in advance for this remarkable experience.