17 Best Things to Do in Battambang - Highlights & Hidden Gems

The city has a completely different feel from Cambodia's more touristy destinations. You have some very memorable experiences like the bamboo train or the bat caves, but there are also so much to discover in the beautiful countryside. If you come to Battambang you’re sure to get a very different side of Cambodia, and I highly recommend it.

So, if you're wondering what to do in Battambang, this guide covers the best things to see and experience, including the famous attractions as well as some of the places and experiences that make the city worth spending a few extra days in.

17 Best Things to Do in Battambang

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Battambang. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

Ride the famous Bamboo Train (Norry)

Let’s start with the most iconic and honestly, most random experience in Battambang. I’ll be honest and say I was a bit hesitant about doing this, thinking it was just a weird tourist trap. And yes, its a touristy thing to do, but I was actually pleasantly surprised at how fun it was.

The bamboo train is exactly what it sounds like, a flat wooden platform placed on railway tracks, powered by a small motor, driving through the countryside. It used to act as a normal train getting food and goods form one spot to another, but today is mostly used for tourists and fun.

Since there is only one train track you have to go off the platform, dismantle it and wait for the train on the opposite direction to go past you before you can get back on.

It’s definitely a fun way to spend a morning, and even though it’s only used by tourists these day, I still tink it was worth it.

Ready to book your trip?

Find all the best Hotel deals here

Visit Phnom Sampeau (Temple + Killing Caves)

This is the most powerful and emotional place in Battambang, and a spot I highly recommend everyone visit with a guide to truly understand Cambodia and Battambangs history.

Phnom Sampeau in itself is a limestone hill that will give you spectacular views of the rice fields below, and at the top of the hill you'll find a stunning temple really worth a visit on its own.

On your way up to the top you can visit what is now known as the killing caves. These caves were used during the Khmer Rouge era to execute thousands of people. They would throw people down these caves every day and come back the next day to pick up the dead bodies. It’s a gruesome part of Cambodias history and not an easy visit, but a very important one.

See the highlights of Battambang in one full day

See the Bat Cave at Sunset

Just below the Phnom Sampeau hill you’ll find the reason why I at least really wanted to come to Battambang.

Just before sunset every day millions of bats fly out of a cave in the hillside. I had been looking forward to this for a long time and it did not disappoint. You’ll see endless bats flying and creating a pattern that almost looks like a ribbon in the sky. The fact that they do it around sunset so the sky is turning gold and pink at the same time just makes it even prettier.

It usually starts around 17:30-17:45 and lasts up to 45 minutes.

I was afraid of getting bat droppings on me or that the smell would be too rough because I’d seen a couple of people experiencing this, but we had no problem with this at all. They all fly in the exact same direction so just try to not stand exactly below it. If you do, you’ll notice the smell, but other than that it was just a really cool experience.

Explore the countryside on bike or tuk tuk

One of the best things about Battambang is how quickly the city turns into rural life. Within minutes, you’ll be surrounded by rice paddies, stilt houses and local villages. Setting aside a day to either rent a bike and explore on your own or hire a tuk tuk driver to take you around is one of the best things to do in Battambang in my opinion. It’s hands down one of the most authentic ways to experience Cambodia.

You can choose to just bike around and stop at various places that look interesting, or pick a couple of the things below that I think were some highlights in my day exploring the countryside. The easiest way is to do this guided tour that takes you to all the best spots. You can usually choose to do it all in one very packed day, or do as we did and spread it over a couple of days.

Explore the countryside of Battambang on this guided bike tour

Visit Prahok (fermented fish) market

Prahok is essentially fermented fish made into paste and is a key ingredient in Khmer cuisine. So if you’ve tried any local dishes, chances are you’ve had some prahok at least once. Many places still use the traditional fermentation process and you can stop along the road and see how it's done.

It’s not a place you’ll want to stay for too long because the smell is pretty intense, but it’s an interesting thing to check out.

If you want to visit on your own, search for Khmer Prahok Market in Google Maps to find the spot we visited.

Want to make the most of your trip to Battambang?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

Visit a local distillery

Around the countryside there are so many fascinating spots to explore, and one of them is a local distillery. They make everything from spirits with pineapple, tea and banana, to one with a snake in it. Apparently they have different healing powers and I was told the one with the snake in it was extra important to drink for pregnant women. It’s fascinating how different cultures end up with such different practices.

You can walk around and see the very local way of making alcohol, learn more about the process and have some shots if you want.

Get Sticky Rice (Kralan) on The Roadside

If you’ve been to Asia for a while chances are you’ve had mango stocky rice for dessert at least once. This is something different. Instead of a desert, they create sticky rice with black beans in it and cook it inside a bamboo chute. It’s delicious and a fun snack to grab on the way when you’re exploring the countryside.

You'll find them scattered along the roads, but the one I stopped at was located along the main road near Wat Samron Knong. If you add Bamboo Rice (Battambang Traditional Style) to Google Maps you’ll find some different options.

Watch How Rice Paper Is Made

Another fun thing to check out out while exploring the countryside is a spot where they make Rice paper from scratch.

Local families sit together making about 2000 pieces of rice paper everyday as long as it’s not raining. It was fascinating to witness the process from start to finish and they also make banana paper which I hadn’t seen anywhere else before.

They also sell spring rolls many places, so it’s great to grab one if you’re getting hungry. It doesn't get fresher than that!

There are various spots you can do this around the countryside, but if you search for Rice Paper and Spring Roll restaurant or Rice Paper Making Family, Mr.Chap’s on Google you’ll find a couple I know are good.

Explore the French Colonial Old Town

Before I came to Battambang I’d read so much about everyone exploring the French colonial Old Town and my expectations were high. Probably unrealistically high.

It wasn't exactly what I’d imagined with charming buildings and grand avenues. However, that doesn't mean it's not worth exploring. The old Town still has its charm, its just more weathered and unpolished than I might have expected. But honestly the fact that it’s not perfectly restored is also what makes it charming.

You’ll see a combination of old pastel buildings mixed with local food stalls. I enjoyed just wandering aimlessly here, just set your expectations accordingly first. What you get is a rugged and more local feel than what you for example get in Siem Reap.

Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.

Watch the Phare Circus (support local artists)

Phare Circus is not your typical circus, it’s a place where local kids and teenagers are trained in acrobatics, theatre and music. They create performances that tell stories about Cambodian history and culture and they do it really well.

An added bonus is that it’s run by a local NGO so if you visit you’re directly supporting local education and artists.

Visit the Phsar Nath Market

Phsar Nath Market is one of the best places in Battambang to experience the city’s everyday local life. Located right in the centre of town, this busy market is where locals come to shop for everything from fresh fruit, vegetables and meat to clothes, snacks and household goods. It’s not a polished tourist attraction, which is exactly what makes it worth visiting.

I recommend coming in the morning when the market is at its busiest. Walk through the different sections and take your time looking at the produce, Cambodian ingredients and all the foods you may not recognise. It can be a little chaotic, especially around the fresh food stalls, but it’s a really fun place to explore.

Join a food tasting tour with a local to sample all the best dishes

Explore Wat Banan (Mini Angkor vibes without the crowds)

Wat Banan is often compared to a smaller version of Angkor Wat, so if you didn’t get enough temples while visiting Siem Reap this might be a fun addition to your itinerary.

Unfortunately I never made it here because the day I was going it was pouring down so we decided to take a slow day instead. However, I’ve heard from other travellers that even though it of course don’t rival the actual Angkor Wat, it’s really nice.

Explore Battambang’s art scene

After the Khmer Rouge wiped out much of Cambodia’s artistic community, Battambang has become a place of revival and it’s now said to be Cambodia’s creative hub. When you walk around the city you'll see murals and graffiti on various walls, as well as plenty of small art galleries, creative cafés and workshop studios scattered around the city.

Sign up for my newsletter

Every now and again I'll send you my latest travel updates and guides.

Subscribe

Wander through Ek Phnom Temple

This is a very small and peaceful Angkor-era temple ruin. I’ll be honest and say that it wont blow you away if you’ve already been to Siem Reap, but it's fascinating to see how huge the empire stretched when they made temples here too. There’s also a new temple built here you can explore along with a huge buddha statue.

Visit the Killing Fields and Torture Museum

One of the more difficult places to visit in Battambang is the Samrong Knong Killing Fields and Torture Museum. It’s a place to learn about one of the darkest periods in Cambodia's recent history and the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979.

The site is located just outside Battambang and was used by the Khmer Rouge as a security centre, prison and interrogation site. Prisoners were detained and tortured here before being executed, and mass graves were found around the temple grounds after the regime ended. The exact number of people killed at the site is difficult to establish, although estimates commonly put the number at around 10,000.

Need mobile data when you land?

I always set up an eSIM before flying so I'm connected the moment I arrive. Compare the best plans from Airalo here.

Explore Wat Samrong Knong

Just next to the killing fields you’ll find Wat Samrong Knong, an old beautiful Buddhist temple.

The Well of Shadows memorial stands just outside the temple complex and contains the remains of some of the victims from the killing fields. I found the combination of the temple and memorial particularly striking. You can walk through a functioning Buddhist temple, see monks and local people going about their day, and at the same time be reminded of how dramatically this place was transformed less than 50 years ago.

Ready to explore Battambang?

Find the highest rated tours and experiences here! Compare prices and book your activities in advance to get the most of your trip!

Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Battambang?

The best area to stay in Battambang depends on what kind of trip you're planning.

Battambang city centre and the riverside are best if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants, markets, cafés and the main sights in town. This is the area I would recommend for most first-time visitors, particularly if you're only staying for one or two nights.

Wat Kor Village is a better choice if you want somewhere peaceful and surrounded by greenery. It's just outside the centre, so you'll need a tuk-tuk to get around, but you'll get a much more relaxed atmosphere and some beautiful boutique hotels.

There are also a few hotels further out of the centre that feel more like resorts. These are particularly good if you have your own transport or don't mind arranging tuk-tuks whenever you want to go into town.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a relaxing, but fun stay in Battambang.

Muni Residence & Spa

This is a great choice if your priority is having a comfortable hotel with good facilities without paying luxury-hotel prices. The property has a swimming pool, garden and spa, giving you plenty of space to relax between exploring Battambang's sights.

Check prices and availability

Maisons Wat Kor

This is one of the most interesting places to stay in Battambang and would be my first choice if you want your accommodation to be part of the experience. The property is built around traditional Khmer wooden houses surrounded by lush gardens, giving it a completely different feel from a typical hotel.

Check prices and availability

Battambang Resort

This is an excellent option if you want to stay outside the city centre and have plenty of space to relax. The resort is surrounded by countryside and rice fields, so you get a much quieter atmosphere than you would in central Battambang. It also has a large swimming pool and beautiful gardens.

Check prices and availability

Map of The Best Hotels in Battambang

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Battambang to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

Travel with peace of mind and get travel insurance before your trip.

I personally use SafetyWing and highly recommend it for every kind of trip. Check their prices & plans here.

How Many Days Do You Need in Battambang?

It really depends on how slow you prefer to travel and how much you like to see during a day. I’ve talked to people who come to Battambang and only spend one night and are happy with that. I spent 6 days here and felt like that was a nice pace to explore the various parts of the city and countryside without rushing.

If you have 2 or 3 days you can absolutely see the highlights of the area without stressing too much, but I found that the longer I stayed the more I liked the area. But even I felt ready to move on after 6 days.

Best Places to Eat in Battambang

I didn’t expect Battambang to be a food destination. But there is some seriously good food to be had here. I obviously didn't have time to try it all, but I did my fair share of research before visiting and tried somewhere new for every meal and was never disappointed.

Below are some spots with different cuisines that I loved.

• Green Mango cafe & Bakery
• Tov Jrork Chill Area (coolest spot in my opinion)
• The Fringe Cafe & Yoga studie
• Pomme hostel & bar
• The Lonely Tree Cafe
• Jaan Bai
• Cafe HOC (Hope Of Children)
• Nary Kitchen
• La Pizza
• Rx’d Cafe and restaurant
• Miss Wong (Just for drinks)

How to Get to Battambang

If you want to spend a couple of nights in Battambang, the best way to get to there is by bus or shared minivan from either Siem Reap or Phnom Pehn.

From Siem Reap to Battambang

Battambang isn’t far from Siem Reap so many people choose to just come here on a day trip from Siem Reap. I personally think it deserves more time, but if you’re very short on time in Cambodia you can check out this guided tour that takes you to all the top sights in Battambang in one full and slightly hectic day.

If you want to spend a couple of nights there are several daily departures, so you can travel in the morning and still have part of the afternoon to explore Battambang

The journey by bus or minivan usually takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the road conditions and the service you choose. This is the route I would recommend if you are already visiting Angkor Wat, as Battambang makes a great next stop before continuing towards Phnom Penh.

From Phnom Penh to Battambang

Travelling from Phnom Penh to Battambang takes roughly 5–6 hours by bus or minivan. There are regular services throughout the day, and this is probably the easiest option if you are travelling overland through Cambodia.

The road is generally straightforward, although journey times can vary depending on traffic and road conditions. I would book a morning departure so you can arrive in Battambang with enough time to check into your accommodation and start exploring.

How to Get Around in Battambang

Once you arrive, Battambang itself is easy to get around. The city centre is relatively compact, but you'll need transportation to reach attractions outside the centre, including Phnom Sampeau and the Killing Caves.

Tuk-tuks are the easiest option for most travellers, and you can arrange a driver for a half or full day if you want to visit several sights. If you're comfortable riding a bicycle or scooter, you can also explore the city and surrounding countryside on your own.

Book a full day tuk-tuk tour around Battambang

Final Thoughts - Top Things to Do in Battambang

Battambang was one of those places in Cambodia that I ended up enjoying much more than I expected. It doesn't have the same big-name attractions as Siem Reap or the energy of Phnom Penh, but that is exactly what makes it worth adding to your Cambodia itinerary. Instead of spending your days rushing between major sights, Battambang gives you the chance to slow down and experience a more local side of the country.

From exploring the markets and temples in town to heading into the countryside, riding the famous Bamboo Train and watching thousands of bats leave Phnom Sampeau at sunset, there is actually quite a lot to do. I also loved that many of the experiences are more about seeing everyday life and the landscape around Battambang rather than simply ticking off tourist attractions.

If you have the time, I would definitely recommend spending at least two days in Battambang. It makes a great stop between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh and is a completely different experience from Cambodia's more popular destinations. If you're looking for somewhere that feels a little less touristy and gives you a chance to see a different side of Cambodia, Battambang is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

Plan Your Trip to Battambang

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan what to do in Battambang. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Brows the best tours on Get Your Guide here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Cambodia, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

Find more articles about Cambodia here...

Cambodia

Best Places to Stay in Battambang

Cambodia

Best Areas to Stay in Phnom Penh

Cambodia

Where to Stay in Koh Rong - Best Areas & Hotels

Cambodia

12 Best Things to Do in Koh Rong

Cambodia

Is Battambang Worth Visiting?

Cambodia

Where to Stay in Siem Reap - Best Boutique & Luxury Hotels

Cambodia

The Ultimate Siem Reap Itinerary (3, 4 & 5 Days)

Cambodia

Best Temples To Explore in Angkor (and Which Ones to Skip)

Cambodia

Angkor Wat - Everything You Need To Know Before Your First Visit

Cambodia

Top Things to Do in Siem Reap (Other than Temples)

Cambodia

Best Places to Eat & Drink in Siem Reap