Battambang
Cambodia's art capital — bamboo train, French colonial + Phare Circus
Battambang is Cambodia's art + colonial capital — French-era shophouses, the world-famous bamboo train (norry), Phare Ponleu Selpak circus school + surrounding Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau. Slow, atmospheric, less touristy than Siem Reap.
Battambang highlights
Bamboo train (norry)
20-min ride on a bamboo platform along a single-track railway — 2 norries meet, one disassembles + lets the other pass. $5 pp.
Phare Ponleu Selpak circus
Cambodian children's circus school — evening performances save orphans from trafficking. $14-25 tickets.
Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau
15 km south — Khmer Rouge execution site. Confronting + essential Cambodia history. $2 entry.
Sunset bat cave (Phnom Sampeau)
Millions of bats fly out at 18:00 in a huge stream from a mountain cave. Free viewing.
French colonial walking tour
Battambang's French-era shophouses — often self-guided but Battambang Bike Tours does excellent introduction ($15-25).
Ta Prohm temple + Wat Ek Phnom
Pre-Angkor Khmer ruins outside town — bicycle-friendly day trip.
Cooking classes at Nary Kitchen
The classic — market visit + prahok fried fish + amok fish curry. $12-15.
Getting there
Battambang Airport (BBM) has limited flights. Most travellers arrive by bus from Siem Reap (3h, ~$8) or Phnom Penh (5-6h, ~$10). Boat from Siem Reap 5-8h in wet season.
Getting around
Bicycle rental $2/day (perfect for Battambang). Tuk-tuk $10-15/day. Motorbike $6-8/day.
November-February (dry, cool). Avoid April-May (very hot 40°C+).
$15-30 backpacker · $40-80 mid-range · $100+ boutique (Maisons Wat Kor)
Airport transfer from Siem Reap (SAI new / REP old) — 3h bus (REP)
Getting out of Battambang (REP)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
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Fly to Siem Reap (SAI new / REP old) — 3h bus (REP)
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