Battambang

Ancient ruins • Scenic train • Culture hub

Battambang Cambodia is as evocative as the name suggests. The laidback town gained acclaim as being the location where “First They Killed My Father” was filmed (it’s where Angelina Jolie’s adopted son Maddox was born, too). And as the town started to appear more frequently on travellers’ lists, it also became home to some unique cafés, restaurants and bars. The result? A serene, idyllic countryside town – with plenty going on beneath its pretty surface.

Why visit Battambang?

Although Battambang mightn't receive as much attention as other Cambodian towns or cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, it’s a perfect chance to kick back and relax between the two. In fact, plenty of tourists do just that: making the short trip from Siem Reap to Battambang in search of a simple, provincial way of life. Even if it’s just for a few days.

There’s so much beauty to be seen here: from the crumbling colonial buildings of the town itself to the ancient ruins of Banan Temple. And although you might like to explore the countryside by foot or bicycle tour, another great way to see the scenery is on its unique bamboo train.

You can also visit Cambodia’s first winery, discover the birthplace of the renowned Phare Circus, enjoy art exhibitions and live music in Memory Coffee or learn how to cook delicious Khmer food.

Tourists travel to this gorgeous rural area each year to immerse themselves in the traditional Cambodian way of life, plus to get inspired and creative, within a picturesque rural setting. With one of our tailor-made tours, you can join them.

Best things to do in Battambang

Although there are plenty of cultural and outdoorsy activities in and around Battamberg, here are a few of our top picks:

  • Wat Samrong Knong Memorial: A beautiful Buddhist temple and memorial site that commemorates the victims of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
  • Phnom Sampeau Hill & Cave: Our history tour to this region – the former base of the Khmer Rouge and known as “the killing caves” – provides a sobering and important reminder of just how recent the mass genocide in Cambodia was…and the impact it still has today.
  • Bamboo train trip: One of the only surviving parts of the French-built rail network, a trip on this now-popular tourist attraction is a wonderful way to explore the area. The open-top train, which is made almost entirely of bamboo, may well be one of the most special experiences you’ll have during your trip to Cambodia.
  • Phare Circus Workshop: A creative and cultural hub, Phare is an NGO supporting children through performance art – and this academy is where Cambodia’s best performers are trained before being accepted into the organisation. Learn how the teachers and students put their performances together with one of their special art workshop packages.
  • Cooking Class: Test your culinary skills with a half-day class at one of Battambang’s best cooking schools. Traditional Khmer (Cambodian) food is often spicy, creamy and hearty – the perfect food to fuel you for your explorations.

Siem Reap to Battambang

Battambang is only a 3-hour journey from Siem Reap. Whether you want to take the bus or enjoy the comfort of a private car, we can arrange everything for you – so you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery. You could also catch a local boat from Siem Reap, which is double the time but a wonderful way to slow down before you’ve even arrived.

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Ditch the stress, with a trip that’s been crafted by locals. Our team is built of on-the-ground travel experts who can’t wait to share their country’s spoils – from their hometowns, beyond.

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Van Anh Truong
Van Anh Truong
Personal Travel Assistant Vietnam
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Huong Nguyen
Huong Nguyen
Personal Travel Assistant Vietnam
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Huy Huyen
Huy Huyen
Personal Travel Assistant Vietnam
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Thuan Nguyen
Thuan Nguyen
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Greg Wilson
Greg Wilson
Australian National Sales Manager & SA/TAS
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Savin Kong
Savin Kong
Admin Cambodia
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