Battambang: A travel guide to Cambodia's hidden gem

📍Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia. It is located in the western part of Cambodia, bordering Thailand, 292 kilometers from Phnom Penh and 80 kilometers from Siem Reap. It was once a transportation and trade hub between Cambodia and Thailand, known as the "granary of Cambodia" and also as the "Little Paris of the East". [Metro] Transportation Guide • From Siem Reap: You can choose to go by public bus, chartered car or boat. Public buses and boats are cheap but take longer and have fewer departures; chartered cars are more popular with tourists and the journey takes about 3 hours. • From Phnom Penh: You can also choose to take a public bus, chartered car or boat. The distance is farther, but the transportation is convenient. [RedHeart] Must-see attractions 1. Bamboo Train: An iconic experience in Battambang, take a bamboo train through the fields and experience the unique travel fun. Round trip tickets cost about $5-10. • The bamboo train passes through the river with no guardrails on both sides, but no accidents have occurred so far. • When there are many tourists, the trains on the opposite side will stop to give way and the drivers will help each other. 2. Phnom Sampeau: • Killing Cave: This was the place where the Khmer Rouge executed civilians during the civil war. The cave displays sculptures of the punishments of that time and a pagoda filled with skulls, which is chilling. • Bat Cave: At dusk, thousands of bats fly out of the cave, creating a spectacular sight. Visitors can drink beer, eat barbecue and enjoy this spectacle at the foot of the mountain. 3. French-style buildings: Battambang has preserved a large number of French-style buildings, which are mainly distributed on both sides of the Stung Sangker River. Walking among them, you feel like you are in the "Little Paris of the East". 4. Local Market: This is closer to local life, with handicraft shops, coffee shops, and stalls selling baked potatoes, baked bananas, and fresh coconuts. 5. Kamping Puoy Reservoir: The water is clear and the surface is covered with lotus leaves and lotus flowers. It is suitable for a boat trip and a leisurely water time. [Tableware] Food Recommendations • Local rice noodles: Available in soup and fried form, they are affordable at around $2-3 per serving. • Grilled snails and grilled bullfrogs: You can taste these special snacks while watching bats coming out of the cave at the foot of Mount Boshen. ⚠️Travel Tips • Battambang has not been overdeveloped yet and has fewer tourists, making it suitable for those who like to travel off the beaten track. • If you have enough time, it is recommended to stay in Battambang for one night to fully experience the local slow life. • When watching bats coming out of the cave at Mount Boshen, please be mindful of protecting the environment and do not litter at will. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Battambang and enjoy the unique charm of this niche city!