Battambang is the capital city of Battambang Province
Population: 190,000 People as the third biggest city in Cambodia
Founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire, Battambang is the leading rice-producing state of the country. For nearly 100 years it was a major commercial hub and provincial capital of Siamese province of Inner Cambodia (1795-1907), though it was always populated by Khmer, with some ethnic Vietnamese, Lao, Thai and Chinese. Battambang remains the hub of Cambodia's northwest, connecting the region with Phnom Penh and Thailand.
The city is situated on the Sangkae River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way picturesquely through Battambang Province. As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of the city, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country.
What to see in Battambang? ( travel by bus or car from Siem Reap to Battambang, it takes about 3 hours)
- Wat Tahm Rai Saw ( or White Elephant Pagoda): It is considered to be one of the important sightseeing places since apart from being a famous architectural landmark.
- Battambang weekend: Battambang is the third biggest city in Cambodia, but a sleepy landmarkconnected to the Tonle Sap by the Sangkor River, retains a unique small-town charm and makes for a great weekend getaway from Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
- Ek Phnom and Wat Baset: Wat Ek, often called Ek Phnom, dates back to the 11th century and is one of the most visited attractions around Battambang
- Phnom Banan: is some 22 kilometres to the south of Battambang, but worth a visit if you’ve time to spare. Like Ek Phnom, Banan is also originally 11th century-built, though it saw a Buddhist makeover during the 12th century
- Phnom Sampeou: Just 12 kilometres southwest of Battambang, a strange protrusion is the site for a pretty hilltop pagoda complex from which gorgeous views across Battambang’s green fields
- Bamboo train (Norry): A wooden stick does serve as brake and accelerator though. There’s a mat laid on the wooden platform — the ‘deluxe’ versions come with cushions (tuk tuk drivers may let you use the tuk tuk cushions) — and passengers sit cross-legged on the mat.
White Elephant Pagoda in Battambang