What to do in Battambang
Wat Ek Temple
Adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1027 during the reign of King, Sorayak Varman I (1002-1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune in 14 kilometer from the provincial town.
Ba Nan Temple
Adapts the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by King, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and was built finally built by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of approximate 400 meter heighten mountain at Koh Tey 2 commune, Ba Nan District in 15 kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sang Ke River. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural well, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.
Phnom Sam Pov (a.k.a Phnom Sampeau – home to the killing caves and bat cave)
An important religious site known throughout all Cambodia Phnom Sampov is a striking limestone mountain located on the road to Pailin about 12 km from Battambang. Like Wat Banan there are a series of steps leading up the mountain although an easier route up is on the back of a motorbike via a new road. On the top of the hill is a Wat and many stupas along with various shrines and grottos. During the Khmer Rouge period the mountain was used as a place to kill “enemies” of the regime and in what are known as the “killing caves” there is a memorial to these victims. Also on the mountain are two rusting artillery pieces which were used by the Cambodian government and their Vietnamese allies in the fight against the Khmer Rouge which ended in 1996.
Although Phnom Sampov has a tragic past it is also a pleasant place to visit. The panoramic views from the top are truly breathtaking and there are a variety of food and drink stalls at the base of the mountain making it a great place to while away the hours. Every evening at nightfall thousands of bats make their way out of caves in the hillside to feed before returning at dawn. This natural phenomenon really is a “must see” for the visitor.
Ek Phnom Temple
Ek Phnom Temple was built in the 11th century in the period of Soriyavaraman I (1002-1050). It is one of major tourist attractions of the region. Walking around this temple can be very relaxing and spiritual experience, especially in the early morning. Cambodians believe that they can tell you about the past, the present and the future. Distance from the Centre of Battambang around 12,29km and is located ( along the Sangker River 8,29 Km and turn left 4 Km to that Temple ) in Ta Krem Villag, Peam Aek Commune , Aek Phnom district, Battambang province . If You have occasion, don’t forget to visit Tonle Sab Lake The Banteay Sat (The source of all kinds of birds ) You spend 8 hours in rainy season and 10 hours in dry season From Provincial Town to that place ). Historical Sites and Located in Koh Dach Village, Kaoh Chiveang Commune, Aek Phnom District and other place Barsaet Temple is located in Barsaet Villlage, Tapoan commune, Sangke District, about 15 kilometers east of Battambang provincial town. The temple was built in the 11th century, between A.D 1036 and 1042, in the time of King Suryavarman I (A.D 1002-1050). This temple was seriously damaged, and only the door frame remains. Next to this temple, there is an ancient pond that is 20 meters long, 12 meters wide and 10 meters deep. It hold water year round.
Wat Kor
2km in the south of the center of Battambnag you arrive in WatKor Village in WatKor Sangkat . It is located on the Sangkor River, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. WatKor is called a cultural village for its number of charming ancient wooden houses, of which some were constructed in the early 20th century.
Bamboo Train
On the Eastern Wat Kor- across the River and away 3km, you will meet Bamboo train Station in Odombong village, Battambang Province. The bamboo train is a unique and creative form of local transportation. It consists of a small motorcycle engine-powered bamboo cart that rides the railroad tracks, picking up and dropping off passengers, cargo, animals, and motorcycles along the way. A must-do attraction for tourists visiting the area.
Kam Peang Pouy Lake
The beautiful Kam Peang Pouy Lake is located between two mountains Phnom Ku or Phnom Ta Ngen and Phnom Kam Peang Pouy – in Ta Nget Village, Ta Kream Srok commune, about 35 kilometers west of the provincial town.This gigantic civil-engineering project was central to the Khmer Rouge’s plan to irrigate the countryside around Battambang. Tragically, the construction of the Kam Peang Puoy Reservoir resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Unlike the victims of S21 and Choeung Ek most of the deaths on the Kam Peang Puoy project were caused by malnutrition, disease, overwork or mistreatment. The deaths were in short, preventable.
Heng Chheng Crocodile Farm
If you fancy handling a baby crocodile, then this is for you! It’s a back garden turned crocodile farm in the Dam Spey Village, home to Chaozhou people. It’s owned by Heng Chheng grandma, who can distinguish between each crocodile. The farm is freely opened for visitors to visit but does not have a sign, so it is best to ask local people to lead the way.
Cultural Village Tours
Visit the local people of Battambang, and see how they make the local produce, including: rice paper, wine, sticky rice, and dried bananas. Or take a tour of the local farms and markets, and taste the culinary delights of Khmer cuisine. This is a great way to immerse yourself in Cambodian way of life, and Khmer culture.
Tours and Prices
Getting Around Battambang in a Remork (tuk tuk)
Pick-up from the local bus station, hotel or airport can be pre-arranged – costs start from $0.50 – $3
Round-trips in Battambang
- a) Banan and back = $15
- b) Phnom Sam Pov and back = $13
- c) Ek Phnom Temple and back = $13
- d) Kampeang Pout Lake and back = $20
- e) Bamboo Train and back = $5
- f) City Tour = $7
- g) City Tour and Nory = $12
- h) Fa Circus = $6 (includes waiting outside until the show ends)
(Bespoke round trips can be easily arranged. Prices can range from $5-$20)
Full and half-day trips in Battambang
Trip A: Bamboo Train, Fishing Village, Winery Tour, Fruit Bat Sightings, and Banan Temple = $18
Trip B: Bamboo Train, Crocodile Farm, Wat Samrong Knong, Rice Paper, Fish Market, and Ek Phnom = $15
Trip C: Bamboo Train, Wat Kor, and Phnom Sampov = $15
Trip D: Bamboo Train, Fishing Village, Winery Tour, Fruit Bats, Fruit Farm, Banan Temple and Phnom Sampov and Bat Cave = $25
Trip E: Bamboo Train, Phnom Sam Pov, and Kam Peang Pouy Lake = $30
(Bespoke trips can be easily arranged. Prices can range from $10-$30)
Beehive School 