Things to do in
Battambang
Temples and Beyond
Siem Reap is one of Cambodia’s most visited places, providing a soft landing for visitors who flock to the UNESCO-listed temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park each year. While most of the best things to do in Siem Reap revolve around the temples—and for good reason—this historical rural village-turned-travel-epicenter has plenty of its own charms, too, from vibrant markets and bustling Pub Street to the phenomenal Phare Circus and serene spas. Outside of Siem Reap, you’ll also find lush rice paddies, floating villages, and various activities perfect for day or half-day
The killing caves of Phnom Sampeau are a Khmer Rouge (KR) execution site on Phnom Sampeau, a hill 7 miles (11 km) southwest of Battambang in western Cambodia. KR killed their victims on top of the cave at the rim of a daylight shaft or ceiling hole and threw the corpses into the cave.
Phnom Sampov Mountain is one of the most famous natural and historical attractions in western Cambodia, located about 12 km southwest of Battambang city. Rising from the flat rice fields, this limestone hill—often called “Ship Mountain” because of its boat-like shape—stands around 100–140 meters high and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
Phnom Banan is a mountaintop, mid-11th century Angkorian-era ruin consisting of five prasats (towers) arranged in the quincunx (five-pointed) form reminiscent of Angkor Wat. The temple was built by the Khmer ruler Udayadityavarman II, son of Suryavarman I, the king who built the temple at Ek Phnom. Several lintel carvings are in good condition. The mountaintop is a peaceful location with a sweeping view of the surrounding area. There is a small cave nearby known as L’Ang But Meas. A very old (150 years+) active pagoda at the base of the mountain.
As both are south of Battambang City, the trip to Phnom Banan is often combined with a stop at Phnom Sampeou.
Wat Ek Phnom is an Angkorian temple located on the left side of the Sangkae River at the small creek of Prek Daun Taev northwest the Peam Aek spot approximately 9 km north of the city of Battambang in north western Cambodia. It is a Hindu temple built in the 11th century under the rule of King
Battambang Historical Museum or Battambang Provincial Museum on the riverfront in the center of town houses a large collection of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts – statues, carvings, bits of ancient temples, pottery, etc. These little provincial museums can be a real treat for the Angkor enthusiast, containing some rare and unique pieces, and this is one of the best of the provincial museums.
The bamboo train is a unique and creative form of ad-hoc transportation. It consists of a small motorcycle engine-powered bamboo cart that rides the railroad tracks, picking up and dropping off passengers, cargo and animals along the way. When it meets bamboo train, it can be disassembled and taken off the rails in a minute or two, allowing the other to pass. The bamboo train near the city seems to be catering as much to tourists as locals these days, but is still the real deal. They now charge foreigner upwards of $5/pax.