10 Best Things to Do in Battambang

Battambang is often voted by travelers as their favorite city in Cambodia. It lacks the massive crowds of Angkor Wat but makes up for it with a thriving art scene, incredibly preserved history, and a countryside that looks like a painting. Here is your curated list of what to see and do.

The "Don't Miss" Top 5

1. Phare Ponleu Selpak: The world-class Cambodian circus.
2. The Bamboo Train: A thrilling ride on the "Norry."
3. Phnom Sampov: The Bat Caves at sunset.
4. Colonial Architecture: A walking tour of the city center.
5. Romcheik 5: The leading modern art museum.

City Culture & Arts

🎪Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus

This is not a typical animal circus. It is high-energy theater, music, and acrobatics performed by students from a local NGO. It is Battambang's #1 attraction for a reason. Tip: Shows usually start at 7:00 PM. Book tickets online in advance.

🎨Romcheik 5 Art Space

Battambang is the "Art City" of Cambodia, and Romcheik 5 is its headquarters. This museum and gallery showcases incredible modern art from local Khmer artists. It is a colorful, thought-provoking stop that looks great on Instagram.

☕Café Culture

Walk along "Road 1.5" or the Sangker River to find a high density of colonial-era shophouses turned into hipster cafes. Check out Kinyei Café (award-winning baristas) or Choco L'Art Café.

Countryside Adventures

🚂The Original Bamboo Train

Ride the "Norry"—a bamboo platform powered by a motorbike engine. Note: There are two trains. Ensure your driver takes you to the Original one at O Dambong (closer to town), not the newer one at Banan, for the most authentic experience.

🦇Phnom Sampov (Bat Caves)

Arrive at 5:30 PM to grab a seat at a roadside stall. At dusk, millions of bats fly out of the cave in a formation that looks like a dragon crossing the sky. Before sunset, visit the "Killing Caves" halfway up the mountain to pay respects to the victims of the Khmer Rouge.

🛕Wat Ek Phnom

Located 11km north of the city, this 11th-century temple ruins sit next to a massive modern Buddha statue. The drive there takes you through beautiful villages making rice paper.

🛶Green Orange Kayaks

Support a local NGO by renting a kayak to paddle down the Sangker River. It is a peaceful way to see the city from a different angle, passing fishermen and riverside gardens.

Food & Impact

🍲Eat for a Cause

Battambang is famous for its "Social Enterprise" restaurants that train underprivileged youth. Jaan Bai (meaning "Rice Bowl") is the most famous, serving celebrity-chef-designed Khmer fusion food that supports the Cambodian Children's Trust.

🥟Try Street Food

Head to the riverfront night market after dark. Look for Kralan (sticky rice in bamboo), a province specialty, or try the spicy Battambang sausage.

Ready to go? Battambang is best explored by hiring a local Tuk-tuk driver for the whole day (approx $20-$25). They know the schedule of the bats and the best spots for photos!