Battambang: Cambodia's Colonial Time Capsule

While Phnom Penh is modernizing at breakneck speed, Battambang has chosen to pause. With the highest concentration of French colonial buildings in the country, walking through the city center feels like stepping onto a movie set from the 1930s.

A Self-Guided Heritage Walk

You don't need a guide to appreciate the architecture. Just wake up early (around 7:30 AM) to beat the heat and follow this simple route along the Sangker River.

1

Psar Nath (The Central Market)

Start here. Built in the 1930s by French engineers, this Art Deco masterpiece is the beating heart of the city. Look up at the distinctive yellow ziggurat-style roof.

2

Street 1, 2, and 3

Walk south along the river on Road 1. These streets are lined with two-story "shophouses." Notice the faded wooden shutters, the Chinese-style tiles, and the thick walls designed to keep the interior cool.

3

The Governor's Residence (Sala Khaet)

The crown jewel. This massive Italianate villa was built by the last Thai Lord Governor in the early 1900s. You cannot enter (it is a government building), but the gates are open for photos of the stunning exterior and cannons.

Glimpses of the Past

💡 Coffee Culture Tip

Battambang is famous for its coffee. Don't go to a modern chain. Look for the old shophouses on Street 1.5 or Street 2.5 (like Kinyei or Choco L'Art). Sitting on the sidewalk with an iced coffee, watching the monks walk by, is the quintessential Battambang experience.

Explore the Map

Most of the heritage zone is walkable within 1 hour.

View Heritage Zone