Battambang: Cambodia's Colonial Time Capsule

Battambang: Cambodia's Colonial Time Capsule

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 v…