Battambang is a big rural city with charm and beauty – friendly people and well-preserved French colonial buildings, riverside dining, colourful markets, temples, churches and mosques. And a vibrant art scene. Then there is so much more within a bicycle ride outside of the city.
Charming Battambang
Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city with a population of about 200,000 people. It has a rich cultural mix of mainly Khmer with some Vietnamese, Lao, Thai and Chinese. Despite being a large city, it lacks the noise and hustle and bustle of the capital city, Phnom Penh.
Battambang is the leading rice-producing province of Cambodia and continues to be the main commercial hub for Cambodia’s northwest. It was founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire. The city is situated on the tranquil Sangkae River that winds its way through the Battambang Province. As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of Battambang, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country.
And then there is a surprise here. Battambang has something you would not expect to find in a rural city – a vibrant art scene. Local artists have a lot to say and find expression in many different disciplines and shown in several galleries across the city. Some of their work has travelled the world.
What does this mean for you, the visitor?
There is a lot to experience in Battambang. The pace of Battambang is comfortable and the city itself has much to offer you.
Welcome to Battambang.
The Adventure Bike team
How to get to Battambang
From Phnom Penh you can get to Battambang either by bus (5 to 8 hours depending on the service) or train (9.5 hours). Busses run daily and trains run several days a week.
Siem Reap is a popular destination for visitors to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. Siem Reap has an international airport and Battambang is just 165km away. From Siem Reap you can take a bus (about 3 hours). Or perhaps a taxi is an option if you are with a group.
Why visit Battambang
Some say that Battambang is a Khmer version of Chiang Mai in Thailand with relaxed atmosphere, fancy eateries, abundance of temples and shrines and very friendly locals.
Riverside dining, beautiful architecture, art galleries, colourful markets, and temples, churches and mosques provide plenty of interest within the city. Beyond the city are endless rice fields, ancient temples, charming Cham fishing villages and the famous bamboo trains.
The Adventure Bike 