There are several remnants of French colonial architecture in the town centre. Restaurants and guesthouses have been set up to cater to travellers, mostly backpackers, whose main objective of coming here seems to be to relax. There are several places to explore in and outside the town either on foot or motorcycles which can be rented from the guesthouses or restaurants in town.
The town is actually known for its Angkor-period temple ruins at Phnom Sampeau, Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan.
Phnom Sampeau
Phnom Sampeau temple is about twenty five kilometres from Battambang town. The temple was used as a prison during the Khmer Rouge period. A large number of people were killed in the caves near the temple. Their bones were collected and kept in the temple as a memorial. The temple is often referred to as a killing field of Battambang.
Wat Phnom Banan
Sitting on a hilltop, Wat Banan has a few temple ruins from the Angkorian period. There is a steep flight of stairs leading to the top of the hill which offers a panoramic view of the landscape below. A small cave at the base of the hill is worth exploring.
Wat Ek Phnom
Perhaps the most visited temple in Battambang, Ek Phnom temple ruins are partially damaged by the Khmer Rouge but several parts of them are still in their original state. The 11th century Hindu temple is located in the North of Battambang town about 45 minutes by motorcycle taxi, which is locally called ‘motodop’. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman I, the temple compound is comprised of stone brick shrines with beautifully carved lintels. A Buddhist temple with the same name is located near these temple ruins.
All the temples, particularly the ones on the hilltop, should be visited in the morning since they could be very hot in the afternoon. Some young local students and novice monks may offer to give you a tour of the place but guide fees are expected.
Besides the temples, Battambang’s countryside of vast evergreen paddy fields, tilting palm trees, stilt wooden houses and friendly villagers are the main reasons that draw travellers to come here.
Getting to Battambang
From Siem Reap, Battambang can be accessed by boat for a scenic three hour ride on Tonle Sap Lake up to Sangker River. By road, travellers can take a car from Thailand’s border town of Aranyaprathet from the west and Siem Reap from the east. The trip from both sides lasts about 3 hours. Even though there are buses that travel regularly between Siem Reap and Battambang, it is more convenient and safer to hire a taxi or a car. Also note that parts of the roads that go to Battambang are in poor conditions, especially in the rainy season. There is a railway that connects the town with Phnom Penh. Most of them are freight trains and not recommended for tourists because of its safety.
Due to its proximity to Thailand, Thai baht is generally accepted local shops and restaurants here.
It is important to remember that several parts in the countryside of Battambang town are filled with land mines, so do not stray off the main roads or walk in the fields unless you are led by a local guide.
