Battambang is a serene province, full of cultural and historical variety. Blessed with ancient temples, interesting museums and French colonial architecture, Battambang transports visitors to a tranquil past world. To get an insight into its history, you might begin your list of things to do there by visiting the historical attractions.

The well-known Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau is a historical witness to the dark past of Cambodia. This place was once a Khmer Rough execution site during the Cambodian Genocide in the 1970s. There are Buddhist shrines around the cave and statues shower Khmer Rouge torture methods nearby. However, if you feel triggered by depictions of torture, it is suggested that you skip visiting the Killing Caves. Instead, heading to Mrs. Bun Roeung’s Ancient House in the Wat Kor village to learn more about rural Cambodian living back then. These traditional wooden houses have been lasting for 100 years and are one of 20 heritage houses on stilts that have survived the Khmer Rouge and earlier wars. Visitors will be presented by the tour guide in French and English language. Battambang Provincial Museum in Kamkor village is also worth visiting if you are into history. Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts, including statues, carvings, fragments of old temples and ceramics may be found here. Battambang really a great treat for history enthusiasts.

A bike tour would be a great way to explore the area around Battambang as it offers the chance to avoid the bustling city and discover the tranquility of the countryside like a local. Cycling on the rough, bumpy roads there will give you an exciting experience while heading to serene temples and picturesque villages. During that exploration, you will pass through muddy roads, which are only wide enough for a car to pass, and are taken over by a herd of cows sometimes. However, beyond all of that, the splendor of the huge and lush rice paddy fields will make you not want to go. All those experiences make Battambang one of the best places in Cambodia to go cycling.

In Battambang, there are more than 100 cycling routes for visitors to try getting on the bikes and many half-day or full-day tours to choose from. With the Soksabike tour, the most popular cycling tour there, you can learn more about the making of rice wine and weaving while visiting traditional local villages, which will offer you a firsthand understanding of the local life thereof Cambodian. You will also have the chance to perform the hands-on practice of making rice alcohol, banana chips and rice paper with local families. Cycling in Battambang is an adventurous activity that tempts visitors the most.

Battambang is well-known for its unique type of transportation, the Bamboo train (also called Norry). Talking about its structure, the Bamboo train is a flatbed of bamboo on wheels that is pushed by a small motorcycle or tractor engine.

Back then, in 2009, even though Cambodia had its own railway system, the trains' speed and standard did not meet the government's expectations so they decided to suspend the operation of railway services throughout the country, leaving the tracks abandoned. The Khmer people then came up with the idea of utilizing those abandoned rail lines in their own way by creating rudimentary transportation that is known today as the Bamboo train.

Getting around by Bamboo train is a fun activity to do in Battambang because you will be able to pass through the tropical landscape along the way with the wind in your hair as you breathe in the fresh air. Visitors might sit on straw mats that have been spread out around the bamboo platform, holding onto whatever is available to them to maintain balance while moving forward. The trains made for tourists are more spaciously and carefully prepared than those for the locals. The Bamboo trains are riding on the same track, so it is very common that two trains heading in opposing directions "meet" on the railway. In that situation, the driver of the lighter one will carry their train off the track, wait for the other to pass and then continue moving.

The best Cambodian foods are mostly available in Battambang - at street vendors, local markets, culinary excursions or at tourist restaurants. What can you expect when you visit Battambang? The best Cambodian coffee, along with delicious French pizza and excellent Indian food, as well as terrific burgers and icy beer in hip bars, is found in this Cambodia's second most populous city. You can easily spot inexpensive local eateries, cozy cafes of your choice, or dining options that specialize in Western and Asian cuisine while strolling through Battambang's streets.

Pomme d'Amor or Lotus restaurant is a must-visit if you enjoy both traditional French cuisine and inventive dishes that blend French and Cambodian cuisine. Another recommendation is the Battambang Night Market, which is nearby the Central Market on the Snagker River. Opening from 4 pm daily, this location offers wonderful street cuisine and grocery stores that are worth visiting. For the best coffee in town, you might try Cafe Kinyei or Cafe Eden. If you are interested in Khmer cuisine, Jaan Bai, Mlob Chan, Smokin' Pot and White Rose Restaurant are recommended. Going on a Battambang street food tour is an interesting way to experience the food culture there. Some of the signature dishes visitors should try are song fak with rice noodles, banh chhev, banh ja’neuk (glutinous sweet rice balls), bor bor peak (porridge made with rice, fish, and vegetables) and banana with coconut milk.

Do you want a thrilling, intriguing, and playful experience? One of the best places to get a taste of this in Battambang is the Phare Ponleu Selpak circus show. The young performers' energy and liveliness are what attract tourists the most.

Phare Ponleu Selpak, which means “The brightness of the arts” in Khmer, is a non-profit organization founded in 1994 with the purpose of giving young people educational, artistic training programs. After having empowered their talent, the youth will have a chance to display their extraordinary skills on the Phare Poleu Selpak stage. Most of these youngsters come from impoverished Cambodian families that suffered under the Khmer Rogue reign. Their shows feature acrobatics, dance performances, and juggling tricks, which come with an appealing storyline. The young performers with a strong, decisive, energetic performance style always strive to promote Cambodian arts and culture through their entertaining acts on the stage. Phare Ponleu Selpak organization was once honored to set a Guinness World Record in 2021 with the incredible 24-hour circus that comprises more than 10 professional performing acts. The creativity, storytelling and powerful performances of the shows will leave visitors enthralled, so let's enjoy them while you're in Battambang!

• Address: Phare Ponleu Selpak, Anh Chanh village, Ochar commune, P.O. Box 316 Battambang, Cambodia
• Ticket price: $14/ adults; $7/ children under 12
• Schedule: Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7 pm

Visiting some ancient temples, which represent the stunning Khmer architecture, is the activity that offers so many different experiences that attract tourists when coming to Battambang. Battambang province is home to a number of long-standing Buddhist monuments, and among them, 31 temples will be recognized as national heritage. The following temples are the pride of the locals, which is perfect for you to visit and learn more about their culture.

• Wat Banan Temple: The Banan temple, which was constructed during the Angkorian era in the 11th century, has five different towers, gorgeous surroundings, and a calm, serene ambiance. For a panoramic view, visitors need to make their way up to more than 300 stairs to get to the hilltop temple. Then, they can go to both the 150-year-old temple at the base of the mountain and the L'Ang But Meas cave on the same trip to this site.
• Wat Phnom Sampov can be found in a picturesque position at the summit of a mountain not far from the Killing Caves. The temple amazes with its intricate carvings and wall paintings that depict the legend of Crocodile Mountain's origin, a story of Cambodian culture.
• Ek Phnom Temple was built in the 11th century in the Hindu style with beautifully carved murals. The temple is located next to a lake with a 28-meter-high Buddha statue behind it.
• Wat Tahm Rai Saw, also referred to as White Elephant Pagoda, is one of the most famous temples in Battambang and is frequently visited by tourists. Its highlight is the huge sculptures of white elephants, which represents the prince depicted in the story of the Buddha.

Kayaking around floating villages on the lake is regarded as a must-try activity for visitors to Battambang. As Battambang city is situated on the banks of the Sangker River, the floating village, a collection of local people's houses over the water, is this town's signature. There are numerous companies that offer river excursions that allow passengers to observe life along the rivers. Visitors will get a sight of the locals' daily life: families cooking, washing on the shores, men going fishing by the river and children being playful in the water while exploring nature's beauty along the way. The life of the people here mainly depends on the Sangker River as the water is used for bathing, swimming, washing, fishing and even for transporting boats and loads.

If you want to kayak through a floating community, you should sign up for a tour with Green Orange Kayak, an NGO that provides free English education to residents. At Ksach Poy, a little village outside of Battambang, you will go on a half-day trip from there with kayaks, paddles, life jackets and a tour guide then go back to the town via the Sangker River. There is a lot about this unique way of living to discover and observe.

• Address: Khsach Poy VIllage, Wat Kor Commune, Battambang, Cambodia
• Hotline: +855 12 764 097
• Price: $15/ Adult. Free for children under 12 years old
  

The best location in Cambodia for a Khmer cooking class is Battambang. It is a fun activity that you should consider joining when travelling there. There are several businesses that provide regular cookery instructions, namely Smokin' Pot, Nary's Kitchen,...

Smokin' Pot, a local restaurant in Battambang, is Cambodia's first business to offer cooking classes. Every morning, it operates three-hour sessions taught by owner and chef Vannak. They will take you shopping for ingredients at the neighborhood market as part of the program before start teaching you how to prepare Khmer meals.

• Address: The Smokin’ PotStreet 1, opposite the Night Market, Battambang

At the nearby restaurant Nary's Kitchen, another well-liked cooking school is offered. There, classes last four hours and also involve a walk to the neighborhood market. You'll prepare three dishes in addition to a dessert that is made for you.

• Address: Street 111, near Psar Nath, Battambang

Coconut Lyly Cooking School: The restaurant offers both morning and afternoon classes with small groups of participants, giving a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Up until the dish is ready, the chef will lead you through the preparation of dishes of your own choosing, and you will choose the ingredients at the market.

• Address: 111, Krong Battambang, Campuchia

Besides tasting Khmer food at local restaurants, learning to prepare it yourself will be a more delightful experience when you are at Battambang.

Last but not least, the local people there make up the list of reasons why you should come to Battambang. The Cambodian people, often known as the Khmer people, enthusiastically show true hospitality to visitors. The Khmer make great guests thanks to their hospitable communities, sincere concern, and clever sense of humor.

They are welcoming and helpful with a smile on their face when they see a visitor. However, as Cambodian people are not good at English, the language barrier could be sometimes a problem. Coming to Battambang, you will be surprised by the warm welcome you received from the people there. If you sign up for a local livelihood and countryside tour in Battambang, you will have a chance to interact with the locals and live like a local for a short time. That is, you may come to local small businesses specialized in making traditional Cambodian handicrafts, rice paper, banana chips, and grape wine,... and learn their techniques. They are very enthusiastic and friendly to visitors and even you can be invited to stay a little while and have a Khmer lunch with their family.

As Cambodia went through a long period of war and is still developing, the people here are very resilient and hard-working. If you respectfully ask them about their past stories, maybe you can hear survival stories of their own and empathize with their losses and difficulties.