Things to do in Battambang

While Battambang is the second biggest city in Cambodia, travelers still haven’t discovered it’s full potential. For a long time it was a industrial town, but the downtown area has kept it’s charme. There are many thing to do in Battambang, and some are of course related to food.

Most travelers will look for the famous bamboo train in Battambang. During the time when Cambodia was under UN authority, locals made their own lorries and used the old rails to transport good and people – and bamboo. Since Cambodia has it’s civil government, the lorries were still used, but also discovered from the first tourists. Today there are two Bamboo trains, the original and a new one. Forget about the new one, it’s more a local attraction and only goes just in one direction and back.

Explore the surroundings of Battambang

Battambang is also know for the hills around with temples and remains of the Khmer Rouge and the civil war. One of the things to do in Battambang is either renting a bicycle or getting a tuk tuk and go to Phnom Sampov. There is the bat cave (best late afternoon). but also the a cave where the skulls of the fallen and killed Khmer displayed.

This cave at Phnom Sampov is on the top list of things to do in Battambang

Things to do in Battabang when hungry

After your excursion you may get hungry, and Battambang is a good place if you like food. It’s famous for grilled rats from the rice fields, but that’s not everybody’s taste. One the list of things to do in Battambang should be a visit at the organic farm run by our host Yem Panha. She is passionate about food and will not only prepare a delicious set of Khmer food, but also take you to a tour around the farm.

Yem Panha runs an organic farm near Battambang (15 min drive), and is passionate about food and healthy lifestyle.

Another special place for breakfast is the R1 restaurant. You have to come early, because after 8am most of the popular dishes are sold out. What makes it so special ist the cooked black chicken on rice. It is well know with locals in Battambang. And if you are a bit adventurous, then have a pork brain soup on the street 2017 not far from Emerald Hotel.

After your meals reserve some time to visit the galleries in Battambang. The city has a vibrant art scene. Many artists from Phnom Penh moved up north, since it’s more quiet here. The most famous place is Romcheik 5 gallery and art space, where different artists exhibit their work.

Visit a gallery is one of the things to do in Battambang