Battambang
From World travel guide
Battambang is Cambodia's second most populous city.
Contents |
Understand
Get in
By air
Battambang does have an airport, but it's been closed since the road to Phnom Penh was sealed.
By road
Buses and share taxis run to many destinations, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (via Sisophon), and the Thai border at Poipet/Aranyaprathet (also via Sisophon).
The Phnom Penh - Battambang - Sisophon road is sealed and well maintained, and the bridges are not prone to collapse (unlike their counterparts on the unsealed roads). Travelling by car, it takes around four hours to get to Phnom Penh, and just under an hour to get to Sisophon. Buses take a little longer.
However, the Poipet - Sisophon - Siem Reap road is not sealed, and its condition varies considerably, depending on the time of year (rainfall) and maintainance. Best case scenario for getting from Sisophon to Poipet or Siem Reap by car is just under an hour, and about double that by bus; but it can take much longer when conditions are not so favourable, and even more so if there are problems with any of the bridges.
By boat
Boats go to and from Siem Reap (for Angkor) daily. An interesting, relaxing full-day journey along small rivers, the boats thread their way through numerous charming floating villages and past dozens of towering cantilevered fishing net installations.
Note that in the dry season, low water levels mean boats cannot get all the way to Battambang, hence part of the journey is made by minibus or pick-up.
Get around
See
Battambang is known for its statues which seemingly decorate every public place. Most are of animals (mythical and real) and divinities (also mythical and real?)
Do
- Take a ride on the bamboo train.
- Take a motor-trip around the countryside and visit some nice temples and enjoy the views.
Eat
Sleep
Hotel Royal is a good option and has a rooftop restaurant. Spacious rooms with bathroom around 25 USD, smaller rooms start around 5 USD.
Get out
Stay healthy
Stay safe
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