Plan a spring trip to Battambang. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Battambang — TL;DR
Cambodia's best-preserved colonial town, where the Bamboo Train meets Jaan Bai's Kampot pepper crab and top-class cocktails.
Battambang overview
November to February (dry season) offers the most comfortable weather for temple ruins and countryside exploration.
The centre of Battambang is the main neighbourhood to explore, near the Central Market and The Place Hostel, with the Bamboo Train, Banan and Ek Phnom temple ruins, and Phnom Sampov's cave bats reached by short trips outside the city.
Cambodian Riel (៛); US Dollar widely used
Khmer. English is limited outside tourism.
ICT (UTC+7)
Battambang's dining and cultural scene continues to reward travelers seeking Cambodia beyond Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with Jaan Bai's modern Khmer cuisine and top-class cocktails reflecting a growing non-profit-driven fine dining scene, while the Bamboo Train and Phnom Sampov's cave bats preserve the town's quirky, offbeat identity.
Where to eat, drink & do in Battambang
Battambang neighborhoods
Battambang town centre The main neighbourhood to explore, home to The Place Hostel just steps from the Central Market.
Phnom Sampov district Home to the cave bats of Phnom Sampov, an offbeat evening attraction.
Bamboo Train & temple ruins district Home to the famous Bamboo Train and the ruins of Banan and Ek Phnom temples.
Practical info for Battambang
Getting around in Battambang? The centre of Battambang is the main neighbourhood to explore, near the Central Market and The Place Hostel, with the Bamboo Train, Banan and Ek Phnom temple ruins, and Phnom Sampov's cave bats reached by short trips outside the city.
When to go in Battambang? November to February (dry season) offers the most comfortable weather for temple ruins and countryside exploration.
What's changing now in Battambang? Battambang's dining and cultural scene continues to reward travelers seeking Cambodia beyond Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with Jaan Bai's modern Khmer cuisine and top-class cocktails reflecting a growing non-profit-driven fine dining scene, wh
Seek out Pheam Ek village rice paper crafting in Battambang? A look at rural life outside the city, where locals craft rice paper discs by hand.
Base yourself in Battambang town centre in Battambang? The main neighbourhood to explore, home to The Place Hostel just steps from the Central Market. Known for colonial shophouses, central market.