The Governor’s Residence was built in 1907 upon the grounds of the fortress that was occupied by a series of Thai governors who oversaw Siamese occupation of Batdambang Province from 1795 to 1907.
While the Governor’s Residence was designed by an Italian architect for the last Thai governor, it was completed the year the province was officially ceded to the French.
While you aren’t allowed access to the Governor’s Residence, even those with a casual appreciation of architecture will appreciate its grandeur and ornate design through the gate that surrounds the grounds.
Getting There
The Governor’s Residence, which is opposite the Tourism Information Office on the western side of the Sangke River, is in walking distance of most hotels in Batdambang and can be visited on foot, or by bicycle, motodop taxi, or tuk-tuk.
Need to Know
- What is it?: A monumental colonial building, designed by an Italian architect and built in 1907 for the last Siamese Governor of Batdambang.
- Nearest Town: The Governor’s Residence is located in central Batdambang town, which can be reached by bus from Phnom Penh in 4-5 hours, from Siem Reap (bus: 3 hours or boat: 7-10 hours), or from the Poipet and the Thai border (2 hours).
- Trivia: The residence sits within the grounds of a Thai fortress that was built in 1840 and housed an arsenal weapons as well as a stable of elephants and a retinue of over 100 “apsara” dancing women.
- Opening hours: Not open to the public
- Entrance fees: Not open to the public
- Address: Four blocks west of New Iron Bridge, just opposite the Tourism Information Center.