Relatively few tourists visit Batdambang; those who do, typically visit only the capital city of the same name, as the most interesting attractions are in the immediate surroundings of the town.
Batdambang city features charming colonial buildings and unique attractions, such as a Phare Ponleu Selpak, the bamboo train, and a Chan Thai Chhoeung Winery. Day-trips from town include several old ruins that are less impressive than most at Angkor, but aren’t overrun with tourists, as well as natural attractions including rivers and reservoirs.
Batdambang Province, known as the ‘rice bowl of Cambodia,’ is a center of livestock, agriculture, and fishing. The Sangker River winds through the province and into the capital city of Batdambang, both of which are loaded with French colonial architecture. Batdambang will appeal to those looking for a relaxing, more traditional Cambodian vibe; it’s lack of visitors isn’t so much a product of few interesting sights as a result of its location, somewhat out of the way on the main Siem Reap-Phnom Penh-Beaches routes. For those traveling to and from Thailand and Phnom Penh, however, its worth stopping a day or two if you can spare the time.
Batdambang town, while the second largest in Cambodia, is sleepy in comparison to either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap and is enjoyable to explore either on foot or bicycle. There are a number of interesting Wats in Batdambang in town, as well as a small but decent Batdambang museum, and the aforementioned colonial buildings, the finest of which is the Governors Mansion.
Most of Batdambang’s sightseeing highlights are located in day-trip distance of the town, including a man-made reservior at Kamping Puoy and the Angor-era temples Wat Ek Phnom and Prasat Phnom Banan, the latter of which sits upon a mountain just south of town.
Farther afield, the province is home to a number of natural resorts. Wat Phnom Sampeau Resort features natural wells and ancient temples surrounded by picturesque mountains that form the setting for many local legends.
Where to Go
Cities
- Battambang: A charming riverside city known for its French colonial architecture and ancient temples.
Attractions
- Wat Phnom Banan: This Angkor Wat-style temple features a long flight of stairs up to temple ruins that have been converted into a Buddhist shrine.
- Wat Phnom Sampeau: This nearby hill contains Buddhist caves turned Khmer Rouge-era “killing caves”, a hilltop monastery, and nearby meditation retreat.
- Vipassana Meditation Center: A tranquil retreat offering immersive meditation courses for deep self-reflection and mental clarity.
- Wat Ek Phnom: Angkor Wat-style Wat Ek Phnom, a few miles out of town beyond charming rural communities, features both a modern Wat and the ruins of the ancient temple.
- Battambang Bamboo Train: These small, make-shift railway cars are as great a tourist experience as they are a useful transportation device for local villagers.
- Wat Somraoung Knong and Prasat Basseat: A charming Buddhist temple with an unfortunate history and a Angkor-era ruin.
- Wat Kor Village: “Ancient Houses” - A number of charming, 100 year-old wooden houses in the village of Wat Kor.
- Chan Thai Chhoeung Winery: Cambodia’s first vineyard and winery.
- Kamping Puoy: A reservoir built during the Khmer Rouge era that is now a popular swimming hole and picnic area.