Battambang Province

Battambang is one of the Cambodia's Provinces and the second largest town in the country which is located at the Northwest of the country. The province is bordered by Thailand, Banteay Mean Chey Province, Tonle Sap Lake and Pusat Province. Battambang is a biggest rice grange in Cambodia, situate a long Sangker River decorate by old French colonized building and ancient pagodas. It is safe for traveling around and visiting.

History

Battambang, derived from the "lost of Batonâ€. Although the origins of the city are poorly understood, it seems to have been one of first conquests of Chen La on the Fu Nan. Built in the capital of the eponymous province since X century, it has flourished to thirteenth century With the abandonment of Angkor as the capital in the XV century, the situation becomes all the more difficult, it is coveted by neighboring Siamese which it will eventually also be dominated by. In 1907, Battambang finally returns to Cambodian. Today the town retains an undeniable charm due to its wide shady streets, the bustling markets and Stung Sangker river which the banks are home to fine houses alternate with the many religious buildings. How to come to Battambang

From Phnom Penh to Battambang 291 km, take about 5 to 6 hours. From Siem Reap is about 3 hours by bus, roads from both places are good condition. Boat from Siem Reap it take about 7 to 8 hours, it will be good during high water season (September to February). To get into Battambang can come from Thailand by passing through Poipet and Sisophon and from Pailin. Road from these two places are good. For railway Phnom Penh to Battambang, which was built by French and Thai now is under renovation by Australian company and Cambodian Government, it probably finish in 2012. But Bamboo train is still running and useful for villagers, Cambodian call this train “Norryâ€. Going to Battambang by plain now is hang on or no flight.

Places to visit

Battambang Museum

The museum located along the river of Stueng Sangker. It is the collection of the artifacts which has been dated since Pre-Angkorian and Angkorian Period. All statues are collected from old pagodas of Battambang and also from temples at the province.    Open time: 8:00AM – 11:00AM, 2:00PM – 5:00PM  for visiting at the weekend you are allowed after you call for a reservation by hand phone: 092-914688, 016-896727. Museum will charge for admission fee.

Buddhist Pagodas

There are many Pagaodas in Battambang, these pagodas were built during "Siam" or Thai invasion at  the end of 17 to the early of 18 century. But some were built during French Protectorate Time. Theravada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia, which has been repracticed again since 16th century after Khmer empire was destroyed. These pagodas are remain in a good condition and still using as a center of Buddhism in Cambodia.

Rice Paddy & Fruit Plantations

Rice field is the best view during ripen time, it start around October. Some places, rice fields are immense. For enjoying during your stay at Battambang should walking through some of rice fields to see and help people farming or harvesting.

At Battambang, land is very rich, so they plant a lot of fruits such as Jujube, Mango, Banana, Rambo tan, Jacque Fruit, Pusat Orange, Grape and many more… To see these plantation, visitors will have chance to test the Khmer fruits which are using organic fertilizers.

Temples

Banon

Banon is mountain temple which was built on top of mountain 400 meters and start to build during 11th century by king Udhayadhityavarman II and finish at the end of 12th century during the reign of King Jayavarman VII (1181 -1218). The temple was dedicated to Buddhism.

Ek Phnom

the temple which was built during the 11th century . and it was grew on by Banyan tree. Ek Phnom built to dedicate to Hindu God. the temple is protected by Buddhist monks, there are one big pagoda just in front of the temple. It was surrounded by moat with a lot of lotus flowers.

For visiting this temple, ticket is required for foreigners only. Along the way, visitor can visit ancient Khmer houses which is more than 100 years old.

Battambang Hotels

Battambang Tour

Battambang Cambodia Tour 8days |  Visit Battambang Cambodia 12days | Visit Battambang Cambodia 13days |