[2025 Battambang Attraction] Travel Guide for Phnom Sampeau (Updated Jul)

Day 1: Start with the famous Bamboo Train 🚂 for a fun and unique ride through the countryside! Later, visit Wat Banan Temple 🏯, a peaceful and less-crowded alternative to Angkor Wat, with stunning views of the landscape. In the evening, head to the Phare Ponleu Selpak 🎪, a local circus supporting young Cambodian artists. Day 2: Explore the rural side of Battambang with a guided bike tour 🚴♂️ through rice fields and local villages, meeting friendly locals and discovering their traditional ways of life. Don’t miss the sunset at Phnom Sampeau 🏞, where you can witness the amazing Bat Cave exodus 🦇 as thousands of bats fly into the night sky! #100WaysOfTravel #BattambangAdventure #CambodiaVibes

#springitinerary Battambang is one of those towns that doesn’t make a big fuss but ends up stealing your heart. It’s got this laid-back charm, with cute colonial buildings, riverside cafes, and locals who are always down for a friendly chat. The bamboo train ride is a must, it’s bumpy, random, and ridiculously fun. And the countryside? Absolute gold. You can bike through rice fields, check out hidden temples, and catch an epic sunset at Phnom Sampeau (bonus: millions of bats flying out of a cave—wild). It’s also a bit of an artsy hub, with cool galleries and a creative vibe that feels super authentic. Not as flashy as Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, but way more chill and personal. Perfect if you’re into slow travel, meeting locals, and discovering little gems around every corner. Battambang keeps it real, and that’s what makes it awesome.

📍Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia. It is located in the western part of Cambodia, bordering Thailand, 292 kilometers from Phnom Penh and 80 kilometers from Siem Reap. It was once a transportation and trade hub between Cambodia and Thailand, known as the "granary of Cambodia" and also as the "Little Paris of the East". [Metro] Transportation Guide • From Siem Reap: You can choose to go by public bus, chartered car or boat. Public buses and boats are cheap but take longer and have fewer departures; chartered cars are more popular with tourists and the journey takes about 3 hours. • From Phnom Penh: You can also choose to take a public bus, chartered car or boat. The distance is farther, but the transportation is convenient. [RedHeart] Must-see attractions 1. Bamboo Train: An iconic experience in Battambang, take a bamboo train through the fields and experience the unique travel fun. Round trip tickets cost about $5-10. • The bamboo train passes through the river with no guardrails on both sides, but no accidents have occurred so far. • When there are many tourists, the trains on the opposite side will stop to give way and the drivers will help each other. 2. Phnom Sampeau: • Killing Cave: This was the place where the Khmer Rouge executed civilians during the civil war. The cave displays sculptures of the punishments of that time and a pagoda filled with skulls, which is chilling. • Bat Cave: At dusk, thousands of bats fly out of the cave, creating a spectacular sight. Visitors can drink beer, eat barbecue and enjoy this spectacle at the foot of the mountain. 3. French-style buildings: Battambang has preserved a large number of French-style buildings, which are mainly distributed on both sides of the Stung Sangker River. Walking among them, you feel like you are in the "Little Paris of the East". 4. Local Market: This is closer to local life, with handicraft shops, coffee shops, and stalls selling baked potatoes, baked bananas, and fresh coconuts. 5. Kamping Puoy Reservoir: The water is clear and the surface is covered with lotus leaves and lotus flowers. It is suitable for a boat trip and a leisurely water time. [Tableware] Food Recommendations • Local rice noodles: Available in soup and fried form, they are affordable at around $2-3 per serving. • Grilled snails and grilled bullfrogs: You can taste these special snacks while watching bats coming out of the cave at the foot of Mount Boshen. ⚠️Travel Tips • Battambang has not been overdeveloped yet and has fewer tourists, making it suitable for those who like to travel off the beaten track. • If you have enough time, it is recommended to stay in Battambang for one night to fully experience the local slow life. • When watching bats coming out of the cave at Mount Boshen, please be mindful of protecting the environment and do not litter at will. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Battambang and enjoy the unique charm of this niche city!

Route: Kampot ➡️ Phnom Penh ➡️ Siem Reap ➡️ Battambang During my trip to Cambodia, I was deeply touched by the friendliness, simplicity, and warmth of the Cambodian people. Compared to the "Land of Smiles" 🌞 of Thailand, Cambodian friendliness is more reserved and shy. In the streets and alleys of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you can see many simple but sincere smiles, far from the enthusiasm of commercialization, giving people a particularly warm feeling. 🏝 Kampot Kampot is a charming town with typical French colonial architecture and a laid-back atmosphere. You can enjoy fresh seafood here, and Kampot pepper is especially famous!🌶️ Tip: Visit a Kampot Pepper Plantation to learn about the process of growing and harvesting pepper. 🏙 Phnom Penh As the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh is a blend of history and modernity. You can visit the Royal Palace and the Independence Monument, as well as museums that reflect the country's history. Tip: Be sure to visit Central Market to buy some local handicrafts and souvenirs. Extra tip: Don't forget to try the street food! Especially the fried scorpions and fried insects 🦗, challenge your taste buds! 🏛 Siem Reap This city is the gateway to Angkor Wat, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a truly amazing place. Standing in front of these ancient ruins, you will feel the passage of time and the weight of history. Tip: Get up early to watch the sunrise 🌅 at Angkor Wat, and remember to buy a three-day pass so you can take your time and enjoy the temples. Special recommendation: Don't miss Ta Prohm, where the intertwined roots and architecture create a surreal scene. 🚶‍♂️ Battambang Battambang is a small and quiet city full of traditional Cambodian charm. You can experience the bamboo train 🚂 here, a unique mode of transportation suitable for adventurous travelers! Tip: Watch the sunset at the mountaintop temple of Phnom Sampeau. Remember to wear comfortable shoes. Overall, Cambodia is a place full of warmth and sincerity. Although its service may seem more reserved compared to Thailand, it is this unassuming friendliness that makes the journey more enjoyable and peaceful.😊 I hope you find your own wonderful memories during your trip to Cambodia!✈️

Battambang, the second largest city in Cambodia, attracts countless tourists with its unique historical charm and rich natural landscape. After arriving in Battambang, we recommend checking in to a hotel in the city center for convenient sightseeing. After a short rest, you can stroll along the streets and admire the French colonial architecture. Don't forget to take photos! In the evening, head to Psar Nat Market, where you'll find a dazzling array of handicrafts, authentic snacks, and souvenirs. On the second day, take a ride on the bamboo train, a unique Battambang experience. Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the countryside as you travel through lush greenery. In the afternoon, visit Phnom Sampov to witness the spectacular sight of bats emerging from the caves. This will be an unforgettable memory of your trip. On the third day, visit Phnom Sampeou Mountain Temple. After climbing 700 steps, you'll see small pagodas and Buddha statues, and enjoy a panoramic view of Battambang. Experience the perfect fusion of nature and religious culture. After descending the mountain, savor more Cambodian cuisine at a restaurant in the city, such as kuy teav and spring rolls. In addition, the Sammaki Gallery and Jewel In The Lotus Gallery in Battambang are also worth visiting. They showcase local art and culture. Don't miss a visit to the Battambang Catholic Church to experience the city's religious atmosphere. When traveling in Battambang, be sure to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes, and respect local religious and cultural customs. Pay attention to food hygiene when tasting local cuisine.

Battambang Travel Guide Battambang, Cambodia's second-largest city, offers a unique Southeast Asian experience. Attractions: The Bamboo Train, a must-try, is made of bamboo and wood and travels along the railway tracks, offering scenic countryside views. The Bayon Temple, with its distinctive architectural style and enigmatic smiling Buddha statues, is steeped in history. Don't miss the Bat Cave, where at dusk, a spectacular exodus of bats takes flight. Food: Khmer barbecue is a must-try, featuring tender meat paired with unique sauces. Fish Amok, fresh fish baked in banana leaves with aromatic spices, is another delicious option. Accommodation: Choose from hotels in the city center for convenient shopping and access to amenities, or riverside guesthouses for a tranquil escape. Transportation: Tuk-tuks are readily available within the city; be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand. Renting a motorbike is a great option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.