Distance from Phnom Penh: 295km

Overview: 

Battambang is Cambodia’s second-largest city and the capital of Battambang Province, which was founded in the 11th century. It is the former capital of Monton Kmer and lies in the heart of the Northwest of Cambodia. Until the war years, in which almost every infrastructure was destroyed, it was the leading rice-producing province of the country.

The name Battambang or Batdambang, literally means “loss of stick” referring to a legend of the Preah Bat Dambang Kranhoung (Kranhoung Stick King). The population is nowadays around 250,000 people . It’s a riverside town, home to some of the best-preserved, French colonial architecture in the country.

Best time to travel: 

The best time to visit Battambang is between October and January. The weather is not hot, and the humidity is less during these months. From late February, summer sets in slowly with March to May being the hottest months. Monsoon begins in late July and lasts until September, with the city witnessing landslides and floods. 

What to do: 

• Kayak through villages and countrysides
• Go shopping at Phsar Nath Market
• Visit the Well of Shadows
• Go on a free walking tour
• Hike to the Killing Cave
• Ride the Bamboo Train
• Get experience of village life. 
• Explore the temples
• Go on a cycling tour. 
• See the Battambang Circus.