If you are planning a Cambodia Tour soon, you should know that the incredible ancient site near Siem Reap isn’t the only city worth visiting in Cambodia. In fact, this Southeast Asian country is so full of wonders that we decided to show you other sides of it by presenting to you one off-the-beaten-path city, Battambang.
Although Cambodia is a small country, there is plenty to explore. If you are looking for the perfect place that mixes ancient sites, palaces, and gorgeous beaches, then it is right in Cambodia that you will be able to find it all. The first thing you should know is that apart from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville, there is another city in Cambodia that you need to check out. It is none other than Battambang, in the northwestern part of the country.
Where Is Battambang?
Battambang is a city on the Sangkae River in northwestern Cambodia. Battambang is known for colonial buildings such as Sala Khaet, the former Governor’s Residence. Other than that, the Battambang Provincial Museum has many interesting artifacts from local Khmer temples. And just nearby, you can go see the Phare Ponleu Selpak, a circus and performing arts school for underprivileged children. Continue to the North of the center and you will find the ruins of Ek Phnom, an 11th-century pagoda with sandstone carvings.
5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Battambang In Cambodia
1. See Art In Battambang At The Human Gallery
The Human Gallery gathers some of the best portraits of the humanitarian photographer Joseba Etxebarria taken during his trip around the world, as well as several postcards, prints, and books that are not for sale online. Joseba Etxebarria traveled 37,000 kilometers through 29 countries on a bicycle and took some pictures of people while he was at it. The gallery is located in Battambang, in an old house of more than one hundred years, where a relaxing space created to enjoy the photographs while listening to the history of the project of traveling on a bicycle for more than four years.
2. Visit The Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus In Battambang
Don’t miss out on Battambang’s number one attraction. Their famous Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus! The performers of this circus are students in their 6th-year professional circus program. And In the future, they will actually have the opportunity to perform in Siem Reap and tour around the world.
Each Battambang circus show includes a traditional Apsara Cambodian dance performed by the students. All the music from the circus c is performed live as well.
The internationally acclaimed circus, forming part of Cirque Nouveau current, at the multi-arts center for Cambodian children is definitely worth to see with your friends and family.
Want to book this show on your Holiday to Cambodia? Let our agents help you here.
3. The Wat Somrong Knong Memorial in Battambang
This is a memorial in Battambang that wants to recall the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge. It is located in the pagoda Somrog Knong and what really makes the temples stand out is the artistical mixture of wood, brick, and plaster that makes it a unique construction.
The temple was seized by the Khmer Rouge in 1976 and turned into a prison. At least 10,000 people were put to death in all manner of grisly fashion here and you will get a sense of what this could have looked like just by the characters on the walls.
4. The Bamboo Train Adventure Ride
Forget the train rides you normally take. This train is totally a whole new experience for tourists and visitors. This is really a once in a lifetime ride that you can choose to have with your family. You will pass by some villages observing the countryside from the train. Since it is made from bamboo and can be assembled easily, this mode of transportation was very popular in the past. And today, it has become a major tourist attraction in Battambang. The best time to ride the train is early in the morning as it is not too hot yet.
Open from Monday to Sunday from 5 am to 5 pm
5. The Damrey Sor Pagoda (White Elephant Pagoda)
The White Elephant Pagoda in Battambang is one of the frequently accessed tourist spots that is situated in the city center area. This famous temple is located in one of the busy districts of the city which can be convenient to access making this temple one of the prime Battambang attractions. Wat Tahm-Rai-Saw is firstly known for its elaborate architectural structure.
The best time to visit the White Elephant Pagoda in Battambang is during the time of Khmer New Year festival, or Choul Chhnam. At that time, the adjacent streets are all decorated with various colorful accessories. During the Khmer New Year festival, there are lots of jubilations and celebrations that are organized in the streets close to the temple premises. One not-to-be-missed ritual of the festival is that people throw plenty of water mixed with colored powder at the gathered masses as a sign of blessing and good luck. Don’t miss out!
The Khmer New Year is around the 14th to 16th of April.
More info about the Khmer New Year here.
Sometimes travelers only come to Cambodia as a stopover tour from Vietnam or Thailand to see the Angkor Wat temples. But as you can see, Cambodia is a country rich in heritage, culture, food and much more to see than just the Angkor Wat complex in Siem Reap. And this diversity makes it an excellent destination on it’s on to spend great Holidays in Southeast Asia.
Lux Travel DMC takes you to discover the colors and tastes of Southeast Asia most beautiful countries. Offering off-the-beaten-path itineraries as well as luxury vacations, our local experts will advise you throughout your preparation and stay. For unique authentic experiences in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand or Myanmar, let us help you here or go check our Cambodia Tour Packages.
