Cambodia – Getting to know Battambang
Cambodia’s third largest city, Battambang is an elegant riverside town, home to some of the best preserved Colonial architecture in all Cambodia. Until recently it was off the map for travellers, but conditions and facilities have recently been improved, and the city now makes a great base for visiting nearby temples such as Phnom Banan and Wat Aek Phnom, and several surrounding villages.
What to do in Battambang
Explore the streets of charming old French shops and houses clustered along the riverbank, and the wats that scattered throughout the town.
Battambang Museum is a bit pokey, but houses a collection of Angkor-era artifacts from all over the region
Around Battambang
Beyond the town there are a number of Angkor-era temples, such as the superb Prasat Banon with its 358 steps. Travel here is an absolute pleasure – you get to explore a truly majestic Angkorian temple, without the crowds of Siem Reap.
One of area’s better known hills is Phnom Sampeau – home to the lofty Phnom Sam Pov Pagoda, and the notorious ‘Ghost Cave’, infamous from the Khmer Rouge days. The caves make for an interesting visit if you can stomach their painful history, and the lack of tourists make it far more acceptable to many than, say, Cheung Ek in Phnom Penh.
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