Battambang, a must-visit destination in Cambodia

Cambodia’s second largest city, Battambang, lies in the heart of the Northwest and was the leading rice-producing province until the war years. The city resisted the Khmer Rouge movement until the fall of Phnom Penh, but since the Vietnamese invasion in 1979, which expelled the genocidal regime from Phnom Penh to the Northwest, Battambang has been at the center of ongoing government-Khmer Rouge conflict. The surrender deal of Ieng Sary, the Khmer Rouge’s number three man based in Pailin, marked a turning point for the region. Historically, Battambang switched control between Thailand (formerly Siam) and Cambodia. For travel tips, exploring Battambang offers insights into its rich and tumultuous history, making it a fascinating destination.

Battambang is the main hub of the Northwest connecting the entire region with Phnom Penh and Thailand, and as such it’s a vital link for Cambodia. Battambang city is a peaceful and pleasant place these days. The main parts of the city are situated closed to the Sangker River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province. It is a nice, picturesque setting. As with much of Cambodia, the French architecture is an attractive bonus of the city. Tourist attraction in Battambang Barseat Temple
Barseat Templewas built during the reign of King, Soriyak Varman I (1002-1050) and located on a hill at Ba Set village, Ta Pun commune in 15 kilometer distance from the provincial town. Ba Set temple adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond having 20 meter length 12 meter width and 10 meter depth. The pond is never dried, though in the dry season. In rainy season, the water level is higher than usual. 

Wat Ek Temple
Adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1027 during the reign of King, Sorayak Varman I (1002-1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune in 14 kilometer from the provincial town. 

Reflecting the architectural styles of the mid-11th and late 12th centuries, Ba Nan Temple was initially constructed by King Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and later completed by King Jayavarman VII (1181-1219). Perched atop a mountain approximately 400 meters high, the temple is situated in Koh Tey 2 commune, Ba Nan District, about 15 kilometers from the provincial town along Provincial Road No. 155, which runs parallel to the Sang Ke River. In the valley below the mountain, you’ll find Ku Teuk and two significant natural wells, known as Bit Meas and Chhung Achey. The site is a blend of history and local lifestyles.

Prasat Snung
Characterizes as three separated stupas made of brick, located on a hill having 30 meter length and 20 meter width, in Snung pagoda’s area, Snung commune, Ba Nan District in 22 kilometer distance from the provincial town. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in 12thcentury. Behind the temple, there is another new constructing temple. 

Phnom Sam Pov ResortPhnom Sam Pov Resort is the natural resort located along the National Road No 57 (the former National Road No10) at Sam Puoy commune (the high land having more than 100 meter height) in 12 kilometer distance from the provincial town of Battambang. On the top of Sam Puoy mountain, there are temple and three natural wells, namely Pkar Slar, Lo Khuon and Ak So Pheak. Next to Sam Puoy mountain, there are some main mountains, the natural site like Phnom Trung Moan, Phnom Trung Tea and Phnom Neang Rum Say Sork. These mountains related to the Cambodia folk legend of Reach Kol Neang Rum Say Sork. 

Sek Sak Resort
Sek Sak Resort
 is the natural resort, which has been popular since before the civil war time. Sek Sak stretches along the river bank full of plant, trees and bamboo-green nature in 500 meter length. As long as visiting Sek Sak, tourists can also visit other attractive sites like Po Pus Pich Chen Da Dong Tong and Sa Ang speak, the pre-history site in five kilometer to six kilometer distance from each other. Sek Sak located Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul District in 50 kilometer distance from the provincial town of Battambang along the National Road No 57, the former National Road No 10. 

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