Things to Do in Battambang, Cambodia’s Creative Capital

Author: Emily Lush March 3, 2022 Source : wander-lush

Planning a trip to Battambang? My city guide covers all the best things to do in Battambang – including lesser-known gems – plus hotel, bar and restaurant recommendations, and transport instructions.

Battambang city, the provincial capital of Battambang Province in western Cambodia, is known for three things: Its expertly preserved French colonial architecture, its burgeoning creative scene, and its plentiful rice harvest (hence the nickname ‘Cambodia’s rice barn’).

Once the country’s unofficial cultural capital, Battambang (pronounced ‘Battam-bong‘)used to be the epicentre of Cambodian art and music. If you know anything about the Pol Pot regime, you’ll understand why Battambang was hit hard. It’s estimated that 90% of Cambodia’s artists didn’t survive the genocide. (I hate the idea of reducing individual lives to a percentage point, but that’s the only data available). Many of them lived and worked in Battambang.

Today, the sleepy streets of Battambang are once again bubbling with vibrant cafes, artist-run galleries and boutique shops. Just outside the city, you can find some of Cambodia’s premier outdoor attractions and unusual activities, including the famous bamboo railway.