About
Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia, set in the country's northwest in Southeast Asia. It is a place where the tone of the visit is set by its streets: the French colonial buildings that line parts of the town give it a character quite different from the capital, and many visitors come to wander at an unhurried pace.
What to see in the city
The town's French colonial architecture is the feature most often associated with it. Walking through the older quarters, you can see the mix of pale facades, shuttered windows and wide streets that the period left behind. It suits a slow morning stroll, with time to stop for coffee or a meal along the way.
Temples nearby
Battambang is also known for the temples in the surrounding area. Visiting them makes a good counterpoint to the city itself, and many travellers plan a day or more to reach them and explore at their own speed.
Planning a visit
- Pace: The city rewards unhurried walking, so allow time to look rather than simply pass through.
- Combine: Pairing city streets with a trip out to the temples gives a fuller picture of the area.
- Setting: It is a useful stop for anyone exploring Cambodia beyond its best-known sites.