Far from a bustling metropolis, Cambodia’s third-largest city is one of the most laid-back places in Cambodia, boasting colorful colonial architecture, friendly cafes spilling onto the streets, and one of the best art scenes in the country. It isn’t all beautiful buildings and bakeries, though—some of the best things to do in Battambang are outside the city, like visiting historic temples, the funky Bamboo Train, and rice paddies as far as the eye can see.
Battambang is at its glorious greenest at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season—roughly September to December. This is also a great time to watch the beginning of the rice harvest, although, as the monsoon doesn’t officially end until November, you’ll probably want to bring a rain jacket. January and February are also popular to visit, whereas March and April are hot, dry, and dusty.
Battambang’s city center is easily walkable, with most travelers exploring on foot or by bicycle. If you want to get around a little faster—or stay dry in the rain—tuk-tuks can also be a fun and affordable way to explore the city. However, they can be pretty slow and bumpy over long distances, so if you plan a day trip around the countryside, you’re better off pre-booking a tour or hiring a taxi or motorbike taxi.
Whether you pre-book a tour or hire a driver locally, don’t skip out on visiting the attractions in the countryside around Battambang. Most trips follow a cookie-cutter itinerary, including the Bamboo Train, visits to Angkor-era temples, the Killing Caves, the Bat caves, and wooden-stilted villages. However, just ask if you want to go a little more off-script. Most drivers are more than willing to mix things up, especially if you are actively interested in the local culture.
