Places to Visit in Battambang

Battambang is a beautiful city located in northwestern Cambodia that's known for colonial buildings. If you have the time, we suggest visiting the city for at least a couple of days when you are in Cambodia. To help, we have compiled a list of places to visit in Battambang.

Phare Ponleu Selpak

Don’t miss out on Battambang’s #1 attraction: the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus! The performers in the big top of the Battambang circus are students who are studying in a six-year professional circus program. This is a stepping stone for them to perform with Phare Circus in Siem Reap and internationally.

Make sure to arrive early so you can grab a drink and some nibbles. We also recommend browsing their boutique, where you will find some items that are made by our Hope on Purpose seamstresses!

Phnom Sampeu 

The caves of Phnom Sampeau were devastatingly used as a Khmer Rouge execution site, where innocent people were killed on top of the cave at the rim of a daylight shaft or ceiling hole, and thrown into the cave.

You can pay respect to the victims of the genocide at a memorial which can be reached by staircase, and at sunset watch thousands of bats fly out of the caves.

Wat Banan Temple

This 11th century temple was built by King Udayadityavarman II. It features distinctive five towers in a similar style to Angkor Wat, though on a much smaller scale! Be warned though; you will need to climb around 300 steps to get to the top of the mountain.

Walking Tour

Battambang is known for it's French colonial buildings. We recommend spending a day simply walking the streets and stopping every once in awhile for some street food and a cold coconut!

Final Thoughts

If you have the means, engage in the services of a local Cambodian tour guide who will be able to take you to the best sights and provide a locals insight to Battambang. You won't regret it!