Battambang is Cambodia's second most populous city, and a popular tourist destination due to the many nearby places of interest. It is also the capital city of the province with the same name.

It is home to interesting historical sited like Wat Ek Phnom, a temple built by Suryarvanam I (1002-1050) in the 11th Century, Wat Toul Baset which dates back to 7th century and Wat Poveal Museums which displays Khmer arts. And also home of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the country and some of the most hospitable Khmers you expect to meet.

Due to its position near the Thai border the town has profited from large-scale black market trading. Fishing is secondary. There are three flights a week from Phnom Penh. You can ride the train from Phnom Penh to Battambang and some time even further up to Sisophon. If the track is blown up, the train runs only as far as Pursat. It can get pretty hot in summer. The train leaves from Phnom Penh at 6.30 every few days and arrives at Battambang at sunset.

Within Battambang

Barsaet Temple
Was 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.

 Watek 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 distance from the provincial town.

Ba Nan Temple
Adapts the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by king, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050-1066) and then was finally built by the king, Jarvarman VII (1181-1219). The temple is located on the top of approximate 400-meter heighten mountain at Kon Tey 2 commune, Ba Nan District in 25-kilometer distance from the provincial town by the provincial Road No 155 parallel to Sang Ke River. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural wells, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.

Pra Sat 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 provincail town. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in 12th century. Behind the temple, there is another new constructing temple.