Welcome to Battambang!

Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest town and is situated on the Sangker River, south-west of the Tonle Sap Lake, about half way between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

Largely overlooked by tourists, overshadowed by it’s famous neighbours, it is a charming town offering a mix of French colonial and traditional Cambodian architecture and the quiet streets are shared by motor vehicles and horse drawn carts alike.

The town is the centre of Cambodia’s “rice bowl” area and is surrounded by emerald green rice fields, small villages and farmland and a locally booked tour makes it easy for you to experience the beauty and people of this traditional area.

As Battambang is a major regional centre, transport is plentiful. At the time of writing it was not possible to fly but check with local travel agencies to see if President Airlines has initiated their planned service.

Buses leave Ho Wah Genting Bus Station in Phnom Penh 6.30 and 7.30 am. and return from Battambang at 7.00 and 7.30 am. - 14,000 Riel or $4 per person each way.

The train from Phnom Penh leaves at 7.00 am. and takes 12 hours. Although the fare is 12,500 Riel, foreigners can sometimes travel free for a rustic adventure.

Battambang is accessible by ferry from Siem Reap. The 3-4 hour journey is very picturesque and costs $12-15 per person.

The free, 2007 Editions of the on-line Thailand and Vietnam Travel Guides are now available in English. Other Travel Guides will be available in the near future.

In addition, Arikah now also features free, online encyclopedias in Dutch, English, German, French, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish.