Battambang is Cambodia\’s second largest city and one of its most rewarding — a colonial riverside town with well-preserved French architecture, a thriving arts scene, and the surrounding countryside dotted with ancient temples and bamboo train tracks. Most travelers visit specifically for the famous Bamboo Train, but the city deserves at least two nights. This guide covers how to get there, what to do, and the honest truth about the Bamboo Train in 2025.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Transport to Battambang]
How to Get to Battambang
From Siem Reap (Most Common)
Battambang is approximately 180 km from Siem Reap — 3–4 hours by bus or minivan. Multiple operators run this route daily including Giant Ibis, Mekong Express, and Virak Buntham. Fares ~$6–12 USD. Alternatively, the famous boat trip on the Sangkae River from Siem Reap to Battambang takes 5–9 hours depending on water levels — a scenic journey through floating villages and flooded forest. Runs approximately October–April when water levels allow; cost ~$25–35 USD. Book at any guesthouse in Siem Reap.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Siem Reap → Battambang bus or boat]
From Phnom Penh
Bus from Phnom Penh to Battambang — approximately 5–6 hours, ~$8–12 USD. Giant Ibis and Mekong Express both serve this route comfortably. Night buses also available.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Phnom Penh → Battambang bus]
From Bangkok (Note: Land Border Currently Closed)
Battambang is the closest major Cambodian city to the Thai border at Poipet/Aranya Prathet. However, all Thailand-Cambodia land borders remain closed as of June 2026 due to the military conflict. When the border reopens, Poipet will be the most direct crossing — bus Bangkok to the border, cross, then bus to Battambang (~3 hours from Poipet). See our Bangkok to Siem Reap guide for current flight options.
The Bamboo Train: Honest Guide (2025)
The Bamboo Train (Norry) is Battambang\’s most famous attraction — and it\’s worth addressing honestly what the experience is like today, since it has changed significantly.
The Original Bamboo Train (Closed 2018)
In 2018, the local government closed the old bamboo train line as they made way for the tracks to be upgraded to an actual train line. The famous single track where two trains would meet head-on and one had to disassemble no longer operates.
The Current Tourist Bamboo Train (New Route)
New lines exclusively built for tourists start from the base of Phnom Banan, an ancient Angkorian temple in Sang Village. The bamboo track runs for about 4 km and ends at Chouteau commune. There are six bamboo motor-powered trains with comfortable cushioned seats running all day.
The journey takes approximately 15 minutes each way, stopping at one end for a 10-minute break while they turn the train around — a good opportunity for a leg stretch and to browse stalls selling local produce. Cost is approximately $5 USD per person for foreigners.
Is it still worth it? Yes — even the tourist version is genuinely fun and unlike anything else. The bamboo platform rattling along old tracks at 40 km/h through rice fields and villages is a unique experience. Just calibrate expectations: it\’s now a proper tourist attraction, not a raw local experience.
ℹ️ The Bamboo Train is located a little farther from Battambang downtown — takes half a day to complete including the tuk-tuk ride there and back. Tuk-tuk from town approximately $8 USD round trip.
More Things to Do in Battambang
Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus
Cambodia\’s most celebrated arts NGO — the circus school behind the famous Phare Circus in Siem Reap. Evening performances in Battambang are more intimate and rawer than the Siem Reap shows. Approximately $12–15 USD including a campus tour. One of the best evenings you\’ll have in Cambodia.
Ek Phnom Temple and Killing Caves
Two important historical sites outside town: Ek Phnom is a partially ruined 11th-century Angkorian temple 11 km north of Battambang. The Killing Caves (Phnom Sampeau) are limestone hilltop caves where victims of the Khmer Rouge were executed — a sobering but important visit. Both are accessible by tuk-tuk day tour from town (~$15–20 USD).
Bat Cave (Phnom Sampeau)
Each evening at sunset, millions of bats emerge from the cave at Phnom Sampeau in a continuous stream that can last 30–45 minutes — one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Cambodia. Free to watch from the hillside. Best combined with the Killing Caves visit in the late afternoon.
Colonial Architecture Walk
Battambang\’s town center has some of the best-preserved French colonial architecture in Cambodia — old shophouses, the governor\’s residence, and the riverside promenade. Pick up a walking map from your guesthouse and explore on foot. The old French bridge and the central market are highlights.
Where to Stay in Battambang
Battambang has excellent budget and mid-range options concentrated near the riverside and market area. The Place Hostel is a top budget choice with dorm beds from $8 USD. Mid-range boutique hotels in colonial shophouses from ~$20–40 USD.
🏨 [Travelpayouts Agoda/Booking widget: Hotels in Battambang]
Related Guides
This post contains affiliate links. When you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.