7 Best Things to Do in Battambang

Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) proves that good things can sometimes come from bad times. Founded in 1986 in a refugee camp on the Thai border, this volunteer project used simple drawing workshops to help young refugees overcome the trauma of war through art and self-expression.

The former children of PPS, who are now adults, run the home at Anh Chanh village near Battambang, where more than 100 students are able to enjoy free activities and support and get an education. Among the activities are an animation centre, music classes, and a performing arts theatre. Tours are available Monday–Friday from 9am to 3.30pm for US$5 per person.

They even have a circus, which has a growing reputation. Their circus opens at 6pm, with shows starting at 7pm. You can purchase your show tickets at the door, from US$14 for adults and US$7 for children.

Smokin' Pot Streetfood and Cooking School in Battambang offers courses to help you learn to cook traditional Khmer food at reasonable prices.

You can easily find the spot near the Battambang Night Market by the Sangker River. This location is convenient as you can get an authentic market feel while also being able to enjoy local flavours in a relaxed setting.

These trains, known as “norry” in Khmer, consist of a wooden frame, bamboo decking, an engine and wheels that come from a bust-up wartime tank. They chug up and down the railway line between Battambang and the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Naturally, they're illegal but tolerated because they are so useful – and in any case, there's usually only one real train a week going up and down the line.

Bamboo trains are used for carrying people as well as freight. A trip on one of these can be booked through most hotels, or you can arrange it through your local motorbike taxi or tuk tuk driver.

A fun way to see the Cambodian countryside is on the back of a motorbike taxi. Puttering along the roads with the wind in your face, you’ll go past small villages, streams and farms.

There are many places to stop and take a look around, such as Wat Sampeau, which sits on top of a limestone hill about 18 km out of town. Another is Wat Banan, nicknamed “Mini-Angkor Wat”, which has a beautiful view once you’ve climbed the 359 steps to get to it.

Wat Baydamram is fascinating because of the large number of bats living in the trees inside the temple compound, and you should also visit Wat Ek Phnom, another mini-Angkor Wat. Don’t expect to cover all these temples in 1 day. Take your time, take it slow and enjoy the scenery.