Battambang

Battambang, the second largest city of Cambodia, has a particular charm thanks to its colonial buildings and different monuments scattered throughout the city making it a renowned destination. It offers beautiful landscapes and authentic surroundings.

Battambang was established as an important trading city with around 2,500 residents in the 18th century. They lived mostly along a single road parallel to the Sangkae River. In 1795 Thailand, then Siam, annexed much of northwestern Cambodia including the province of Battambang and Siem Reap. The Abhaiwongse family (a Khmer family of noble origin) ruled Battambang as governors for the Siamese for six generations until 1907 when the province was ceded to the French to be part of their French Indochina colony.

Battambang is known for its statues which seemingly decorate every public place. Most are of animals (mythical and real) and divinities. The most famous of these statues is on the main road in from Phnom Penh and is of an ancient Khmer King holding a stick which he used to quell rebellions in the Battambang area. The name of the town / province comes from this legend.

The town also has a number of fine early-20th-century French colonial buildings. Most of the colonial buildings can be found along the waterfront (St 1), especially just south of Psar Nat (which is quite impressive in itself). Famous Art Deco buildings are the Central market, the swimming pool Victory (riverside) and the train station. Along streets 1, 2, 21/2 and 3 are charming examples of Chinese, French and Italian architecture, with peculiar mirroring of houses constructed on one side in brick, square pillars and on the other one in concrete, round pillars. Street 3 has some charming French shop-houses.
The city centre is quite compact and can be mostly explored by foot. The driving habits of locals are hazardous. Police may try to fine tourists on motobikes.