Battambang Province & Bamboo Train
Bordering Siem Reap with 2.30 hour drive, the largest rice-bowl Battambang truly emerges picturesque countryside while the colonial town remains French architecture, old yellow buildings and some of Angkorian temples are still in good condition including Banan and Ek Phnom temples. Featured by the significant Sangker River, the walkable riverside gives short highlights of evening activities and street food you may love to try.
The most interesting thing to do in Battambang is BAMBOO TRAIN – the unique creative bamboo platform attached motor-engine which runs over the train rails, provides beautiful landscape, fresh air and you absolutely have fun. Whilst, experience a short stay in a tranquil Battambang resort, there are still much more to be explored including the infamous Prahok market, observing rice wine & rice paper making, challenge the real taste of Cambodian bamboo sticky rice, visiting a host family with tropical fruit testing, grape plantation and the oldest wooden house dates back to the colonial era.
From an active walk to an appropriate spot to see thousands of bats flying to their caves in the evening, the mysterious Phnom Sampov is an ideal destination to view the spectacular sunset, taking amazing photos and grabbing the breathtaking before you make your journey the most memorable.
In addition, Prek Toal bird core reserve is the most important bird home within Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, a great lush area housing many endangered water birds including darters, little cormorants, grey herons, greater adjutants, milky & painted storks, black headed ibis, spot billed ducks and other species that yearly migrate from different sites to Prek Toal sanctuary for breeding during and the end of the wet season which gives the best time to watch, learn and observe how those are concentratively being conserved.
How to get to Battambang!
1. Public Buses/VIP Mini Van
There are daily departures in morning or afternoon from Siem Reap/Phnom Penh to Battambang, it generally takes approx. 2 hours & half for Siem Reap to Battambang and 5 hours from Phnom Penh, and is now taking longer than usual while the national road is being renovated and widen. Mekong Express is the most reliable company for recommendation.
2. Local Boats
There is no standard speed boat operated from Siem Reap to Battambang (or Vice Versa). However, those engine-boats in local style are available for both public and private rental. To avoid disappointment, this interesting boat adventure is not a good experience to gain the sightseeing of Tonle Sap Lake due to the water level which causes the excursion taking much longer time to reach Battambang (generally takes around 7 hours in high water).
3. By Train
The Royal Railway has 2 schedules per week which runs with approx. 3 hours from Poi Pet to Battambang but you should check their facebook page for an accurate schedule and price.
https://www.facebook.com/TRRCambodia/
4. Border Crossing (Poi Pet)
Once you’re done the immigration papers at the international border crossing (Poi Pet), you can find daily public bus operated by Capital Tours which seems provide more choices for departures (3 ½ hours) but a private taxi ($25-$35) is also another option for a faster way to get to Battambang.
