page_title: Battambang
section_title: Attractions
hierarchical_section_title: Battambang / Attractions
caption_attribution_description: English: A view of the market in May 2000.
context_page_description: Battambang or Krong Battambang is the capital city of Battambang province in northwestern Cambodia.
  Founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire, Battambang is the leading rice-producing province of the country. For nearly 100 years it was a major commercial hub and provincial capital of Siamese province of Inner Cambodia, though it was always populated by Khmer, with some ethnic Vietnamese, Lao, Thai and Chinese. Battambang remains the hub of Cambodia's northwest, connecting the region with Phnom Penh and Thailand.
  The city is situated on the Sangkae River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way picturesquely through Battambang Province. As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of the city, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country. Now the government and Ministry of Culture and Fine Art are preparing documents to nominate The Old Town of Battambang in the list of UNESCO world heritage site along with The Old Town of Kampot and The Old Town of Kratie since 2017.
context_section_description: Kamping Puoy Lake
  Located between two mountains, named Phnom Kul or Phnom Ta Nget and Phnom Kamping Puoy, at Ta Nget village, Ta Kriem Commune is 35 kilometers (22 mi) from the provincial town. Kamping Puoy lake is 1,900 meters (6,230 ft) wide, 19 kilometers (12 mi) long and can load 110,000,000 cubic metres (3.8846×10⁹ cu ft).
  It is famous for its giant lotus flowers whose fiber is spun and weaved to make a new organic fabric. These activities employ more than 20 underprivileged women around the lake.
  Baset Temple
  Was built during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050) and located on a hill at Baset village, Ta Pun commune 15 kilometers (9 mi) from the provincial town. Baset temple adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond 20 meters (66 ft) long 12 meters (39 ft) wide and 10 meters (33 ft) deep. The pond never dries up even in the dry season.
  Wat Ek Phnom
  Adapts the architecture of the 11th century and was built in 1027 during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune 14 kilometers (9 mi) from the provincial town.
  Prasat Banan (Phnom Banan)
  Adapts the architecture of the mid-11th century and the end of the 12th century; the temple was first built by King Dharanindravarman II (1050–1066) and was completed in its final form by the King Jayavarman VII (1181–1220). The temple is located on the top of a mountain approximately 400-meter-high (1,310 ft) located at Koh Tey 2 commune, Banan District. It can be reached by traveling 15 kilometers (9 mi) from the provincial town by the provincial road No 155, which runs parallel to the Sangker River. In the valley, there is Ku Teuk and two main natural wells, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.
  Norry (Bamboo Train)
  The Norry, or bamboo train, runs 4 kilometers (2 mi) from Prasat Banan to Chhoeuteal commune. Previously located on actual railway tracks outside the city, the bamboo train was relocated in 2017 to make way for the resumption of railway traffic.
  Prasat Snung
  Characterized by three separated stupas made of brick, located on a hill 30 meters (98 ft) long and 20 meters (66 ft) wide, in Snung pagoda's area, Snung commune, Banan District 22 kilometers (14 mi) from the provincial town. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in 12th century. Behind the temple, there is another new temple being built.
  Phnom Sampov
  Is a natural resort located along the National Road No 57 (the former National Road No10) at Sam Puoy commune (the high land more than 100 meters (330 ft) high) and 12 kilometers (7 mi)  from the provincial town of Battambang. On the top of Sam Puoy mountain, there is a temple and three natural wells, namely Pkar Slar, Lo Khuon and Ak Sopheak. Next to Sam Puoy mountain, there are some mountains, and natural sites like Phnom Trung Moan, Phnom Trung Tea and Phnom Neang Rum Say Sork. These mountains relate to the Cambodia folk legend of Reach Kol Neang Rum Say Sork.
  Sek Sak Resort
  A natural resort which has been popular since before the civil war, Sek Sak stretches along the river bank with plants, trees and bamboo stretching 500 meters (1,640 ft) in length. Tourists can also visit other attractive sites like Po Pus Pich Chen Da Dong Tong and Sa Ang speak, the pre-history site five kilometers (3.1 mi) to six kilometers (3.75 mi) away. Sek Sak located Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul District 50 kilometers (31 mi) from the provincial town of Battambang along the National Road No 57, the former National Road No 10.
  Battambang Circus (Phare Ponleu Selpak)
  The shows include a range of circus disciplines including acrobatics, juggling, aerial work, clowning, tightrope walking and aqua-balance. It gives performances every Monday and Thursday evening. The shows are put on by students from the NGO arts school, Phare Ponleu Selpak that helps disadvantaged children and young people escape from situations connected with poverty such as begging or trafficking and to get an education, both in normal public school and in the arts.
  Bahá'í House
caption: A view of the market in May 2000
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