Battambang, Cambodia

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Battambang, Cambodia

Region: Battambang

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Geographic Coordinates: 13.100000, 103.200000

Climate: Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons, temperatures ranging from 20-35°C.

Population: 130000

Language: Khmer

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Battambang is a captivating city in northwestern Cambodia that boasts a rich history, Stunning temples, And beautiful French colonial architecture. The city is located on the banks of the Sangker River and is the second largest in Cambodia with a population of approximately 250, 000 people. It’s also known as one of the country’s most significant cultural hubs. One of Battambang’s most popular landmarks is the Bamboo Train or Norry. This unique mode of transportation features a bamboo platform on two sets of wheels powered by an engine.

Although it was initially used to transport goods across the countryside, It has now become a must-visit attraction for tourists. Another attraction worth visiting in Battambang is Wat Banan Temple which dates back to the 11th century. The temple complex comprises five towers built atop a hill overlooking rice paddies and surrounding countryside. Visitors can climb up to see panoramic views from atop this ancient temple.

For history enthusiasts, Battambang has several museums worth exploring such as The Killing Caves Museum which documents Khmer Rouge atrocities during their reign from 1975-1979 and The Provincial Museum showcasing local culture, Art, And history. Battambang also boasts impressive French colonial architecture including old buildings converted into hotels or restaurants such as La Villa & Restaurant – an elegant boutique hotel with an outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens. Food lovers will be thrilled with Battambang’s culinary offerings featuring traditional Khmer dishes like Amok (fish curry) and Lok Lak (stir-fried beef).

There are plenty of street food vendors selling delicious snacks like grilled meat skewers or fried noodles at affordable prices too! visitors should participate in community-based tourism activities like learning traditional weaving techniques or visiting local farms to see how rice is grown and harvested. These activities provide visitors with unique insights into local life while supporting livelihoods within Battambang. Battambang offers something for everyone – from history buffs to foodies and adventure seekers. With its beautiful temples, French colonial architecture, Delicious cuisine, And friendly locals, It’s no surprise why this charming city has become a popular destination in Cambodia.

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1. Battambang Bamboo Train
2. Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus
3. Wat Banan Temple
4. Sangker River
5. Stung Sangke Hotel and Restaurant
6. Ek Phnom Temple
7. Baset Temple
8. Battambang Provincial Museum
9. Kamping Puoy Lake and Resort
10. Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau

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Major Industries and Businesses in Battambang, Cambodia

1. Agriculture
• Rice production
• Corn
• Cassava
• Vegetables and fruits
2. Tourism
• Temples
• Museums
• Art galleries
• Natural sites (Bamboo Train and Phnom Sampeau)
3. Manufacturing
• Garment factories
4. Education
• Universities and schools
5. Retail
• Small shops selling various goods
6. Construction
• Building new apartments and hotels
7. Transportation
• Hub for buses going to different parts of Cambodia and Thailand’s Bangkok airport
• Important center for logistics business

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1. The Khmer Empire once ruled over much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century, and Battambang was a part of it.
2. Battambang became a part of French Indochina in the late 19th century and remained under French rule until Cambodia gained independence in 1953.
3. During the Cambodian genocide in the late 1970s, Battambang suffered greatly under Pol Pot’s regime.
4. Ta Mok, also known as The Butcher, was a senior leader of the Khmer Rouge and was born in Battambang Province.
5. Ek Yi Oun is a Cambodian artist who depicts daily life in rural Cambodia through his paintings; he was born and raised in Battambang Province.
6. Vann Nath survived Tuol Sleng prison (also known as S-21) during Pol Pot’s regime and later became an artist and activist promoting human rights awareness about Cambodia’s history under that regime.
7. Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus School is famous for its performances blending traditional Cambodian arts with contemporary circus skills; it was founded by young artists who grew up during Cambodia’s civil war.
8. Wat Banan Temple dates back to the Angkor period and features five towers similar to those at Angkor Wat – it is an ancient temple located near Battambang province.

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1. Battambang Provincial Museum
2. Phare Ponleu Selpak – Artistic and Cultural Center
3. Wat Banan Temple
4. Bamboo Train
5. Ek Phnom Temple
6. Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau
7. Wat Ek Phnom Pagoda
8. Prasat Snung Preah – Angkor-era temple ruins
9. Battambang Night Market
10. Battambang Bat Caves

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• Battambang doesn’t have any major sports teams or leagues.
• However, there are local amateur teams and clubs that participate in various sports such as:
• Football (soccer)
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Martial arts
• These teams mostly consist of young people who play for fun or to improve their skills.
• Some of the popular sports venues in Battambang include:
• The Olympic Stadium
• The Provincial Sports Complex

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Cultural Events

1. Battambang Bamboo Train Festival: This festival celebrates the unique and traditional bamboo train system that is still used in Battambang.
2. Angkor Sangkran: This is a Khmer New Year festival that takes place in April and includes water splashing, traditional games, and food.
3. Battambang Art Festival: This annual event showcases local artists and their work through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and competitions.
4. River Festival: Held along the Sangker River in November, this festival features boat races, concerts, food stalls, and cultural performances.
5. Pchum Ben: A Cambodian Buddhist holiday that honors ancestors with offerings of food at temples throughout the city.
6. Chaktomuk Short Film Festival: Hosted by the Cambodia Film Commission in December or January each year to showcase short films from around Cambodia.
7. World Heritage Day Celebration at Wat Ek Phnom Temple – a celebration of Cambodia’s cultural heritage held on April 18th every year with traditional dance performances and other festivities.
8. Khmer Puppetry Festival – an annual event featuring traditional Khmer puppetry performances held at various venues throughout Battambang city during October or November each year.

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Cuisine

1. Num Banh Chok: a traditional Cambodian dish made of rice noodles served with fish curry and fresh vegetables. Some popular places to try this dish are Phsar Nat Market and Kinyei Cafe.
2. Bai Sach Chrouk: grilled pork served with rice, pickled vegetables, and a bowl of soup. You can find this dish at many street food stalls around the city.
3. Samlor Kako: a sour soup made with fish or meat, mixed vegetables, and tamarind paste. This dish is available at many local restaurants such as White Rose Restaurant.
4. Khmer BBQ: grilled meats served with dipping sauces and fresh vegetables for wrapping in lettuce leaves or rice paper rolls. Some popular places to try Khmer BBQ are Riverside Balcony Bar & Restaurant and Jaan Bai Restaurant.
5. Coconut-based dishes: Battambang is known for its delicious coconut-based dishes such as Amok Trey (steamed fish in coconut milk) and Chicken Curry in Coconut Milk which can be found at many local restaurants like Pomme d’Amour Cafe & Bistro or The Smokin’ Pot restaurant.
6. Street Food Stalls: There are several street food stalls scattered throughout the city that offer delicious Cambodian snacks such as fried bananas, spring rolls or sweet sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves called ‘Num Ansom’.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Riverside Park is a beautiful park located along the Sangkae River that offers various activities such as walking and cycling paths, playgrounds, and outdoor exercise equipment.
2. Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus is a renowned circus school and performance center that provides daily shows featuring acrobatics, juggling, music, and dance.
3. Battambang Bike Tours offer guided bike tours through the city’s rural countryside and nearby villages for an immersive experience.
4. Wat Ek Phnom Temple is an ancient temple complex with intricate carvings and sculptures dating back to the 11th century.
5. Bambu Hotel Pool is a rooftop swimming pool at a boutique hotel in the city center that offers stunning views of Battambang.
6. Sampeou Mountain National Park is a nature reserve located outside of the city with hiking trails, limestone caves, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside for nature enthusiasts.
7. Boeung Chhouk Market is a bustling local market where visitors can shop for fresh produce, handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs while experiencing authentic Cambodian culture.
8. Battambang Provincial Museum showcases local history through artifacts such as pottery shards from ancient times to Khmer Rouge-era propaganda posters for educational purposes.
9. Bamboo Train Ride offers tourists a unique experience where they ride on a bamboo platform powered by a small engine along old train tracks through rural villages around Battambang.
10. Battambang Bat Caves are home to millions of bats which fly out every evening around sunset creating an incredible natural spectacle in front of your eyes!

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