Battambang is Cambodia’s second largest city, but retains a quiet, small-town feel.
In addition to its abundance of French colonial buildings and traditional shophouses, Battambang is known for being the arts capital of Cambodia. Indeed, many of the country’s artists hail from the Battambang area. The city may not be as busy as Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, but therein lies its charm. It’s just a quick tuk tuk ride out of the city center into Cambodia’s agricultural “rice bowl” and a traditional way of life that is seemingly nearly unchanged from a century ago. Battambang has a growing expat community, and an increasing number of Western-oriented hotels and restaurants.
Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a year, we’ve got the details on everything an expat needs to know about Battambang from restaurants, hotels, and nightlife to supermarkets, gyms, and internet providers.
Battambang Expat City Guide
Hungry? We tell you where to eat in Battambang.
Figure out where you want to stay with our comprehensive list of Battambang hotels and accommodation.
For a quiet town, Battambang has lots to see and do. Check out our picks for activities and sightseeing.
It may not be a party city, but there are a few places to stop in for a drink. Read our drinking and nightlife section for the low-down.
Where to find Battambang’s best shopping.
On the transportation page we cover how to get in, out, and around Battambang, including our favorite local tuk tuk drivers.
Find out about the medical and emergency services in town before you have to!
Expat essentials covers the basics you’ll need as a Battambang expat: Electricity and plumbing, Groceries and supermarkets, Internet, Laundry, Realtors and housing, Schools, and Veterinarians.
Want to meet other Battambang expats? Here’s where to find them online.
Latest Posts
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Phnom Sampeou and Phnom Banan — Battambang’s Tale of Two Hills
Battambang’s main tourist attraction doesn’t feel like it is resting during the pandemic. At least, the poor souls toiling away in front of Phnom Sampeou’s famous bat cave certainly ain’t resting. They’re busy chiseling a giant Buddha into the exposed … Continue reading
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Battambang’s under-visited gems (including dinosaurs)
Wondering why you should visit Battambang? Since the 11th century, Battambang has been an important city in what is now northwestern Cambodia. For at its founding, the power of the kings of Angkor extended much further to the north and … Continue reading
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How to get from Siem Reap to Battambang (and vice-versa)
Battambang and Siem Reap are two of the nicest spots that Northwestern Cambodia has to offer, and each is worth visiting. Battambang and Siem Reap are only 48 miles (77 km) apart, but the trip can take as long as … Continue reading