foreigner-oriented cafes, bars, shops dot the streets just south of the market. The town is only a couple of kilometres long and relatively easily traversed by foot.
Sitting on the Sangker River just southwest of the Tonle Sap Lake, Battambang is at the heart of Cambodia's 'rice bowl', and even though it is one of the country's largest towns it still has a fairly lightly touristed, provincial atmosphere. Much of the architecture is colonial-era with traditional shophouses lining quaint narrow lanes. There are plenty of hotels and a selection of restaurants in town these days.
And a pleasant little walking district has taken shape in the old colonial blocks just south of the market - restaurants, cafes, a few shops, galleries and bars...
As you leave the town by road, the scenery quickly becomes one of villages and rice paddies, offering an excellent opportunity to see a bit of rural Cambodia. The nearby countryside harbors several picturesque old pagodas, Angkorian era ruins, caves, mountains and waterfalls.
standards. In Battambang the ferry dock is at the north end of town just off National Route #5. In Siem Reap the ferry dock is at Chong Khneas, 15km south of town. Road (National Routes #6 and #5, via Sisophon): The road from Battambang to Siem Reap around the west side of the lake is in very good condition.
Bus: At least four bus companies (including Capitol, Phnom Penh Sorya and Rith Mony) run two or three daily a/c buses, most leaving in the morning. Buy tickets at the bus company office. $4-$5, 3 hours. Taxi: A private taxi costs $40.
TO/FROM SIEM REAP
Boat The daily ferry between Battambang and Siem Reap plies a picturesque, 6-8 hour journey across the Tonle Sap and along the Sangker River, passing through some beautiful natural areas and past little villages. The trip is best in the wet season when the river is high.
During the late dry season it can take considerably longer. The ferry departs in both directions at 7:00am. $20/person. The boats do not meet international safety
TO/FROM PHNOM PENH
Road (291km, National Route #5): The road is paved and in good condition.
Bus Several bus companies (including Phnom Penh Sorya, Ponleu Angkor, Rith Mony and Capitol Tours) un multiple daily buses between Phnom Penh to Battambang. First bus departs at 6:30AM and the last at 3:00PM. Fare: about US$7. The trip takes 5 hours.n Battambang, buses depart from the various transportation company offices. See the map.
Taxi A private taxi is $45. Shared taxi: 25,000R per person. 4 hours. Prices for shared local transport are very nominal, but are also crowded and uncomfortable. Buy more than one place for the extra leg room.
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