Battambang

Battambang (បាត់ដំបង, UNGEGN: Bătdâmbâng ) is the capital of Battambang Province and the third largest city in 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 the capital of the Siamese province of Inner Cambodia (1795–1907), though it was always populated by Khmer people, 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 small body of water that winds its way 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. On 31 October 2023, Battambang was one of 55 cities declared to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy as well as crafts and folk art, design, film, literature, media arts, and music. Other cities, such as Kratie, Siem Reap, and Kampot, may follow for the next cycle in 2025 onwards.

History
Battambang was established as an important trading city with around 2,500 residents in the 18th century. The population was centered along a single road parallel to the Sangkae River (Stung Sangkae). In 1795, Siam (modern-day Thailand) annexed much of northwestern Cambodia, including the current provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, and Siem Reap, into the province of Inner Cambodia. The Siamese ruled Battambang as a provincial capital through the Thai-speaking Khmer Abhaiwongse family, a branch of the Khmer royal family, which governed for six generations until 1907, when the province was ceded to the French to be reunited with Cambodia as part of the French Indochina colony.

Following colonization by the French, an urban layout was developed, which resulted in an enlarged French colonial town. This first attempt at modernization led to well-defined streets laid in a grid pattern, building of urban structures and three main streets parallel to the Sangkae River, and the linking of both banks by the construction of two bridges in 1917. Military and prison facilities were also erected. Nineteen years later, a second urban development plan was implemented, with a newly constructed railway linking Battambang to Phnom Penh. The urban structures were extended to the west of the town, creating urban hubs oriented around the railway station. The large residential villas and public buildings built during this period of French development significantly changed the landscape of the previously remote city. A subsequent third urban development plan for Battambang involved the north, east, and south of the city. This vast undertaking, which required long-term planning to integrate all of the previous work, resulted in a modern provincial capital that was by far the most developed region of Cambodia outside of Phnom Penh.

Much later, more infrastructure and public facilities were built under the modernization program of the Cambodian government led by prince Norodom Sihanouk. Several provincial departments, a courthouse, and other public buildings were added on both sides of the river. Textile and garment factories were built by French and Chinese investors, the Battambang Airport was constructed, and the railway line was extended to the Thai border at Poipet. To serve the cultural needs of the population, numerous schools and a university were built as well as a sports centre, museum, and an exhibition hall.

Attractions
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 km from the provincial town. Kamping Puoy lake is 1900 m wide, 19 km long, and can hold 110000000 m3 of water. It is known for its giant lotus flowers, whose fiber is spun and weaved to make fabric. These activities employ more than twenty underprivileged women around the lake.



Baset Temple

Built during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050), it is located in Baset village, Ta Pun commune, about 15 km east of Battambang City. Baset temple adapts the architecture of the 11th century and was built between 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond 20 m long, 12 m wide, and 10 m deep.

Wat Ek Phnom

This temple adapts architecture of the 11th century and was built in 1027, during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050). It is located at Peam Aek commune, 14 km from the provincial town.

Prasat Banan (Phnom Banan)

This temple adapts 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 King Jayavarman VII (1181–1220). It is located on the top of a mountain approximately 400 m, located at Koh Tey 2 commune, Banan District. It can be reached by traveling 15 km from the provincial town by 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 km 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 separate stupas made of brick, located on a hill 30 m long and 20 m wide, the temple is in Snung commune, Banan District, 22 km from the provincial town.

Phnom Sampov

Phnom Sampov is a natural resort located along National Road No 57 (former National Road No 10) at Sam Puoy commune 12 km from Battambang. On the top of Sam Puoy mountain, there is a temple and three natural wells, namely Pkar Slar, Lo Khuon, and Ak Sopheak.

Sek Sak Resort

A natural resort popular since before the civil war, Sek Sak stretches along the riverbank with plants, trees, and bamboo stretching 500 m. It is located in Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul district, 50 km from Battambang along National Road No 57.

Battambang Circus (Phare Ponleu Selpak)

Shows at Battambang Circus are put on by students of the arts school Phare Ponleu Selpak and include a range of disciplines, such as acrobatics, juggling, aerial work, clowning, tightrope walking, and aqua-balance. The school helps disadvantaged children and young people escape from situations related to poverty, such as begging or trafficking, and to get an education, both in normal public schools and in the arts.

Bahá'í House of Worship

Around 7 km south of Battambang, in Odambang commune, stands the city's Bahá'í House of Worship. Inaugurated in 2017. The round, nine-sided edifice features a central dome and spire and winged parapets that are reminiscent of Phnom Penh's Chaktomuk Conference Hall.

Transportation
Battambang is accessible via road and rail. There are buses that run between the city and Bangkok, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. The railway line between Phnom Penh and Poipet has been rehabilitated, allowing access via Battambang Royal railway station.

Battambang Airport was previously reserved for military use but opened with limited services for small airplanes and helicopters in 2018.

There is also (except during the lowest water levels of the dry season) a daily boat connection between Battambang and Siem Reap via the Sangkae River. Since buses are faster and cheaper, the scenic trip is nowadays used mainly by tourists and some locals who live along the river.

Notable people

 * Sar Kheng – politician
 * Kalyanee Mam – filmmaker
 * Vann Nath – painter, artist, writer, and human rights activist
 * Sopheap Pich – sculptor and artist
 * Arn Chorn-Pond – human rights activist
 * Pen Ran – singer, songwriter
 * Ros Serey Sothea – singer ("Queen with the Golden Voice")
 * Sinn Sisamouth – musician (not born in Battambang but lived there during childhood)

Twin towns – sister cities

 * 🇺🇸 Stockton, California, US