Battambang: Countryside in Cambodia

Battambang is the biggest rice bowl of Cambodia. The provincial capital, Battambang, still keeps its spectacular rural scenery and rarely affected by the bustling lines of tourists. Majority of buildings still followed French colonial design and others were built in Cambodian traditional design. Rarely over-3rd-floor buildings have been built in this province. Besides, you will always see horse carts running parralel to car on the same street. 

 Monks on the way to fields

Unlike other tourism towns, Battambang’s economy depends on cultivating rice, growing vegetable, exploiting wood and Sapphire.

This province has a range of tourist sites including Angkor-period temples, mountain viewpoints, wetlands and typical day-to-day rural scenery. Despite the wealth of attractions, Battambang makes it onto the itinerary of relatively few travellers, making it an off-the-beaten-track destination. Some places like Ba Set Temple, Wat Ek Temple, Ba Nan Temple, Prasat Snung can drive tourists making more plans of traveling in Battambang. 
Ba Set Temple was built during the reign of King, Soriyak Varman I (1002–1050) and located on a hill at Ba Set village, Ta Pun commune in 15-kilometre distance from the provincial town. Ba Set temple adapts the architecture of 11th century and built in 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond having 20-metre length 12-metre width and 10-metre depth. The pond is never dried, though in the dry season. In rainy season, the water level is higher than usual.

The bamboo train in Battambang

Wat Ek Temple adapted the architecture of 11th century and built in 1027 during the reign of King, Sorayak Varman I (1002–1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune in 14-kilometre from the provincial town.

Ba Nan Temple adapted the architecture of mid 11th century and the end of 12th century the temple was first built by King, Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II (1050–1066) and finally by the king, Jayavarman VII (1181–1220). The temple is located on a 400-metre top of mountain at Koh Tey 2 commune. At the mountain’s valley, there are Ku Teuk and two main natural well, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey.

Prasat Snung characterizes as three separated stupas made of brick, located on a hill in Snung pagoda’s area, Snung commune, Ba Nan District. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in 12th century. Behind the temple, there is another new constructing temple.

Norris which the local call a kind of train is the name of bamboo train. Almost traveler comes to Battambang and try to visit the rural scenery by Norris which made of bamboo piece (2.5mx4m) fixed with motor engine and 4 wheels of train. The Norris runs on the rail of Cambodia train, from Battambang to Phnom Penh. In case, Norris faces with the train, tourists and the driver of Norris will have to pick it off the rail. The speed of bamboo train can reach to 25km/hour. Sitting on bamboo train and eating some snacks and watching landscapes around are so wonderful for you.   

Battambang province borders Siem Reap and Banteay Meanchey to the north, Pailin Special Zone and Thailand to the west, Pursat to the south and east and the Tonle Sap to the east. The provincial capital is linked to Phnom Penh by an excellent all weather road and to Siem Reap by a slightly more patchy affair. You can also travel by boat from Battambang to Siem Reap — a stunningly beautiful (if occasionally very slow) way to cross the broad Tonle Sap lake.

(www.cambodiatours.com)