BATTAMBANG, CITY OF TEMPLES
Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city founded in the 11th century, has maintained its local atmosphere, and charm. “Bat Dambang” literally means “lost staff”. Legend has it that King Kron Nhong threw his wooden staff from Angkor (of Angkok Wat Temples fame) and it landed where present day Battambang stands. The legend is commemorated by a huge golden statue in honour of King Kron Nhong in the town.
Battambang is a spacious town on the Sangkor river. The town has a very French colonial look due to French rule. Little has changed since the 1950s when the French colonial era ended. So relax and enjoy looking around as the pace is slow and laid back. Watch the sunset along the banks of the river and take in the cool breeze.
The town is surrounded by lush green rice paddies which provide enough to feed the whole country. The local oranges are very sweet, so enjoy them if they are in season. They are great thirst quenchers. The area is know for its rubies and garnets. If you intended to shop for these the best place to do so is in Poipet. The rubies pale by comparison to the Burmese “pigeon blood red”, rubies but are of quite good quality, as are the garnets.
Around Battambang you can see a number of Angkor era temples many of which date from the 10th to the 15th centuries. If you like temples then you will enjoy visiting them. The 11th century temple of Ek Phnom, the temple grottoes and the Buddhist shrines of Wat Sampacu are all marvels of the craftsman’s art. The locals are friendly and helpful in case you get lost.
The 11th century mountain temples of Phnom Banan are one of the towns most famous historical attractions. So put on your walking shoes, carry a bottle of water and head for the temples. For those fond of nature Kamping Puoj is the place to go. Remember to pack a picnic lunch, relax and enjoy a peaceful break. You will feel energized once again.
Along the riverbank you will find some of the best examples of French colonial architecture which seems a bit incongruous keeping the local ambience in mind. Battambang has a small Museum on the river north of the post office. This has some beautiful statues of Buddha both in stone and wood.
Being close to Thailand, at one time both Battambang and Siem Reap (of Angkor Wat fame) were under Thailand’s control and the Thai influence is quite evident still specially in the food. So Battambang is an interesting medly of Thai, French and Angkor styles in architecture, culture and food.
Battambang less famous than Siem Reap but has some lovely temples and a quiet charm. So you can visit the temples of the Angkor era at leisure before hordes start descending on it and shattering the peace of this gentle charming town.
