Battambang

Battambang: a riverside city with small-town tradition and modern-city comforts

Situated along the banks of the Sankae River, the city of Battambang is a lovely laid-back destination that perfectly blends small-town tradition and friendliness with modern-city comforts. Tradition is perfectly preserved in French-colonial architecture (some of the best in Cambodia), and Buddhist shrines, yet modern-day home comforts are served up in many of the cafes and eateries dotted around town.

Outside the city the hillsides are scattered with ancient temples and rustic villages featuring bamboo houses.  Charming Battambang is also home to the most scenic river trip in the country, which links it with Siem Reap via small rivers, passing floating villages and traditional dwellings.