Riding the Bamboo Train in BattamBang in Cambodia

While on my trip to Cambodia, all I was interested in were the world famous temples of Angkor wat and the capital city of Phnom Penh. But then while chatting with another traveller at the hotel we were staying in, my travel buddy and I got extremely intrigued by this smaller city. The fellow traveller told us how this city is an exhilarating and heady authentic Cambodian experience. We were so convinced that we cancelled our plans to head to Phnom Penh and caught an early morning local bus for Battambang.

Welcome to Battambang, a beautiful city located in the northwest region of Cambodia. Known for its French colonial architecture, delicious food, and friendly locals, Battambang is a must-visit destination in Cambodia.

As you enter Battambang, the first thing you'll notice is the beautiful French colonial architecture that is prevalent throughout the city. The historic buildings, such as the Governor's Mansion and the Central Market, are a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Take a stroll around the city, and you'll see plenty of beautiful buildings, old temples, and bustling streets filled with vendors selling their wares.

One of the highlights of Battambang is the Bamboo Train, which is a unique and thrilling experience. This train is made up of a bamboo platform mounted on top of two axles and powered by a small gasoline engine. You'll ride along a rickety rail line through rice paddies and small villages while enjoying the scenic beauty of the countryside. For us Indians it might not be a unique sight but the ride itself is a unique experience.

Another crazy adventure is the famous bat cave where every evening millions of bats leave the cave and fly out in a black stream that keeps flowing for almost fifteen minutes. We even chased the bats on our motorcycle taxi for a bit of the distance. These bats head to nearby waterbody for the night.

For those who are familiar with the bloodied history of Cambodia, the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau are a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. The caves were used by the Khmer Rouge to execute prisoners, and today they serve as a memorial to those who lost their lives. The stacked skulls and bones kept in dark caves are a reminder of the dark times the country faced under cruel dictatorship.

Another must-visit attraction is the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus, which is a unique blend of acrobatics, theater, and music. This circus was founded in 1994 by a group of Cambodian refugees who returned home after the Khmer Rouge regime. The performers are talented young artists who have been trained by the organization and are now sharing their skills with the world.

When it comes to food, Battambang does not disappoint. The local cuisine is a mix of Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese flavors, and there are plenty of street food vendors serving up delicious dishes like beef lok lak, amok, and num banh chok. I even bought some local spices to make amok at home in India. I loved the memories the spices evoked every time I cooked with them.

Battambang is a charming and unique city that is well worth a visit. From the historic buildings and temples to the thrilling Bamboo Train and the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, and make sure to take a stroll around the city to soak up the charming atmosphere.