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 The
elegant riverside town of Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city is
located just 292km from Phnom Penh. Founded on the bank of Stung Sangker
River in the 11th century, this serene town is home to several
interesting historical sites. These are the Wat Ek Phnom, a temple built
by Suryarvanam I in the 11th century, Wat Toul Baset which was built in
the 7th century, and the Wat Poveal Museums which displays examples of
Khmer arts.
Battambang is also the place to find some of the best-preserved colonial
architecture in the country.
Situated near the Thai border, the town’s leading livelihood is trading
in the black market. Fishing is the next top industry. Getting there is
easy with three flights from Phnom Penh flying out per week. Tourists
may also take the train from Phnom Penh, which leaves at 6.30 every few
days and arrives at Battambang by sunset.
Things to See in Battambang
TEMPLES
1. Barsaet Temple
Located in Ba Set village about 15km out of the provincial town, the
Barsaet Temple was built in the reign of King Soriyak Varman I and is a
good example of 11th century architecture. Visitors may also sit by the
pond located right next to the temple for a quiet afternoon of
meditation or relaxation.
 2.
Wat Ek Temple
Another example of 11th century architecture, the Wat Ek Temple was
built in the year 1027 in the reign of King Sorayak Varman I. The temple
is located at Piem Ek commune, about 14km from the town.
 3.
Ba Nan Temple
First built by King Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II, the construction of
the temple was continued and finished by the King Jarvarman VII. The
overlap of construction and royal reign has resulted in the temple
adapting architectural styles from both the mid-11th and 12th centuries.
The temple is located atop a mountain at the Kon Tey 2 commune, which is
about 25-kilometers away from the town passing through provincial Road
No 155 along the Sang ke River. There are also two natural wells at the
mountain’s valley: Bit Meas and Chhung Achey.
4. Pra Sat Snung
Three separate brick stupas may be found on a hill at the Snung
commune’s pagoda area in the Ba Nan District, 22km from town. Similar in
architectural style to temples built in the 12th century, the pagoda
complex is further being extended with the construction of a new pagoda
behind the old temple.
RESORTS
1. Phnom sam Puoy
 A
natural resort located at Sam Puoy commune about 12km from Battambang,
tourists in the area may enjoy cooling off beside the resort’s three
natural wells: Pkar Slar, Lo Khuon, and Ak So Pheak.
They also have a choice of mountain trails to follow for hiking and
trekking on Sam Puoy mountain, Phnom Trung Moan, Phnom Trung Tea, and
Phnom Neang Rum Say Sork. These mountains are mentioned in the Cambodian
folk legend of reach Kol Neang Run Say Sork.
2. Boeng Kam Pinh Puoy
A popular natural resort even before the Civil War, Boeng Kam Pinh Puoy
is located between two mountains: Phnom Ta Nget and Phnom Kam Pinh Puoy,
at Ta Nget village, Ta Kriem Commune, 35kms from the provincial town.
Bamboo-lined riversides, serene landscapes and amiable people greet
visitors on their arrival at the resort.
3. Sek Sak
Located in the Treng commune of the Rotanak Mondul District some 50km
from Battambang, another popular pre-Civil War resort, the Sek Sak
stretches for 500 meters with different foliage, trees and bamboo line
its riverbanks. Tourists in Sek Sak may also drop by other popular
tourist sites near the area like Po Pus Pich Da Dong Tong and Sa Angs
Peak.
Visit Cambodia today! A walk down culture and
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