Things to do in Battambang — arts, temples and rice fields
Activities in Battambang for expats — Phare Circus, Buddhist temples, rice fields by bicycle, bamboo train, bat cave and local cultural life.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Reading
- 5 min
In 3 bullets
- Phare Ponleu Selpak: one of the most remarkable arts schools in Southeast Asia, open to visits and performances — a reason in itself to settle in Battambang.
- Rice fields by bicycle: the city is ideally placed for exploring the Cambodian countryside — rice plains, traditional villages, ancient temples in open countryside.
- Bamboo train (Norry): a unique and iconic experience, unmissable for residents and visitors alike.
Sites and attractions
Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS)
Battambang’s arts school, founded in 1994 for children who survived the refugee camps. It trains circus artists, musicians, dancers and illustrators. Performances are held several evenings a week (check the calendar on pharecircus.org).
- Show: approximately 15–30 USD/person depending on category.
- School visit: possible during the day on request.
- Volunteering: some short-term assignments are available for long-term residents.
Bamboo train (Norry)
See the Battambang transport guide for details. An unmissable experience, particularly appreciated in the late afternoon through golden rice fields.
Surrounding temples
- Wat Ek Phnom: 11th-century temple 11 km to the north, partially in ruins, beautiful in the early morning.
- Wat Banan: 11th-century Khmer temple on a hill (358 steps), panoramic view over the rice fields.
- Phnom Sampeau: hill with pagodas and tragic caves (Khmer Rouge sites) — an important memorial.
- Bat cave: every evening at sunset, millions of bats emerge from the cave at Phnom Sampeau — a striking natural spectacle.
Colonial architecture
The town centre features Cambodia’s best-preserved collection of French colonial architecture: rue des Français, 1920s–1940s buildings, the former railway station, the governor’s palace. On foot or by bicycle — 1h30 self-guided visit.
Sport and active life
- Cycling: ideal in dry season (November–April). Rice field circuits from 10 km starting from the centre.
- Yoga: a few studios in town — check via local Facebook groups for current schedules.
- Running: the banks of the Sangkae river and country roads in the morning are very runnable.
Monthly leisure budget
| Profile | Leisure budget | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalist | 30–60 USD | Cycling, temples, some local outings |
| Active standard | 60–150 USD | Phare Circus x1–2, temple excursions, restaurants |
| Social life | 150–300 USD | Cultural events, weekend in Siem Reap |
2025 estimates — Battambang is one of the cheapest destinations for leisure in Cambodia.
FAQ
Are Phare shows suitable for children?
Yes, from age 5–6 for circus shows without adult content. Performances last approximately 1h. Contact Phare Ponleu Selpak for current programmes.
When is the best time to visit the rice fields?
July to September for flooded green fields and lush vegetation. November to December for the harvest — golden fields and intense agricultural activity. Both seasons offer beautiful photos but accessibility is better in dry season.
Are art or circus classes open to expats?
Phare Ponleu Selpak sometimes offers workshops for adults. Contact the school directly via pharecircus.org for current programmes.
Sources (2)
Every fact in this guide comes from official documents or government sites. An access date is recorded for each source.