Battambang Province and The Bamboo Train
It’s just a few hour drive from Siem Reap Province, Battambang is widely known as the largest rice-bowl of Cambodia, truly emerges picturesque countryside while the colonial town remains French architecture, old yellow buildings and some of Angkorian temples are still in good condition including Banan and Ek Phnom temples. Featured by the significant Sangker River, the walkable riverside gives short highlights of evening activities and street food you may love to try.
The most interesting thing to do in Battambang is BAMBOO TRAIN – the unique creative bamboo platform attached motor-engine which runs over the train rails, provides beautiful landscape, fresh air and you absolutely have fun. Whilst, experience a short stay in a tranquil Battambang resort, there are still much more to be explored including the infamous Prahok market, observing rice wine & rice paper making, challenge the real taste of Cambodian bamboo sticky rice, visiting a host family with tropical fruit testing, grape plantation and the oldest wooden house dates back to the colonial era.
An active wandering at Phnom Sampov gives the best exploration while spotting on thousands of bats. The mysterious Phnom Sampov literally means “Mountain Ship”, set among countryside, surrounded by several mountains and it takes approx. 20 minute drive (12km) from West-south of Battambang City. Phnom Sampov is one of the major tourist attractions in the region, which houses some caves including the tragic killing caves with hundreds of victims lost their lives during Khmer Rouge Regime, Pka Sla Cave is known as the hermitage for nuns that clusters several caves admired by the serenity and nature which provide a nice walking tour throughout the caves. Atop Buddhist pagoda on the summit, travelers can enjoy the spectacular panoramic view and breathtaking or watching beautiful sunset, this religious site houses Buddha image and holds special festivals which gather local people and international tourists to pray for good fortune and happiness. At the end of exploring Phnom Sampov, travelers anxiously spend an evening to observe thousands of bats flying to their caves amidst the orange sky.
Additionally, Battambang has much more to explore despite there are many ancient temples and local attractions Prek Toal bird sanctuary is one of the major tourist destinations, it is the most important home for hundred species within Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, a great lush area houses many endangered water birds including darters, little cormorants, grey herons, greater adjutants, milky & painted storks, black headed ibis, spot billed ducks and other species that yearly migrate from different sites of The Great Lake to gather at Prek Toal sanctuary for breeding during the wet season which gives the best time to observe, learn and witness how those lovely birds are concentratively being protected.
