
Battambang
cambodia
About Battambang
With a thriving art scene, welcoming local cafés and offbeat attractions, Battambang is more than worth a detour on your trip around Cambodia. This laid-back city lures travellers with quirky activities like visiting a performing arts school or going on a train made from bamboo. Set on the Sangkae River and packed with colonial buildings and independent galleries, Battambang has a healthy dose of charm as well.
Battambang hostels are social spaces designed to help you meet other travellers. Pick a place with a rooftop bar where you can chat over Khmer coffee, or one with relaxed floor seating and bohemian vibes in its common room. You'll also find hostels that have indoor or outdoor pool areas that double as sun traps, while others have tropical grounds and a roof terrace where you can unwind with yoga or a film. For a local experience, go for a Battambang hostel in a cosy homestay hosted by friendly Cambodians.
The centre of Battambang is the main neighbourhood to explore, especially for food that ranges from humble street stalls to fancy French fare at non-profits reinvesting in the community. For architecture, the most eye-catching buildings line the banks of the Sangkae River, including the vibrant yellow Art Deco Psar Nat market hall. Head outside the city for a look at rural life at Pheam Ek village, where you can see locals crafting rice paper discs (for wrapping around fresh spring rolls) by hand.
For a small city, Battambang is full of unexpected things to do, like visiting wineries, kayaking down the Sangkae River or taking in a performance of an NGO-run circus that teaches disadvantaged young people new skills. But perhaps the strangest sight happens every evening, about 12km from the city: as night falls, a long stream of bats spill out of a cave's entrance for up to half an hour. You can watch the phenomenon from plastic stools set up by locals below the cave mouth.
Buses from Siem Reap take 3 hours to reach Battambang, while Phnom Penh is 5 hours away. Outside dry season, you can take a boat from Siem Reap (a 7-hour trip) via the Bak Preah floating village as the most scenic way to get to the city. After you arrive, renting a motorbike – or hailing a ride on one – is the most convenient way to travel around. You can also catch a boat to cross the river from outside the market.
City Info
3 Hostels in Battambang

Located in Battambang
THE PLACE Hostel & Rooftop bar offers a comfortable and social experience designed to make you feel right at home!
Located in Battambang
Featuring free WiFi.Each room comes with a flat-screen TV. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom.Bike hire is available at this guest house and the area is popular for cycling and hiking.
Located in Battambang
Blue Diamond Hostel has a full service restaurant on site for your eating pleasure we have food from around.
Battambang is a fantastic destination for backpackers offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're planning a short trip or making it part of a longer backpacking journey, this city should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. When looking for accommodation in Battambang, hostels provide the best value and opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Whether you're looking for a social party hostel, a quiet retreat, a centrally located base for exploring the city, or something in between, Battambang has options for every type of traveler. Many hostels in Battambang offer additional amenities like free breakfast, communal kitchens, outdoor spaces, and organized activities.
When visiting Battambang, don't miss the opportunity to:
- Explore the local cuisine and nightlife
- Visit historical landmarks and cultural sites
- Connect with other travelers at hostel events
- Discover hidden gems off the tourist path in Battambang