Battambang is somewhat of an ode to French colonialism. The city lies in the
heart of the Northwest and until the war years it was the leading rice-producing
province of the country. The 100,000-person town offers not only one of the best
preserved examples of the French Colonial era, but also the small-town feel you
expect to encounter in Cambodia as a rule.The true bonus however is the village
life that is a mere stone’s throw away, be it by motorcycle, jeep or boat. The
combined effect makes Battambang well worth the slight detour it requires to
visit.
For centuries, Battambang was part of Siam and was used as its eastern
commercial hub. The French have left a strong mark on the town's architecture,
resulting in a pleasing colonial effect. The town is the gateway between
Thailand and Phnom Penh but still retains a sleepy atmosphere not conducive to
people looking for nightlife and fine dining.
Rather, people use the town as a base for visiting the nearby temples of
Phnom Banon and Wat Ek Phnom. Some 293 kilometres from Phnom Penh, Battambang is
in the heart of Cambodia's 'rice bowl' and even though it is Cambodia's
second-largest city it has a marked rural feel to it.