Cambodia - Battambang
Cambodia Information
Capital: Phnom Penh
Major language: Khmer
Population: 13.7 million (UN 2006)
Head of state: King Norodom Sihamoni
Currency: Riel
Major Religion: Buddhism
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Battambang
Battambang is Cambodia's second largest city and the capital of Battambang Province. An elegant riverside town, it’s home to some of the best preserved colonial architecture in all Cambodia. Until recently Battambang was off the map for road travellers, but conditions and facilities have recently been improved and it now makes a great base for visiting the nearby temples such as Phnom Banon, Wat Aek Phnom and several surrounding villages.
The streets of charming old French shops and houses clustered along the riverbank are the real highlight here, and there are also a number of wats scattered throughout the town. The small museum has a collection of Angkorian-era artifacts and beyond the town there are a number of Angkor-era temples such as the superb Prasat Banon with its 358 steps. You'll find it's an absolute pleasure exploring such a majestic temple away from the crowds of Siem Reap. One of areas better known hills is Phnom Sampeau - home to the interesting Phnom Sam Pov Pagoda and the notorious 'Ghost Cave', infamous from the Khmer Rouge days. The caves make for an interesting visit despite their history and the lack of tourists make it far more acceptable to many than say Cheung Ek in Phnom Penh.