Battambang

Battambang (ក្រុងបាត់ដំបង) is Cambodia's second-largest city and is widely regarded as the country's cultural heart. This relaxed riverside city is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture, picturesque countryside of rice paddies and sugar palm trees, and thriving arts scene. Among its best-known attractions are the legendary Bamboo Train (Norry), the ancient temples scattered throughout the surrounding countryside, and the spectacular bat exodus at dusk from Phnom Sampeau. Combining historic charm with authentic rural Cambodia, Battambang is one of the country's most rewarding destinations for travelers seeking to venture beyond the main tourist trail.