What to see and do in Battambang province

 Battambang City is full of wonderful colonial-era architecture and historic old pagoda, and the surounding countryside harbors not only Angkorian-era ruins and historic pagoda but also offers some of the most picturesque rice paddy and village scenery in the country set just outside the city. The ride to get place like Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan pass through some beautiful rural Cambodian countryside.

Bamboo Train

The bamboo train is unique and creative form of ad-hoc transportation. It consists of a small motocycle engine-powered bamboo cart that ride the railroad tracks, picking up and dropping off passengers, cargo and animals along the way. When it meet another bamboo train running in the opposite direction, it can be disassembled and and taken off the rails in a minute or two, allowing the other to pass.

The Bamboo train near city seems to be catering as much tourists as locals these days, but it still the real deal and a unique experience. They now charge foreigners upwards of $5/pax.

Circus

The Phar Pnleu Selpak NGO gives Cambodian children from disadvantaged families the opportunity to "access culture via different artistic activities" including music, drawing, drama, dance and circus.

Ek Phnom

About 45 minutes from Battambang, is substantial early-11^th century temple ruin built  as a Hindu temple is in rough condition, consisting of prasats on a platform with some Hindu themed carvings in pretty good condition. Wat Ek Phnom, a modern Buddhist pagoda, site picturesquely next to th ruin and a small lake.

The river road drive to Ek Phnom from Battambang passes through some absolutel beautiful contryside, along a palm lined Stung Sangker river and through serveral small villages.

Phnom Banan

Phnom Banan is a mountaintop, mid-11^th century Angkorian-era ruin consisting of five prasats(towers) arranged in the quincunx(five-pointed) Angkor Wat. The temple was built by Khmer ruler Udayadityavarman II, son Suryavarman I, the king who built the temple Ek Phnom.

Serveral lintel carving are good condition. The mountaintop is a peaceful location with a sweeping view of the surounding area. There is small cave nearby known as L'Ang Bu Meas. Avery old (150 years+) active pagoda at the base of the mountain. As both are south of Battambang City, the trip to Phnom Banan is often combined with stop at Phnom Sampeou.