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Mr. Bélanger's Opinion On 2-Day Small Group Tour To Battambang

Hello everyone, my name is Théo Bélanger. I have always had a special love for traveling, and over the past eight years, I have traveled solo to more than ten countries. Recently, Battambang caught my attention by chance through a photo I saw on Facebook. I visited Siem Reap last year, but I had never considered going to Battambang. However, that photo fascinated me, and I felt the urge to try something new. So, I decided to join a group tour to Battambang to meet like-minded travelers who share my passion for discovery and to have more companions on my journey.
Last February, I embarked on a 2-day small group tour to Battambang with the help of Autour Asia, Cambodia Travel Agency. In the article below, I would like to share my experience of this trip and provide you with the most authentic insight into 2 days in Battambang. For those planning a visit to this charming city, I hope my story will be helpful.

In February, the weather in Battambang is dry and sunny, making it ideal for exploration. Temperatures range from 22°C in the morning to around 34°C at midday, with moderate humidity that makes the heat more bearable. Mornings are pleasant for visiting temples and local markets, while the afternoons can be quite hot - especially at Phnom Banan, where shade is scarce. A light breeze in the evening refreshes the atmosphere, making city strolls and the bamboo train ride more enjoyable. Nights are mild, around 22-24°C, and rain is almost nonexistent, allowing visitors to make the most of their 2 days in Battambang without worrying about bad weather.

During this 2-day group tour to Battambang, I experienced an immersive journey through history, culture, and nature. Exploring the colonial architecture and local market provided great insight into daily life, while visits to Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan temples revealed a fascinating heritage. The bamboo train ride added a unique touch to the trip, and the visit to the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau was a deeply emotional moment. Finally, a stop at a local vineyard added a gastronomic twist to the adventure, despite a few bumpy roads and the intense afternoon heat.

This 2-day group tour to Battambang started early in the morning with a minibus departure from Siem Reap. The three-hour journey through the Cambodian countryside was a great opportunity to admire authentic landscapes: endless rice fields, majestic palm trees, and small stilt houses lining the road. Traveling in a small group tour to Battambang created a friendly atmosphere, allowing everyone to share their unique perspectives on the trip. However, the road conditions were not always ideal, with some bumpy sections making the ride a bit tiring, especially after several hours in the minibus.

Upon arrival in Battambang, the first stop was Ek Phnom Temple, an 11th-century site surrounded by trees and small villages. This ruined temple has a unique charm, with its stone carvings still visible despite the passage of time. Unlike the Angkor temples, Ek Phnom is much less crowded, offering a peaceful visit away from the tourist masses. However, the site’s maintenance seemed limited, with some areas overgrown with vegetation and visible litter, which was unfortunate for such a historically significant place.

On the way back to the city, a stop in a traditional craft village provided a chance to observe the rice paper-making process, used for spring rolls. The locals gave a warm welcome, and tasting local specialties, such as grilled rice cakes, was a real treat. This authentic moment was one of the highlights of the day, although the time spent there felt a bit short to fully appreciate the artisans' skills.

The afternoon was dedicated to a leisurely walk along the Stung Sangke River, where French colonial houses still reflect Battambang’s historical past. Though some buildings appeared worn down, the contrast between French influence and Cambodian identity was striking. Strolling through these streets allowed for a deeper connection with the city’s soul, which felt far more tranquil than Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. The heat remained intense, but fortunately, a break in a local café provided a well-deserved moment of relaxation.

To end the day, a visit to Battambang’s central market brought a lively and colorful touch. The scent of spices, the stalls filled with exotic fruits, and the bustling energy of the vendors created a vibrant and authentic atmosphere. It was the perfect opportunity to observe local daily life and sample some traditional delicacies. However, navigating inside the market was sometimes challenging due to the narrow space and the large number of visitors.

Overall, this first day of the group tour to Battambang was a wonderful immersion into the local culture. The city's relaxed atmosphere and the variety of activities more than made up for minor inconveniences, setting the stage for an equally fascinating second day.

The second day of our 2-day group tour to Battambang started early in the morning with an excursion to Phnom Sampeau, a site rich in history. Midway up the hill, the visit to the Killing Caves was a poignant moment. This place, tragically infamous for executions during the Khmer Rouge regime, carried a solemn atmosphere. The stark contrast between the site’s natural beauty and its dark past was striking. The climb to the summit required some effort, but the reward was well worth it - a breathtaking panoramic view of the Cambodian countryside and a modern pagoda providing a peaceful place for reflection. The only downside was the presence of numerous monkeys, which, while amusing to watch, could become persistent when trying to snatch food.

The morning continued with a visit to Phnom Banan, a temple perched atop a hill and accessible via 358 steps. The ascent was quite a challenge under the rising heat, but once at the top, the temple - with its five towers reminiscent of Angkor Wat - offered a mystical ambiance and a stunning view of the surrounding valley. Less frequented by tourists, this site provided a tranquil moment for introspection, away from the crowds of major attractions. However, some of the structures, partially collapsed and overtaken by vegetation, reflected a lack of maintenance, which was a bit disappointing.

After a morning full of discoveries, a more relaxing break followed with a visit to an old traditional house in Battambang. This well-preserved building offered a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of Cambodian families in the past. The architecture and antique furnishings were impressive, and the guide’s explanations provided valuable insights into local history. This calmer moment was particularly appreciated after the physical exertion of the morning.

The afternoon began with a surprising experience at a vineyard - a rare find in Cambodia. Tasting the local wines was an interesting discovery, although the flavors were quite different from European standards. Some wines had a rather unusual taste, but the initiative to produce wine in this region was nonetheless impressive.

One of the most memorable highlights of the 2 days in Battambang was the ride on the bamboo train. This simple yet ingenious vehicle, consisting of a bamboo platform mounted on wheels, raced through the countryside, offering an incredible sense of freedom. The wind rushing through our hair and the rapidly changing landscapes made the experience both thrilling and authentic. However, since the track was a single line, occasional stops were necessary to allow other trains to pass, which slightly interrupted the ride but added a unique and quirky touch to the adventure.

On the way back to Siem Reap, several food stops allowed me to taste local specialties. Street-side barbecues, seasonal fruits, and sticky rice cooked in bamboo were absolute delights - a perfect way to conclude this group tour to Battambang.

This 2-day group tour to Battambang was a diverse and enriching experience, striking a perfect balance between cultural exploration, local immersion, and relaxation. From ancient temples to artisan villages and the famous bamboo train, each stop unveiled a unique aspect of the region. The friendly atmosphere of the group made the trip even more memorable, leaving me with wonderful memories of this 2-day group tour to Battambang.