Battambang Tour

(BARBARA REVIEWING) TOUR COMPLETO

2020-06-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

L’esperienza di Vatthana ha realizzato le nostre richieste in un giorno conoscere la realtà locale, apprezzare la cultura, la storia. Stare a contatto con le persone, vedere come vivono, i mercati tipici e l’ambiente. Portiamo a casa un ricordo speciale i sorrisi, la semplicità della gente.

Grazie Vatthana un amico speciale, una guida completa. Lo consigliamo a tutti coloro che vogliono vivere un esperienza indimenticabile.

Vatthana's experience has fulfilled our requests in one day knowing the local reality, appreciating culture, history. Being in contact with people, seeing how they live, the typical markets and the environment. We bring home a special memory the smiles, the simplicity of the people.

Thanks Vatthana a special friend, a complete guide. We recommend it to anyone who wants to live an unforgettable experience.

Thank too much for your Reviewing, MaMa

Amazing insight into Cambodian History

2020-06-13T07:20:00.001-07:00

"I find it so rare that any guide in Cambodia is willing to speak about the complexities, the intricacies and the cultural history of this extremely beautiful, but brutal society.

To be honest, the places we visited, although very beautiful and interesting, paled into insignificance with the sharp intellect and storytelling abilities of Vattana. He was able to explain to us in a very detailed manner what influences and reasons, as well as international pressures, that brought Cambodian society to the eruption of the tragedies of recent events. We are leaving Battambang tomorrow with a feeling of connection that you just can't establish in Shopping Malls and fancy hotels. I really feel as if we met the soul of Cambodia in Vattana's tuc tuc today and we are grateful to him for the privilege. If anyone who intends coming to Battambang with the remotest semblance of interest in Cambodian history and culture I (Vatthana was also a monk for a prolonged period), then go no further then to arrange a tour with him, for the sights to be sure, but for the story to be enriched."

RETURN BACK OF GOOD MEMORIES ABOUT MY TOUR

2020-06-11T03:07:00.008-07:00

Memorize good memories that will never be forgotten. They spent the whole day touring around Battambang City with my trip plans. They are both from Canada. Early in the morning, after breakfast, we headed north to the provincial town of Battambang. We first came to a place that is made of wood sculptures made from different designs, such as ancient temples of Angkor, birds, pagodas and wreaths. The monastery looks almost 100% identical. Watching the two of them was overjoyed. After about 30 minutes, we moved on. Some of the places we visited were the crocodiles, the village market, Wat Samrong Knong (the old pagoda in Battambang province, and the killing fields of the Khmer Rouge era), the place that people made sticky rice. After we saw how to make sticky rice and taste, we also traveled to the last one, Ek Phnom Temple, which took us about 40 minutes to see the magnificent 11th century temple structure. Now completely shattered, but still wanting to see this ancient temple.

After visiting the North End, we came back to eat lunch in town. At 1:30 pm we continued our way to another interesting place is the bamboo train. Interestingly, we have never heard of a whole life trainer and feel a bit different if compared to riding a the train. It only takes an hour, but we get new experience another unforgettable experience.

The counterattack process has also begun. Riding a tuk tuk on the side of the river, we saw a field where fruit and vegetable crops hauled along the road to a stop before the next step was the fruit bats. It is the name of thousands of big bats that live on this species, and eat a variety of fruits. Ten minutes later, we continued on our way to Banan Temple, located at the top of Banan Mountain, which was 358 steps away. It is similar to Angkor Wat, with the top five built in the 11th-12th centuries. Adjacent to the castle to the temple are two big lakes, which are also interesting places for Khmer people.

Our last resort was Phnom Sampov. Here, we can enjoy the natural beauty of the rice fields from the top of the mountain, which are seasonally varied. Not only the nature of the field, the top of the mountain is also hidden behind the caves, which are particularly interesting in the Khmer Rouge era. After visiting the top of the mountain, we came downstairs to wait for the millions of bats to emerge from the cave. At about 5:30pm, the bats were up to our expectations. The bats come out in a row in the order that they get to be trained.

After 30 minutes of bidding, we came back our way to Battambang. That's a time I felt frustrated because our tour was coming to end and the break-up time had come, but there was a break and a break. Even though they were separated, my memories of them have always been deep in my heart. Thank you to both you and other guests for visiting my country.

Wishing you all a safe and healthy return.

Thank you very much!!!

MEMORY OF CAROL MUI & HER HANDSOME HUSBAND ON MY TOUR

2020-06-09T23:04:00.003-07:00

Both of them are from Singapore and are visiting Cambodia. They visited several tourist destinations and arrived in the city of Battambang, and both of them booked my tour. Our best memories of our tour around Battambang City: Our entertainment highlights three key elements: 1, Cultural of the Cambodian people, 2, history of Battambang Province, and 3, Nature.

First of all, they lived to learn about the lives and livelihoods of Cambodians in both urban and rural settings. Their tour was when the farmers were harvesting rice, so we visited Banan Temple and then went to the farmer's harvest and we were sometimes saw them used the machinery to collect the rice, some used the sickle for harvesting.

The second relates to Cambodian history, which is related to the province of Battambang. Battambang has a history of under Thai control for 112 years (1795 to 1907). The French occupation (1907 to 1953) ended the French rule during the dark shadow. During the Khmer Rouge period, Battambang also had its killing fields, such as in the caves of Sampov, around the corner of the Banan Mountain , or in the Lake.

Finally, they both were seeing the beautiful yellow nature of Battambang rice fields and saw a crowd of million bats fly out of the caves of Phnom Sampov Mountain. Our tour was about 10 hours, after the end of the tour, we also enjoyed some unforgettable sights. Last but not least, I would like to thank them both for their confidence.

God bless you !!

WHY DO WE NEED TO VISIT AT WAT BANAN TEMPLE?

2020-06-09T05:08:00.001-07:00

Wat Banan Temple is located about 25km from Battambang town along a new road. Wat Banan is an Angkor era temple which sits on top of a hill close to the Sanker River. It was once thought that Wat Banan with its five towers was a prototype for Angkor Wat although this has now been dismissed by most scholars who date the structure later than Angkor.

The Steep steps up to the temple are worth the effort as there are stunning 36 degree panoramic views from the top. Banan is seldom frequented by tourists and outside of Cambodia holidays it is likely that you may be the only visitor.. At the bottom of the hill are a few food and drink stalls making it a pleasant place to while away some time. Also beneath the hill are some limestone caves which local children with torches are happy to show you around for a small fee.

The Stair go up

Close to Wat Banan is the Prassat Banan vineyard, the only such one in Cambodia. Visitors are welcome to drop by to sample and perhaps buy some of the wines made here. They also make a brandy which is very palatable!

WHY DO WE NEED TO VISIT AT KAMPING POUY LAKE?

2020-06-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Kamping Pouy Basin is located between two mountains Phnom Ku or Phnom TaNgen and Phnom Kamping Pouy-in TaNgen Village, Ta Kream Srok commune, about 36 kilometers west of the provincial town. His gigantic civil-engineering project was central to the Khmer Rouge’s plan to irrigate the countryside around Battambang. Tragically, the construction of the Kamping Pouy Resevior resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people. Unlike the victims of S21 and Choeung Ek most of the deaths on the Kamping Pouy project were caused by malnutrition, disease, overwork or mistreatment. The deaths were in short, preventable.

Kamping Pouy (1977)

A gripping, visceral and painfully honest account of life in Battambang under the Khmer Rouge was written by Haing S. Ngor, the Cambodian doctor, actor and community worker who won an Oscar for the film The Killing Fields. His Book Survival in Cambodia’s Killing Fields is perhaps the most eloquent account of day-to-day life during the Pol Pot period. It is laced with insights into the Khmer psyche and is ultimately a heartbreaking read. Kamping Pouy Basin is 6 meters long and 1900 meters wide. During the rainy season the basin can hold 110 million cubic meters of water, which is used primarily for agriculture. Kamping Pouy Basin is vital to this area. It is now a popular picnic site for residents of Paillin and Battambang because of its fresh air. Lotus flowers grow in the water and nearby you can buy lotus seeds to eat (they care delicious and taste a bit like sweet, uncooked peas).

Ta Kream Commune in Banan District is the nearest settlement. These days, thanks to the dam, the Kamping Pouy area is one of the few parts of Cambodia to produce two rice crops a year. Kamping Pouy is about 36km west of Battambang (go via NH5 and follow the irrigation canal). It’s easy to combine a visit here with a stop at Phnom Sampuev.

WHY DO WE NEED TO VISIT PHNOM SAMPUEV?

2020-06-08T05:24:00.004-07:00

An important religious site known throughout all Cambodia Phnom Sampuev is a striking limestone mountain located on the road to Paillin about 15 km from Battambang. Like Wat Banan there are a series of steps leading up the mountain although an easier route up is on the back of a motorbike via a new road. On the top of the hill is a Wat and man stupas along with various shrines and grottoes.

During the Khmer Rouge period the mountain was used as a place to kill "enemies" of the regime and in what are known as the "killing caves" there is a memorial to these victims. Also on the mountain are two rusting artillery pieces which were used by the Cambodian government and their Vietnamese allies in the fight against the Khmer Rouge which ended in 1999. Although Phnom Sampuev has a tragic past it is also a pleasant place to visit.

The panoramic views from the top are truly breathtaking and there are a variety of food and drink stalls at the base of the mountain making it a great place to while away the hours. Every evening at nightfall thousands of bats make their way out of caves in the hillside to feed before returning at dawn. This natural phenomenon really is a "must see" for the visitor.

WHY DO WE NEED TO VISIT EK PHNOM TMEPLE EVEN NORTH SIDE?

2020-06-08T05:09:00.005-07:00

Located about 12km from Battambang Wat Ek Phnom dates to the 11th century and is one of the most visited attractions around Battambang. If you have already seen Angkor Wat you'll possibly find this a bit of a disappointment but if you haven't then is a fine taster. At the weekends it is a popular spot for Khmers who visit the temple with picnics but during the week you might find yourself as the only visitor. There are some fine decorated lintels to be seen ad one is free to clamber among the ruins.

The drive out to the temple passes through some beautiful countryside and is worth the trip alone. You will notice locals making rice paper (which is used for spring rolls), rice noodles and sticky bamboo rice. Just a short detour brings you to Psar Prohoc - the fishpaste market. Prohoc - essentially fermented fish - is a staple of the Cambodian diet and smells, well, quite unusual. It is not to everyone's taste but a visit to the market is well worth while as it is an unforgettable experience. A clothes peg for your nose might be handy!

WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT KHMER BAMBOO TRAIN?

2020-06-08T02:19:00.003-07:00

One of Cambodia's most novel attractions - the bamboo train in Battambang - is back on track after being taken off the road for several months. Here, we look at the story behind this intriguing mode of transport. A sadness was felt throughout Cambodia when late last yer Battambang's famous bamboo train was halted to make way for the tracks to be put in place for real rail operations. While the government pledged to reinstate the service, doubts were high.

However, in early January, the bamboo train - or Norry in Khmer - rose from the ashes, with six carriages once again trundling along a different set of tracks about 6 kilometres from the city.

The train was originally born as a logistical measure during the united nations transitional authority of Cambodia (UNTAC) period - a UN peacekeeping operation, which ran in the early 1990s to help the country in the wake of the devastating Khmer Rouge reign. The Original train was used to help transport goods along the country's battered northern rail line. It is made from a bamboo platform covered with a mat for "comfort" _ which can incredibly seemingly fit a large family and their worldly goods on board - that is se on two sets of bogies with motor at the back.

A wooden pole serves as the brakes and accelerator, and the train can hit bumpy speeds of 30km/h. The single track means if you come across another train heading towards you, once of you has to dismantle the carriage to allow the other to pass. Since UNTAC times, tourists have jumped on board with the idea, with visitors taking the hair - rising historic ride through Battambang's pristine countryside daily. The track continues for 7 Kilometres, before ending at Au Sroloa village. The cost for a ride is $5 and takes in stunning scenery, as well as giving visitors the opportunity to explore countryside and sunset.

LAKE & MOUNTAIN $25

2020-06-08T00:44:00.002-07:00

Komping Pouy Lake (The Black Shadow of Khmer Rouge)

Cruise to see Lotus Flowers

Phnom Sampuev Temple, Khmer Rouge Killing Cave, Bat Cave

See Sunset from the Phnom Sampuev hilltop or Bats Flying out from the Cave at the Sunset.

Note: We Start around 11:00am and finished after the Bat fly out.

BATTAMBANG NORTH & WEST TOUR $27

2020-06-08T00:43:00.012-07:00

Wood Caving (Wood Artist)
Crocodile Farm
Ek Phnom Temple
Distillery of Rice Wine
Making of Rice Paper
Bananas Dry
Fish Paste Market (Making Prohoc)
Wat Samrong Knong (Killing Field)
Making Bamboo Sticky Rice
Making Khmer Rice Noodle
Phnom Sampuev Temple, Khmer Rouge Killing Cave, Bat Cave
See Sunset from the Phnom Sampuev Hilltop and Bat Flying with the Sunset.

Note: We Start around 8:30 am and finished after the Bat Fly out.

BATTAMBANG NORTH TOUR $20

2020-06-08T00:43:00.011-07:00

Battambang Statue
Bamboo Train Riding
Wood Caving
Crocodile Farm
Ek Phnom Temple
Distillery of Rice Wine
Bananas Dry
Making of Rice Paper
Fish Market (Prohoc, Fish Paste)
Wat Samrong Knong (Killing Field)
Local Area or Local Life
Bamboo Sticky Rice
Making Khmer Rice Noodle

Note: We Start around 9:30 am and Finished around 4:30 pm

BATTAMBANG NO TEMPLE TOUR $25

2020-06-08T00:43:00.010-07:00

Wood Caving (Wood Artist)
Crocodile Farm
Making of Bamboo Sticky Rice
Fish Paste Making (Prohoc)
Making of Rice Paper
Bananas Dry
Distillery of Rice Wine
Killing Field
Ancient House
Swing Bridge
Fruit Bats
Winery (Grape Wine)

Note: We start around 8:00 am and around 3:30 pm

BATTAMBANG SHORT TOUR $15

2020-06-08T00:43:00.009-07:00

Battambang Statue
Bamboo Train Riding

Phnom Sampuev Temple, Khmer Rouge Killing Cave, Bat Cave

See Sunset from the Phnom Sampuev Hilltop or Bat Flying out from the cave at the Sunset.

Note: We start afternoon, around 1:00 pm and finished after the bats fly out.

BATTAMBANG CITY TOUR $12

2020-06-08T00:42:00.006-07:00

Old Train Station
City Houses (Architecture of French Building)
Battambang Museum
Battambang Principle Hall Museum
Ancient House (Khmer Traditional House)
Train Railroad Bridge (Iron Bridge)
Battambang Statue (Ta Dombang KroNhung)

Note: We can start both Time: Morning Or Evening

BATTAMBANG SOUTH & WEST TOUR $25

2020-06-08T00:42:00.005-07:00

Battambang Museum
Battambang Principle Hall
Wat Kor Village (Ancient House)
Bamboo Train Riding
Swing Bridge
Fruit Bats
Winery (Grape Wine)
Wat Banan Temple
Countryside
Phnom Sampuev Temple, Killing Cave, Bat Cave
Sunset with the Bat Fly from hilltop.

Note: We start around 8:30 am and finished after the Bat Fly out.

Battambang Full-Day Tour $35

2020-06-08T00:32:00.001-07:00

Pictures of our Full-Day Tour

Wood Caving
Crocodile Farm
Distillery of Rice Wine
Bananas Dry
Making Of Rice Paper
Fish Market ( Making Prohoc)
Wat Samrong Knong (Killing Field)
Bamboo Sticky Rice
Local area of Local Life
Making Khmer Rice Noodle
Wat Kor Villages (Ancient House)
Bamboo Train Riding
Swing Bridge (Suspending Bridge)
Fruit Bats Or Tree of Bats
Wat Banan Temple
Countryside (Beautiful Landscape)
Phnom Sampuev Temple, Khmer Rouge Killing Cave, Bat Cave
See Sunset from the Phnom Sampuev hilltop or Bat flying out from the cave at the Sunset.

Beautiful Bats' Flying

Time best to Start: 7:30am and finished after the Bats fly out of the Cave (Around 7:00 pm)

For: $35 altogether.

BATTAMBANG FULL-DAY TOUR $35

2020-06-08T00:27:00.004-07:00

Pictures of our Full-Day Tour

Wood Caving
Crocodile Farm
Distillery of Rice Wine
Bananas Dry
Making Of Rice Paper
Fish Market ( Making Prohoc)
Wat Samrong Knong (Killing Field)
Bamboo Sticky Rice
Local area of Local Life
Making Khmer Rice Noodle
Wat Kor Villages (Ancient House)
Bamboo Train Riding
Swing Bridge (Suspending Bridge)
Fruit Bats Or Tree of Bats
Wat Banan Temple
Countryside (Beautiful Landscape)
Phnom Sampuev Temple, Khmer Rouge Killing Cave, Bat Cave
See Sunset from the Phnom Sampuev hilltop or Bat flying out from the cave at the Sunset.

Beautiful Bats' Flying

Time best to Start: 7:30am and finished after the Bats fly out of the Cave (Around 7:00 pm)

For: $35 altogether.

BATTAMBANG HISTORY

2020-06-08T00:08:00.003-07:00

Battambang Statue

As a city Battambang is not particularly old although there is evidence of occupation in the area for over 1000 years. It was established as an important trading city sometime in the 18th century. In 1795 Thailand annexed much of north western Cambodia including the provinces of Battambang and Siem Reap and Thai rule lasted until 1907 when the province was ceded to the French to be part of their Indochina colony. Much of the architecture still seen today in the centre of the town dates from the first half of the twentieth century. Development was halted by the Second World War when Battambang once again fell under Thai administration but continued rapidly after Independence in 1953.

Battambang Principle Hall

Battambang suffered much the same as the rest of the country under the Khmer Rouge-the city was evacuated as the population was moved to the countryside where many people died. TeThe city was liberated by the Vietnamese a week after the fall of Phnom Penh on 13th January 1979 but the Khmer Rouge continued to fight on in the north west of the province only suspending hostilities in 1996. During this period the city was off limits to most visitors as it was on the font line in the war against the Khmer Rouge. Typically the government forces would push the Khmer Rouge back towards Pailin in the dry season only to cede most of the gains once the monsoon rains came.

Battambang Central Market

After 1996 Battambang was at peace for the first time in decades and experienced some growth. However it is only until very recently that tourists have come to the city in any numbers - most of the minefields have now been cleared and the main roads have been rehabilitated.