After saying farewell to Siem Reap, we rolled into Battambang with modest expectations and a tuktuk driver booked for the afternoon. What followed was one of the wildest, most jam-packed travel days we’ve had so far a whirlwind of history, nature, and total “what just happened?” moments.
If you’re short on time and wondering what to do in Battambang in one day, buckle up this post is for you
🚕 A Sleepy Start Turned Wild Ride
Ali wasn’t exactly buzzing at the start. After a rough night’s sleep and a long bus ride with two restless kids, she was running on fumes. But not 20 minutes into the tour, our incredible tuktuk driver transformed the day.
He launched straight into stories about Battambang’s colonial past, pointing out French-era mansions, Italian villas, and tales of royal family feuds that gave the city a real edge. Battambang may be quieter than Siem Reap, but it’s steeped in history and charm a mix of French, Thai, and Khmer influences around every corner.
First stop? A bridge reinforced with old French cannons. Yes actual war cannons used as support beams. Only in Cambodia.
🧍 Stick Man Buddha & A Sudden Storm
We made a brief stop at Ta Dumbong, the iconic “Stick Man Buddha” who gives the city its name. The legend behind it involves a magic stick, a fallen king, and some serious Khmer mythology Georgia was hooked. Dotty just looked at the giant statue.
Then the skies opened up. Classic Cambodian downpour. To add to the drama, our driver lost his keys in a shop for 15 minutes. It was chaotic, hilarious, and somehow all part of the fun.
🚂 Riding the Famous Battambang Bamboo Train
Next up: the Bamboo Train and honestly, this deserves its own post.
Locally known as the Norry, this hand-built bamboo platform on wheels is powered by a small engine and runs along a single track railway. Originally invented in the 1980s by villagers, it was a practical solution to Cambodia’s defunct rail system. Now, it’s become one of Battambang’s top tourist attractions and for good reason.
Fast Facts: Bamboo Train Cambodia
Speed: Up to 50 km/h
Built from bamboo, steel wheels, and a lawnmower engine
Entire platform is lifted off the track if another comes the other way Costs ~$5–$10 USD per adult
Family-friendly, but hang on tight!
Dotty wasn’t a fan on the way out (it’s bumpy), but loved the ride back. Georgia called it “the fastest bench in the world.”
🌾 Rice Fields, Mushroom Farms & Mopeds on a Wire
Our tuktuk adventure took us deep into the Battambang countryside, weaving through rice paddies and sleepy villages. We stopped to visit a mushroom farm, learned how locals grow them in shaded tents using sawdust and spores, then crossed a suspension bridge barely wider than a scooter tyre while mopeds flew past at full throttle, it was mad confusing and yet somewhat fun!
Was it terrifying? Yes.
Would we do it again? Also yes.
🕳️ The Killing Caves & Bat Cave Buddha
Late afternoon brought a shift in tone as we arrived at Phnom Sampeau, home to the haunting Killing Caves of Battambang. This site, once used by the Khmer Rouge for executions, now stands as a memorial, complete with a glass shrine containing the remains of victims. It’s a heavy stop — but an essential one for understanding Cambodia’s past.
Climbing further, we reached a peaceful mountaintop temple complex with sweeping views, golden stupas, and roaming monkeys.
Then came the grand finale…
🦇 Sunset at the Bat Caves A Natural Spectacle
With just minutes to spare, we raced down the hill and made it in time to see one of Battambang’s most jaw-dropping experiences millions of bats pouring out of the cave at sunset.
Around 6 PM each night, a massive stream of bats flows into the sky, forming a twisting black ribbon across the horizon. It lasts for 30 minutes and genuinely feels like something out of a David Attenborough documentary.
Locals gather at roadside cafés to watch with a beer. We sat on a wall, jaws open, trying to count (and failing miserably).
✅ Top 3 Things to Do in Battambang (From Our Wild Day)
🥇 Ride the Bamboo Train
Unique, thrilling, and a total hit with the kids (even if one of them screamed at first). Only in Cambodia!
🥈 Catch the Bats at Sunset
It’s nature’s version of a fireworks display. Free, unforgettable, and way more epic than expected.
🥉 Explore Phnom Sampeau
From dark history to golden temples, this hill offers reflection, beauty, and bat-viewing all in one.
Final Thoughts
We expected Battambang to be a quiet stopover instead, it was one of the most action-packed, surprising, and memorable days of our entire trip through Cambodia.
If you’re travelling with kids or alone and short on time, you can 100% do Battambang in one day just get a good tuktuk driver, bring water, and be ready for anything.
We left dusty, buzzing, and grinning from ear to ear.
Today was without a doubt one of the busiest days we have had travelling, and tomorrow our tuktuk driver is taking us for more he says is amazing, I’m not sure he can top today can he!?
