Battambang
is Cambodia's second-largest city (urban area population
124,290 according to the 1998 census) and the capital
of Battambang Province. It is an elegant riverside
town, home to some of the best-preserved colonial
architecture in the country. Until recently Battambang
was off the map for road travellers, but facilities
have recently been improved and it makes a great base
for visiting the nearby temples (Phnom Banon, Wat
Ek Phnom...) and villages. It's a secondary hub on
the overland route between Thailand and Vietnam, and
if National Highway 6 from Poipet to Siem Reap is
ever upgraded it'll become an even smaller hub. The
network of charming old French shop houses clustered
along the riverbank is the real highlight here, and
there are a number of wats scattered around the town.
The small museum has a collection of Angkorian-era
artefacts, and beyond the town there's a number of
hilltop temples, yet more wats and a large lake. One
of the more famous hills is Phnom Sampeau (Ship Hill)
with the notorious killing cavesBattambang is now
a smooth, sealed 293km (181mi) bus or share-taxi ride
from the capital. A railway also connects Battambang
to Phnom Penh, but passenger service is only once
a week. (See Transport in Cambodia)
(source:wikipedia
-the free encyclopedia) |
