Traveling from Phnom Penh to Battambang

Traveling from Phnom Penh to Battambang with mr.hotsia

If you are planning a trip from Phnom Penh to Battambang, I, mr.hotsia, would like to share my firsthand experience along this route. This journey is not as complicated as you might think and is full of interesting stories that made me feel like I was truly exploring the Khmer way of life.

Starting in Phnom Penh, buying a bus ticket to Battambang is very easy, especially if you stay at a hotel in the city. Most staff will help recommend and book tickets conveniently. The fare is about 200 baht. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable, suitable for a 3-4 hour trip. Although there are not many Thai tourists, most passengers are Khmer traveling back and forth between these two cities.

Along the way, I passed Kampong Chhnang and Prasat provinces, small provinces where I saw the simple rural Cambodian landscape. The bus stops twice: once on the outskirts of Phnom Penh for lunch, and again on the outskirts of Battambang. This stop was a great opportunity to try local sweets like Khmer sticky rice dumplings, known as “Khnom Ansoun,” which differ from ours by having a bland taste without sugar or coconut milk and filled with soybeans. I preferred the sweeter version, but it was a unique experience worth trying.Watch more Khmer dessert clipsAt this stop, there were also giant bualoy (rice dumplings) with shaved ice to try. The sweet and refreshing taste helped recharge energy before continuing the journey.

Arriving in Battambang: A small city full of charm

Upon arriving in Battambang, the first feeling I, mr.hotsia, experienced was the peacefulness and a lifestyle that remains simple and not as hectic as Phnom Penh. The city is not too big. Walking around the Battambang fresh market is fun and very worthwhile. Most locals can speak some Thai because it is close to the Thai border, so communication is never a problem.

I have written about travelingBattambangwhich has famous attractions like the Bamboo Train, Killing Caves, and Banan Temple. But for me, walking the markets and experiencing local life was more fulfilling. I enjoyed browsing the stalls. The fresh market here is full of fresh food, fruits, and local products that are hard to find in Thailand.

Stop to try local food in Battambang

Another impression I, mr.hotsia, must share is the food. The taste here is similar to Thai but with slight differences. For example, I really liked the sweet fish rice porridge shop located in the old market. The sweet fish porridge has an authentic Thai flavor without annoying bones. I ate two bowls and two plates of sweet fish, very full and the price was affordable.

Local Khmer food in Battambang is served on separate plates, not poured over rice like in Thailand. There are many curry rice shops along the streets. Here you can also find roasted duck, grilled chicken, and fried birds sold roadside, but they prefer to eat with steamed rice, not sticky rice like at home.Read more about Battambang food

Alternative travel options and interesting additional information

If you travel from the Thai side, I recommend the route through the Ban Phak Kad permanent border checkpoint in Chanthaburi province, then take a bus or shared taxi to Battambang. The distance is about 100 kilometers. The roads are good and comfortable. You can also choose to stop at Pailin city first, which is not far from the border.

Additionally, if you want convenience in travel, you can book a bus from Poipet to Battambang. The bus is more comfortable than shared taxis, which can be crowded. I, mr.hotsia, have tried this route and felt good because I didn’t have to worry about overcrowding or excessive costs.

Relaxing in Battambang: Accommodations recommended by mr.hotsia

Accommodation in Battambang ranges from budget options starting at about 200 baht. I stayed at Lux Guesthouse, a new hotel that is clean, with air conditioning, hot water, TV, and staff who speak some English. The price is 12 USD per night, which is very good value and highly recommended. Always check the room before staying for cleanliness and odors, as I have had some bad experiences.Read more about accommodations in Battambang

If you want to tour around the city, I recommend finding a tuk-tuk driver recommended by the hotel owner because they provide good service and know the routes well. Also, if you go out at night, you can use the same driver, which is more convenient and safer.

Stop for a hair wash and experience local culture

If you want a full local experience, I once had my hair washed at a shop in Battambang that uses a method unlike anywhere else in the world. The hair wash costs about 2 USD. The staff massages your head and washes your hair while sitting before moving to a washing bed. It’s a unique experience I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying.Read about hair washing and travel info in BattambangTo better understand local culture

Summary of the trip from Phnom Penh to Battambang

For me, mr.hotsia, traveling from Phnom Penh to Battambang is not just changing cities but an opportunity to experience Khmer life from a different perspective — the lifestyle, food, and culture that are rich yet simple. Battambang is a city that, although not as bustling as Phnom Penh, is full of warmth and genuine local character that I want everyone to experience firsthand.