Best things to do in Battambang, Cambodia

Take a ride on the "bamboo train", before it closes down forever.  The train is a clever low tech solution to make use of an abandoned railway line.  Consisting of a bamboo platform resting on two axles and powered by a go-kart sized engine, the bamboo train tears along at about 15-20 kilometres per hour, stopping to dismantle whenever it meets another coming in the opposite direction.  It is used to transport people and produce to market and, increasingly, tourists keen to experience this novel form of transport.  It’s a lot of fun and interesting to see how people make use of the resources available to them.  A new railroad is currently being built which means the bamboo train will soon be phased out.

Visit a weekly circus show by incredibly talented young Khmer acrobats, jugglers and trapeze artists.  Circus techniques are mixed with other disciplines to create truly stunning artistic performances.  The circus is produced by Phare Ponleu Selpak , an organisation which originated in Thai border refugee camps in the 1980s, and now delivers education and arts programs to meet the psychosocial needs of children facing deep social issues.  The circus regularly tours internationally and many graduates have gone on to become international performing arts professionals.

If you take only one boat trip in this watery country make it this one.  Over the 5-9 hour journey to Siem Reap you can observe river life on the outskirts of Battambang, spot exotic birds as you meander through protected wetlands and pass through floating villages of the Tonle Sap.  The trip is best when the river is high – otherwise some sections are very narrow and shallow, resulting in a difficult trip.  A word of warning – this is ordinary public transport and is a long and sometimes uncomfortable journey – bring food, hat, sunscreen, ear plugs and plenty of patience!