Battambang Suggested Activities
Phare Ponleau Selpak
Visit this Cambodian school which aims to support community
development through providing social, educative and cultural
services to children and their families and see a performance by
its talented students.
Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), meaning the brightness of art, is a Cambodian NGO which aims to support community development through providing social, educative and cultural services to children and their families. Visit the school’s departments such as Visual Arts, Performance Arts, and Music to see their daily activities.
Bamboo Railway
Experience a unique local form of transport, travelling through the
open countryside on a simple motorized bamboo platform running
along the old railway lines.
Art Insider and Cruise (full day)
Discover Battambang’s vibrant arts scene with visits to local galleries
and artists studios.In Cambodia, Battambang is known for its vibrant
arts scene and is home to a thriving community of artists. The city was once considered to be Cambodia’s artistic hub, but the scene was completely destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime. It’s undergoing a renaissance now though, and new galleries and art spaces are springing up all over the city.
Begin the tour with a visit to the Lotus Bar & Gallery, a trendy café and exhibition space showcasing the work of the city’s talented artists. Continue to nearby art studios to meet and interact with local artists in their work environments.
Following the studio visit, enjoy lunch at the contemporary restaurant Jaan Bai. This restaurant is a social enterprise that provides training and employment for youth. It has benefited from the support of Vittoria Coffee and training from Chef David Thompson, as well as restaurateur John Fink. All proceeds go to support the Cambodian Children’s Trust.
After lunch, take a boat trip along the Stung Sangke River and discover the daily life of locals. Visit a family fruit farm and listen to tales of local history and legend, or stop in a small isolated village before returning at sunset and enjoying scenic views of the countryside while cruising back to the town.