Battambang isn't exactly on the typical tourists itinery but we decided to take a gamble and it paid off. We were tired of temples and needed some place different. Away from the tourists, temples and crowded places. Decided to give Phnom Penh a miss and head to this sleepy, quiet town via a 3.5 hr bumpy car ride. The road to battambang isn't exactly in good shape but we got there on time and stayed at the Royal Hotel.
Our first stop was lunch at the White Rose. Simple place with nice and cheap food. The mango shake was terrific. We came to realise that fruit shakes in Cambodia, especially in this town were really good. Food was satisfying.
Our first sightseeing place was the killing caves at Phnom Sampeau. We decided on the tuk tuk once again. This ride was really bumpy , maybe should have opted for something more comfortable like the motorcycle or car but what the heck. We could see Wat Sampeau from afar as we approached the mountain. Guess we can't escape temples after all. We were approached by a 18 yr old kid who offered his services as a guide
to run us through the caves. The hike up was tiring under the very hot sun. We entered the killing caves and stood beneath the place where people were pushed to their deaths in the days of the KR. Skulls and bones were also kept in a nearby memorial and cage. Hiked further up to Wat Sampeau. An old artillery field gun still remained and the view from up there was rewarding. There were some kids up there whom we took pictures with and were especially friendly to us. Hung around for a while before heading down to the base of the hill for some refreshing coconut juice. Our guide, told us he comes to Phnom Sampeau to offer his services as a guide to earn some money to study English. Friendly guy. We bade our farewells to him and left for our next stop which was to take the famous Bamboo Train.
Local people, especially the kids waved to us as our tuk tuk passed their homes. They wave, smile and shout the occasional Hello to us. Friendly people in a friendly town. We arrived to ride the Bamboo train. Basically a makeshift contraption made up of
2 sets of wheels, a bamboo platform and a motor that runs a alternator belt that moves the rear wheel shaft on the railway track. Its amazing how quick they put together one of these and the local people do use it to transport goods along the track. We got onto one and it was fast. The greenery, the wind, it was fun. Definitely quite the highlight of our little trip here. When another bamboo train approached from the other side, we literally had to get off and the fella quickly dismantles the vehicle to let the other pass. Amusing really.
We decided to have dinner at this place called the Smokin Pot. The place doubles up as a cooking school in the morning ,teaching interested tourists how to cook local food. We didn't have time to do that but the food was really great ! Best food we tasted on our trip to Cambodia. They make quite a mean chicken and fish sauce and together with mango shake was very satisfying. Happy Happy. Had a drink at the Riverside balcony bar before heading back to our hotel. The next morning we had breakfast at the Sunrise cafe.
Left our mark on the wall before heading back to Siem Reap. Our very short trip to this town gave us some pleasant memories to take back. A very quite, relaxed place and we were glad we made the trip down.
We reached Siem reap around noon, checked into the Villa Siem Reap, had a long 2 hr massage, ate at the roadside stalls and drank to our hearts content for our last night in Cambodia. A happy trip and pleasant trip.
Cambodia's Flag
Map of Cambodia