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Battambang ( km, បាត់ដំបង, UNGEGN: ) is the capital of Battambang Province and the third largest city in Cambodia. Founded in the 11th century by the Khmer Empire, Battambang is the leading rice-producing province of the country. For nearly 100 years it was a major commercial hub and provincial capital of Siamese province of Inner Cambodia (1795-1907), though it was always populated by Khmer, with some ethnic Vietnamese, Lao, Thai and Chinese. Battambang remains the hub of Cambodia's northwest, connecting the region with
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh (; km, ភ្នំពេញ, ) is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since the French protectorate of Cambodia and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its economic, indus ...
and Thailand. The city is situated on the Sangkae River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way picturesquely through Battambang Province. As with much of Cambodia, French Colonial architecture is a notable aspect of the city, with some of the best-preserved examples in the country. Now the government and Ministry of Culture and Fine Art are preparing documents to nominate The Old Town of Battambang in the list of UNESCO world heritage site along with The Old Town of Kampot and The Old Town of Kratie since 2017.


History

Battambang was established as an important trading city with around 2,500 residents in the 18th century. The population was centred along a single road parallel to the Sangkae River (''Stung Sangkae''). In 1795 Siam (modern-day Thailand) annexed much of north western Cambodia including the current provinces of Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, and
Siem Reap Siem Reap ( km, សៀមរាប, ) is the second-largest city of Cambodia, as well as the capital and largest city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia. Siem Reap has French colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old F ...
into the province of Inner Cambodia. The Siamese ruled Battambang as a provincial capital through the Thai-speaking Khmer
Abhaiwongse family Abhayavongsa ( th, อภัยวงศ์; ) is a Thai noble surname used by a Thai family that formerly governed parts of Cambodia which was then ruled by Siam. The Abhayavongsa family governed Phra Tabong Province, Thailand (modern Battamban ...
, a branch of the Khmer royal family, which governed for six generations until 1907 when the province was ceded to the French to be reunited with Cambodia as part of the French Indochina colony. Following colonization by the
French French (french: français(e), link=no) may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to France ** French language, which originated in France, and its various dialects and accents ** French people, a nation and ethnic group identified with Franc ...
, an urban layout was developed which resulted in an enlarged French colonial town. This first attempt at modernization resulted in well-defined streets laid in a grid pattern, building of urban structures and three main streets parallel to the Sangkae River, and the linking of both banks by the construction of two bridges in 1917. Military and prison facilities were also erected. Nineteen years later, a second urban development plan was implemented with a newly constructed railway linking Battambang to
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh (; km, ភ្នំពេញ, ) is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since the French protectorate of Cambodia and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its economic, indus ...
. The urban structures were extended to the west of the town creating urban hubs oriented around the railway station. The large residential villas and public buildings built during this period of French development significantly changed the landscape of the previously remote city. A subsequent third urban development plan for Battambang involved the north, east and south of the city. This vast undertaking, which required long-term planning to integrate all of the previous work, resulted in a modern provincial capital that was by far the most developed region of Cambodia outside of Phnom Penh. Much later, more infrastructure and public facilities were built under the modernization program of the Cambodian government led by
Prince Sihanouk Norodom Sihanouk (; km, នរោត្តម សីហនុ, ; 31 October 192215 October 2012) was a Cambodian statesman, Sangkum and FUNCINPEC politician, film director, and composer who led Cambodia in various capacities throughout his ...
. Several provincial departments, a court house and other public buildings were added on both sides of the river. Textile and garment factories were built by French and
Chinese Chinese can refer to: * Something related to China * Chinese people, people of Chinese nationality, citizenship, and/or ethnicity **''Zhonghua minzu'', the supra-ethnic concept of the Chinese nation ** List of ethnic groups in China, people of va ...
investors, the Battambang Airport was constructed, and the railway line was extended to the Thai border at Poipet. To serve the cultural needs of the population, numerous schools and a university were built as well as a sports centre, museum and an exhibition hall.


Climate


Attractions

Kamping Puoy Lake Located between two mountains, named Phnom Kul or Phnom Ta Nget and Phnom Kamping Puoy, at Ta Nget village, Ta Kriem Commune is from the provincial town. Kamping Puoy lake is wide, long and can hold of water. It is famous for its giant lotus flowers whose fiber is spun and weaved to make a new organic fabric. These activities employ more than 20 underprivileged women around the lake. Baset Temple Was built during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050) and is located on a hill at Baset village, Ta Pun commune from the provincial town. Baset temple adapts the architecture of the 11th century and was built between 1036 and 1042. Next to the temple, there is a pond long, wide and deep. The pond never dries up even in the dry season. Wat Ek Phnom Adapts the architecture of the 11th century and was built in 1027 during the reign of King Suryavarman I (1002–1050). It is located at Piem Ek commune from the provincial town. Prasat Banan (Phnom Banan) Adapts the architecture of the mid-11th century and the end of the 12th century; the temple was first built by King Dharanindravarman II (1050–1066) and was completed in its final form by the King Jayavarman VII (1181–1220). The temple is located on the top of a mountain approximately located at Koh Tey 2 commune, Banan District. It can be reached by traveling from the provincial town by the provincial road No 155, which runs parallel to the Sangker River. In the valley, there is Ku Teuk and two main natural wells, namely: Bit Meas and Chhung or Chhung Achey. Norry (Bamboo Train) The
Norry A norry or nori ( km, ណូរី, , from the French word for lorry) was an improvised rail vehicle service from Cambodia. Lonely Planet describes it as "Cambodia's bamboo train". The trains ran at speeds of up to on the metre gauge tracks ar ...
, or bamboo train, runs from Prasat Banan to Chhoeuteal commune. Previously located on actual railway tracks outside the city, the bamboo train was relocated in 2017 to make way for the resumption of railway traffic. Prasat Snung Characterized by three separated stupas made of brick, located on a hill long and wide, in Snung pagoda's area, Snung commune, Banan District from the provincial town. According to the style at the gate, the temple is similar to other temples in the 12th century. Behind the temple, there is another new temple being built. Phnom Sampov Is a natural resort located along the National Road No 57 (the former National Road No10) at Sam Puoy commune (the high land more than high) and from the provincial town of Battambang. On the top of Sam Puoy mountain, there is a temple and three natural wells, namely Pkar Slar, Lo Khuon and Ak Sopheak. Next to Sam Puoy mountain, there are some mountains, and natural sites like Phnom Trung Moan, Phnom Trung Tea and Phnom Neang Rum Say Sork. These mountains relate to the Cambodia folk legend of Reach Kol Neang Rum Say Sork. Sek Sak Resort A natural resort which has been popular since before the civil war, Sek Sak stretches along the river bank with plants, trees and bamboo stretching in length. Tourists can also visit other attractive sites like Po Pus Pich Chen Da Dong Tong and Sa Ang speak, the pre-history site five kilometers (3.1 mi) to six kilometers (3.75 mi) away. Sek Sak is located in Treng commune, Rotanak Mondul District from the provincial town of Battambang along the National Road No 57, the former National Road No 10. Battambang Circus (Phare Ponleu Selpak) The shows include a range of circus disciplines including acrobatics, juggling, aerial work, clowning, tightrope walking and aqua-balance. It gives performances every Monday and Thursday evening. The shows are put on by students from the NGO arts school, ''Phare Ponleu Selpak'' that helps disadvantaged children and young people escape from situations connected with poverty such as begging or trafficking and to get an education, both in normal public school and in the arts. Bahá'í House of Worship Around south of Battambang, in Odambang commune, stands the city's Bahá'í House of Worship. Inaugurated in 2017, it is notable for being one of the first Bahá'í temples to be built to serve a single locality, and the first local Bahá'í house of worship to be constructed. The round, nine-sided edifice features a central dome and spire, and winged parapets that have been called reminiscent of Phnom Penh's
Chaktomuk Conference Hall The Chaktomuk Conference Hall ( km, សាលសន្និសីទចតុមុខ, ) is a theatre located in the city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The fan-shaped hall is one of the most iconic works of famous Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann ...
.


Transportation

Battambang is generally accessible via road and rail. There are buses that ply between the city and Bangkok,
Phnom Penh Phnom Penh (; km, ភ្នំពេញ, ) is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia. It has been the national capital since the French protectorate of Cambodia and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its economic, indus ...
and
Siem Reap Siem Reap ( km, សៀមរាប, ) is the second-largest city of Cambodia, as well as the capital and largest city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia. Siem Reap has French colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old F ...
. The railway line plying between Phnom Penh and Poipet has been rehabilitated, allowing access via
Battambang Royal railway station Battambang Royal railway station is a railway station in Battambang, the capital city of Battambang province in northwestern Cambodia. It was opened in 1953 and is operated by Royal Railways of Cambodia (''Chemins de Fer Royaux du Cambodge''). ...
. Battambang Airport was reserved for military uses, but opened with limited services for small airplanes and helicopters in 2018. There is also (except during the lowest water levels of the dry season) a daily boat connection between Battambang and Siem Reap via the Sangkae River. Since the buses are faster and cheaper, the scenic trip is nowadays used mainly by tourists and some locals who live along the river.


Twin towns – sister cities

*
Stockton, California Stockton is a city in and the county seat of San Joaquin County, California, San Joaquin County in the Central Valley (California), Central Valley of the U.S. state of California. Stockton was founded by Carlos Maria Weber in 1849 after he acquir ...
,
USA The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...


Notable people

* Sar Kheng - Minister of the Interior and Deputy Prime Minister *
Kalyanee Mam Kalyanee Mam (born in Battambang, Cambodia) is a filmmaker whose film, ''A River Changes Course'', which she directed and produced, has won several awards, including the Grand Jury Award for World Cinema Documentary at the 2013 Sundance Film Festiv ...
- filmmaker *
Vann Nath Vann Nath ( km, វ៉ាន់ណាត; 1946 – 5 September 2011) was a Cambodian painter, artist, writer, and human rights activist. He was the eighth Cambodian to win the Lillian Hellman/ Hammett Award since 1995. He was one of only seven ...
- painter, artist, writer, and human rights activist * Sopheap Pich - sculptor and artist *
Arn Chorn-Pond Arn Chorn-Pond (born 1966) is a Cambodian musician, human rights activist, and a survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime. He is an advocate for the healing and transformative power of the arts, and especially music. Biography Early life Chorn-Pond was ...
- human rights activist * Theanly Chov - painter and artist *
Pen Ran Pen Ran ( km, ប៉ែន រ៉ន, ), (c. 1944 – c. 1979) also commonly known as Pan Ron in some Romanization of Khmer, Romanized sources intended for English-speaking audiences, was a Cambodian singer and songwriter who was at the height of ...
- musician (vocalist/songwriter) *
Ros Serey Sothea Ros Serey Sothea ( km, រស់ សេរីសុទ្ធា/ ; c. 1948 – c. 1977) was a Cambodian singer. She was active during the final years of the First Kingdom of Cambodia and into the Khmer Republic period. She sang in a variety of ...
- musician (vocalist) ("The Golden Voice Queen Of Cambodia") Although the legendary Cambodian maestro
Sinn Sisamouth Sinn Sisamouth; (c. 1932 – c. 1976) was a Cambodian singer-songwriter active from the 1950s to the 1970s. Widely considered the "King of Khmer Music", Sisamouth, along with Ros Serey Sothea, Pen Ran, Mao Sareth, and other Cambodian artist ...
was not born in Battambang, he did live there for some of his childhood.


References


Further reading

* Analyzing Development Issues Trainees, ADI Team, and Cooperation Committee for Cambodia. ''Labour Migration to Thailand and the Thai-Cambodian Border Recent Trends in Four Villages of Battambang Province''. Small-scale research report. hnom Penh? Cooperation Committee for Cambodia, 2003. * Catalla, Rebecca F. ''Crossing Borders, Crossing Norms Vulnerability and Coping in Battambang Province''. SCVCS report, #5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia: UNICEF/AFSC, 2000. * Kassie, Alebachew, and Nguon Sokunthea. ''Credit and Landlessness Impact of Credit Access on Landlessness in Cheung Prey and Battambang Districts''. Phnom Penh: Oxfam GB Cambodia Land Study Project, 2000. * Mourer, Cécile, and Roland Mourer. ''The Prehistoric Industry of Laang Spean, Province of Battambang, Cambodia''. Sydney: Australasian Medical Pub, 1970. * Robinson, Court, Suphāng Čhanthawānit, and Lekha Nou. ''Rupture and Return Repatriation, Displacement, and Reintegration in Battambang Province, Cambodia''. Bangkok: The Center, 1994. * Grant Ross, Helen. ''Battambang = Pâtṭaṃpaṅ = Bad Dambaung = Le bâton perdu : histoire d'une ville''. Phnom Penh, Cambodge: 3DGraphics Pub, 2003. in French and Khmer * Tūc, Jhuaṅ. ''Battambang During the Time of the Lord Governor''. Phnom Penh: Cedoreck, 1994. * Vinary, Vonn. ''"All Our Livelihoods Are Dead" Landlessness and Aquatic Resources in Battambang Province''. hnom Penh Oxfam GB Cambodia Land Study Project, 2000. * Wallgren, Pia, and Ray Sano. ''Report on the Reconciliation Areas Based on in-Depth Interviews Conducted in Six Villages in Battambang, Banteay Meanchey and Siem Reap Provinces''. Phnom Penh: UNDP/CARERE, 2000.


External links


Battambang - The Rice Bowl of Cambodia (Official Website of the Provincial Town Battambang on www.battambang-town.gov.kh)

Phnom Bannon Hill Temple
{{coord, 13, 06, N, 103, 12, E, region:KH_type:city, display=title Provincial capitals in Cambodia Cities in Cambodia Battambang District km:ក្រុងបាត់ដំបង