Social Backpacker Hostel

Cafe HOC is 162 m south-west of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 2 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “cafés & bakeries”.

The next two places under “cafés & bakeries” from Social Backpacker Hostel are Ktrey-Ktrok (270 m) and The Lonely Tree Café (293 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

A small breakfast and brunch cafe on Street 106 in Battambang, known for homemade bread and bagels baked in-house. The menu leans Western in style, with set breakfasts pairing eggs and bread with sides such as fresh local fruit, butter or jam, and coffee, plus wider options for lunch and dinner-style meals when needed.

Visitors repeatedly single out the homemade bread and bagels as the standout, often describing them as warm and freshly baked, alongside praise for generous portions that come with free extras like fruit or water included in the set price. Value comes up often too, with several guests noting that a full breakfast set costs only a few dollars. The staff are mentioned as friendly and accommodating, with at least one account of the cafe opening later than usual to fit in a second visit the same day. No significant complaints appear in the feedback, and the overall picture across reviews is consistently positive.

The cafe is closed on Mondays, open Tuesday through Sunday from 7am to 5pm, which makes it suited to breakfast or brunch rather than an evening stop except by arrangement. It suits travellers who want a filling, good-value morning meal with a home-baked feel rather than a quick coffee on the go, and portions are generous enough that light eaters may want to share.

• 162 m from the hotel — about 2 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 631 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Street 106, Krong Battambang, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Jaan Bai Restaurant is 222 m south-east of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 3 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “restaurants”.

The next two places under “restaurants” from Social Backpacker Hostel are Smokin' Pot Authentic Cambodian Restaurant and Cooking School (283 m) and WoodHouse Restaurant and Bar (312 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Jaan Bai Restaurant is a Cambodian restaurant in central Battambang, positioned at a higher price point than most local options. The menu draws on Khmer cuisine with dishes like fish amok and chicken green curry, alongside items like pork and crab congee and mushroom dumplings. The dining space is air-conditioned and decorated with pictures across the walls. It operates daily from 11 AM to 10 PM.

Visitors consistently praise the food quality and flavour, with particular mention of the mushroom dumplings, bao buns, and fritters. The restaurant's atmosphere and service receive regular compliments. Some guests note it operates as a social enterprise supporting poverty alleviation in Cambodia. However, reviewers are divided on value: while some find it worth the higher prices, others flag occasional inconsistencies. Past diners have reported dishes arriving spicy despite requests otherwise, and one noted that seafood preparation could be improved. Staff knowledge of specific dishes is variable.

The restaurant suits travellers looking for above-average Cambodian food and a comfortable air-conditioned setting without the budget constraints of backpacker dining. Those seeking strict cost savings or seeking to minimise any risk of cooking errors may find local street alternatives more forgiving. Come with moderately flexible expectations about customisation, particularly around spice levels.

• 222 m from the hotel — about 3 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 948 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Street 2 Battambang, Krong Battambang 02000, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Su

HUMAN GALLERY - Joseba Etxebarria Photography is 226 m south-east of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 3 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “museums & galleries”.

The next two places under “museums & galleries” from Social Backpacker Hostel are National Museum (859 m) and Mrs. Bun Roeung’s Ancient House (3.3 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Human Gallery is a small photography exhibition in Battambang housed in a renovated colonial building, showing portrait work by photographer Joseba Etxebarria. The images, taken across years of travel through Africa, India and Southeast Asia (much of it done by bicycle while working with UNICEF), focus on people encountered along the way, with locations and years handwritten on the back of each print. Photographs are displayed in various sizes, from postcards to large prints, and are for sale.

Visitors consistently mention that Joseba is often on site himself and takes the time to walk guests through the gallery, explaining the stories behind individual photographs and his years on the road. People describe the portraits as powerful and moving, and several say they ended up staying far longer than planned, sometimes an hour or two, simply looking at the images or listening to his account of the journey. The personal encounter with the photographer is what reviewers single out most, alongside the print quality of the works purchased. No negative points or complaints come up in the reviews.

Plan for around an hour, though conversation with Joseba can extend a visit considerably, so it suits travellers who aren't in a rush. It works well as a stop for anyone spending a day in Battambang, particularly those with an interest in documentary photography or travel stories, and it's worth going with cash on hand if a print catches your eye, since purchases are part of how the gallery supports the photographer's work. Note that his presence has been mentioned as something that may not last indefinitely, as he has spoken of moving on to new journeys, so it's not guaranteed you'll meet him in person.

• 226 m from the hotel — about 3 minutes on foot
• Rated 5.0 out of 5 by 248 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Street 2, Krong Battambang, Cambodia

Lemongrass Garden Spa and Massage, Battambang is 236 m south-east of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 3 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “spa & wellness”.

The other place under “spa & wellness” within reach of Social Backpacker Hostel is Nature Boutique Spa (603 m).

This spa on Pub Street in central Battambang offers massage and beauty treatments in a clean, calm setting. Visitors find a small operation where staff attend to details—welcome drinks, post-massage tea, and careful finishing work. The menu includes oil massage, traditional Khmer massage, pedicures, and four-hand massage options.

Guests consistently praise the professionalism and attentiveness of the therapists. Several visitors noted the value for money compared to Western prices, though reviewers emphasize this is not a budget operation—the environment and service justify the cost. The staff are described as relaxed and focused on making treatments genuinely restorative. One visitor reported a particularly strong experience with a 90-minute traditional Khmer massage with jasmine oil. A few guests mentioned four-hand massage as an option worth trying. No significant complaints appear in reviews; the main reservation some might note is that as a smaller spa, availability during peak times may vary.

The spa opens from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. It suits anyone in Battambang wanting a professional treatment without the scale of larger city spas—whether for routine pedicures or deeper therapeutic massage. Those wanting skilled, unhurried attention will find it here; anyone seeking bargain-basement pricing should manage expectations, as quality service carries a corresponding rate even in Cambodia.

• 236 m from the hotel — about 3 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 162 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

77 Pub Street, Street 2.5, Krong Battambang 02354, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Su

Miss Wong Battambang is 244 m south-east of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 3 minutes on foot. It is the closest place to the hotel under “bars”.

The next two places under “bars” from Social Backpacker Hostel are TOP-X (1.0 km) and The Balcony (1.7 km), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Miss Wong is a cocktail bar in central Battambang that draws regular visitors for its house-made drinks and food. The space is small and carefully decorated. The menu centers on cocktails—the Lemongrass Collins and Indochina Martini appear in visitor accounts—alongside food items like homemade potato dishes and dumplings. The bar opens from 4 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and closes Mondays.

Visitors consistently praise the cocktails and describe the atmosphere as stylish and welcoming. Staff are noted for friendliness and attentiveness. Several guests mention the strength of the drinks; the bar will adjust alcohol content on request if you ask. The only caution that emerges from reviews is that the cocktails are genuinely strong, so pace yourself if you are sensitive to alcohol. No significant criticisms surface in visitor accounts.

The bar suits both an early evening aperitif and a late-night drink with food. Come after 4 PM; there is no midday service. It works well as a place to settle for a few hours rather than a quick stop, given the small size and the social atmosphere visitors describe.

• 244 m from the hotel — about 3 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 130 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Krong Battambang, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Friday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12

Ktrey-Ktrok is 270 m south-east of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 3 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “cafés & bakeries”.

The next two places under “cafés & bakeries” from Social Backpacker Hostel are Cafe HOC (162 m) and The Lonely Tree Café (293 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Ktrey-Ktrok occupies a restored French colonial-era building in central Battambang, operating as a café by day and pub by night. The space blends period architecture with modern café fixtures, decorated with Khmer antiques. Visitors will find coffee drinks alongside a selection of other beverages, with an air-conditioned second floor available alongside ground-level open-air seating. The menu includes options like matcha lattes and cappuccinos, and the café stocks oat milk at no extra charge.

Visitors consistently praise the coffee quality and staff friendliness. The setting draws repeated mention—the vintage building itself and the quiet street location appeal to those seeking atmosphere alongside caffeine. Several guests noted the availability of non-dairy milk options and the cleanliness of the space. Pricing comes up as reasonable. One minor note: the venue transforms into a cocktail bar in the evenings with music, which suits some visitors but may not appeal to those seeking a calm café atmosphere after dark.

The café opens from 7 AM to midnight Monday through Saturday; Sunday hours are not listed. It sits on Road 2 in a fairly quiet part of town, making it suitable for morning work sessions or afternoon breaks. The dual function—café by day, bar by night—means timing matters depending on what you want from a visit. The non-dairy milk policy makes it practical for those with dietary preferences, and the complementary cookies and water mentioned by some guests suggest attentive service.

• 270 m from the hotel — about 3 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 139 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

194 Rd No 2, Krong Battambang, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Sunday:

Smokin' Pot Authentic Cambodian Restaurant and Cooking School is 283 m south-east of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 4 minutes on foot. Of the 6 places under “restaurants” within a kilometre of the hotel, this is the best rated.

The next two places under “restaurants” from Social Backpacker Hostel are Jaan Bai Restaurant (222 m) and WoodHouse Restaurant and Bar (312 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

Smokin' Pot is a family-run Cambodian restaurant on Street 1.5 in Battambang that doubles as a cooking school, offering home-style Khmer dishes rather than the standard street fare of noodles and fried rice. Fish amok and Khmer pork curry are among the dishes regularly mentioned, with meals typically priced around five dollars and portions described as generous. The cooking classes are a major part of what the place is known for, usually starting with a trip to the local market to buy fresh ingredients before heading to the family home to cook alongside them.

Visitors consistently praise the authenticity of the food and the warmth of the owner, Vannak, who is described as knowledgeable, welcoming, and happy to talk about local cuisine and the area over a meal. Several reviewers who came in for food ended up booking a cooking class on the spot after chatting with him, and say the experience did not disappoint, from the market visit to the hands-on cooking and the recipes provided to take home. Vegetarian and vegan diners are mentioned as being well accommodated, and repeat visits within the same trip come up more than once, suggesting the food holds up on return visits.

The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 10pm, with no hours listed for Sunday, so it is worth checking ahead if planning to visit that day. Those interested in the cooking class should allow a few hours, since it includes a market trip and cooking at the family's home before eating together. It suits travellers who want a slower, more personal introduction to Khmer food, whether they are stopping for a straightforward meal or looking to learn a few dishes to take home.

• 283 m from the hotel — about 4 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.9 out of 5 by 1,103 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

Street 1.5, Krong Battambang, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday:

The Lonely Tree Café is 293 m south of Social Backpacker Hostel — about 4 minutes on foot. It is among the three closest places to the hotel under “cafés & bakeries”.

The next two places under “cafés & bakeries” from Social Backpacker Hostel are Cafe HOC (162 m) and Ktrey-Ktrok (270 m), so there is a choice within a few minutes.

The Lonely Tree Café sits in central Battambang on Street 2.5, occupying a two-level space with a shop downstairs and a café and restaurant upstairs. Visitors find a menu that mixes local and international dishes—beef loklak, Cambodian chicken, traditional noodles, gazpacho, and Spanish omelettes appear across reviews. The café opens most days from 10 AM, closing at 9:30 PM, though Wednesday hours start at noon. Happy hour pricing on wine and beer is mentioned in multiple reviews.

Guests consistently praise the quality and freshness of the food, describing dishes as well-prepared and flavourful. The staff draw particular mention for being attentive and welcoming. One visitor noted the cappuccino was decent but not exceptional. Availability can vary—one traveller found no draft beer in early April despite other reviews mentioning it, though they were satisfied with the house wine at $2 a glass instead. Prices across the board are described as good value.

The café works well for lunch or dinner in Battambang's French quarter, with menus catering to both local-food seekers and those wanting international options. The setting is described as charming, and reviews note the café supports a good cause, though specific details are not given. Allow time to browse the shop downstairs while you wait, or settle in upstairs for a longer meal. Come during happy hour if budget matters to you.

• 293 m from the hotel — about 4 minutes on foot
• Rated 4.6 out of 5 by 709 travellers on Google

Reviews published on Google by travellers.

No. 56, Street 2.5, Krong Battambang, Cambodia

Opening hours

• Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:30 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Sunday: 10: