What to see in Battambang
The 6 sights and museums of Battambang worth the detour, in photos, ranked on visitor reviews.
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1
HUMAN GALLERY - Joseba Etxebarria Photography
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.
“My partner and I visited Joseba’s Human Gallery in July 2023. We highly recommend coming here if you have an hour or two in Battambang. Joseba, the photographer, personally met us and shared his story about traveling ar...” Traveller review on Google
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2
Phare Ponleu Selpak
Phare Ponleu Selpak is a performing arts school on the outskirts of Battambang, in Anchanh village, where students train in circus, theatre, music and visual arts. By day visitors can walk around the grounds and see something of the school itself; in the evening the site hosts a circus-style performance staged by the students, usually preceded by the option of dinner on site.
Guests are consistently struck by the standard of the performances, describing acrobatics and staging that feel far beyond what they expected from a community project, with some comparing individual acts favourably to professional circus companies. Reviewers also highlight the storytelling woven into the shows, which touches on aspects of Cambodian history and society rather than being pure spectacle. Beyond the entertainment, many mention the underlying purpose of the place: it functions as a largely self-sustaining organisation that provides shelter, food and education to children and families in the area, and several note that alumni have gone on to professional careers in Siem Reap and internationally. The welcome from staff and the pleasant, walkable grounds are also frequently mentioned. No significant complaints appear in the reviews.
“Phare is a really motivating and inspiring organization. Starting with their shows, they’re breathtaking. I didn’t expect this level of talent and quality but they managed to surprise me multiple times during the show. T...” Traveller review on Google
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3
Samrong Krong Killing Field
Samrong Krong Killing Field is a memorial site in Battambang province that bears witness to the violence of the Khmer Rouge era between 1975 and 1979. The site contains a small structure housing remains and bones, with carved inscriptions and information boards documenting the suffering that occurred there. The location is open around the clock and accessible to visitors seeking to understand this period of Cambodian history.
Visitors consistently describe the experience as moving and sobering, with many noting it as an essential historical stop. The site's educational value is widely praised, with information boards providing context about the torture and killings that took place. However, practical concerns emerge across reviews: mosquitoes are a significant issue that can limit how long visitors comfortably spend there, and the site is modest in scale. Entry operates on a donation basis, typically around one dollar, which visitors generally find reasonable and view as contributing to preservation.
“A place to reflect the harsh reality of Khmer Rouge era. The carvings around the stupor make for somber viewing. Definitely worth visiting.” Traveller review on Google
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4
Preah Noray Roundabout
Preah Noray Roundabout centres on a large statue of Lord Vishnu that dominates the traffic circle in central Battambang. The figure is notable for its scale and artistic detail, including the deity's distinctive multiple arms and sculpted physique. The roundabout itself functions as a working junction in the city, so visitors encounter the statue while navigating traffic rather than in a dedicated viewing space.
Visitors consistently remark on the statue's size and the quality of its craftsmanship. Many note the Hindu religious symbolism and appreciate it as a visual marker of Battambang's character. The main caveat is practical: the statue is embedded in an active traffic circle, which means viewing it requires attention to vehicles rather than leisurely contemplation. Some travellers find the repetitive loops around the roundabout distracting, though others treat this as part of the experience.
“It's a Lord Vishnu's Statue. Beautiful and very Big you can see the beauty of Artist 😍” Traveller review on Google
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5
National Museum
The National Museum in Battambang holds a modest collection of Khmer artifacts spanning prehistoric and historical periods. Visitors find pottery, sandstone carvings, statues, and reproductions from the Hoabinhien culture and both Pre-Angkorian and Angkorian eras. The museum is small and unfussy in presentation, with displays organized clearly and labelled in English. Staff are noted as friendly and helpful. Most people spend 30 to 45 minutes here.
Visitors consistently praise the museum as a peaceful, clean space that offers genuine insight into local history and Khmer culture. Those interested in archaeology appreciate the well-organized layout and the reproduction pieces showing daily life from prehistoric periods. The main reservation is scale and comfort: the building is not air-conditioned, which some visitors find uncomfortable in the Cambodian heat, and the presentation is simpler than larger regional museums like those in Siem Reap. The entry fee is 3 USD per person for foreigners, with no further donation required.
“I really enjoyed visiting the Battambang Museum. The museum is clean, peaceful, and full of interesting history about Khmer culture, ancient artifacts, and local traditions. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the d...” Traveller review on Google
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6
Mrs. Bun Roeung’s Ancient House
Mrs. Bun Roeung's Ancient House is a family residence in Battambang built in the 1920s, now open to visitors as a modest museum of domestic history. The owner guides guests through the rooms and explains the house's past, including damage from the Khmer Rouge period when salt was stored in the kitchen. Visitors can photograph the interior and browse items for sale, though the collection remains small. The house itself is the main attraction rather than extensive exhibits.
Guests consistently praise the owner's friendliness and willingness to explain the family's history in detail. Many find the visit genuinely interesting, particularly for understanding how ordinary Cambodian households endured and preserved their heritage. The admission fee of $2 is considered reasonable. One caveat appears across reviews: the term "ancient" misleads—the house dates from a century ago, not centuries. Some visitors note the damage is visible but managed, and the visit tends to be brief, usually around 20 minutes of guided explanation followed by free time to explore.
“Well the owner is very friendly.She explains everything to my family carefully. it’s a 100 year old house 🏠 They also sell something to.U should buy one of those. I can’t forget about the cat name Tommy.Natalie loves t...” Traveller review on Google
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Frequently asked questions
What to see in Battambang ?
Our pick right now is HUMAN GALLERY - Joseba Etxebarria Photography, Phare Ponleu Selpak, Samrong Krong Killing Field. The full list below is ordered by rating and review volume — a 5.0 with eleven reviews does not outrank a 4.6 with two thousand.
How were these places chosen?
From Google ratings and review counts, with a photo requirement: a place with no real photo does not appear. Nobody can pay to be listed, and no hotel on Heroes Hotels gets a place moved up.
Where should I stay in Battambang?
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