Best of Battambang

"Phare Ponleu Circus The Phare Ponleu Circus, inspiring and awe-inducing on many levels, delights kids from 2 to 92. Under the cover of a vintage, dusty big top tent, you're invited to witness thrilling acts that could easilybe part ofa Cirque du Soleil show.The circus evolved froma home for orphaned children, just after the Khmer Rouge fell. In addition to music and dance, the teachers began teaching performance art to the students, and over the decades, schoolprojectstransformed intoafull-blown circus that tours globally. Eachperformance combines whimsy, comedy, reflection, and even hints of dark political satire."

"The Bamboo Train of Battambang One of the top attractions just outside of sleepy Battambang is the bamboo norry train. These simple platforms outfitted with small motors were originally used to ferry people and goods between the distant villages. Today, the system is largely a tourist attraction, and a recommended one. Riding from one village to another will take about an hour. The trainsoperateon just one set of tracks,and when two trains meet going opposite directions, the drivers hop off, move one of the platforms and its wheels to the side of the track, so that the other may pass."

"Soksabike Tour Battambang Soksabike connectstravelers with the trueBattambang. Through their various bike tours, they combinetheir passion for sustainable tourism with a desire to give guests a really local look at the city. Choose either theCountrysidetour, one focused on customs and culture,or alocal livelihood journey—all come with fresh air and exercise. Soksabike also offers custom trips.Tours operate half- and full-day and start around $25 per person."

"Dine at Jaan Bai Enjoy world-class cuisine for a good cause at the delicious, inviting Jaan Bai.This popular outpost, aBattambang lure for food-minded travelers, raisesfunds to support the Cambodian Children’s Trust and the kitchen anddining provide hands-on vocational training for local youth. The restaurant's name translates to "rice bowl" in Khmer, but the menu venturesfar beyond rice, showcasingauthentic Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese staples, in small, shareable servings. The venture isthe brainchild of several chefs and restaurateurs, including David Thompson of Bangkok 's famous Ngam."

"Climb 700 Steps to Wat Sampeou Wat Sampeou, a colorful temple on top of monolithic, 330-foot-tall Sampeau mountain, can be reachedby climbing up700 steps (or taking a less rigorous path). The temple andthree natural caves nearbyare filled with Buddhist shrines and statues. The caves also contain human remains,because the Khmer Rouge used the mountain caves as killing fields during the war."