Battambang - The North-western Province Of Cambodia

Cambodia has many tourist attractions which bring tourists to spend their vacations in the southeastern Asian country throughout the year. The northwestern province of Battambang holds many architectural treasures in its territory and both architecture students and tourists go there to appreciate its amazing structures. The name 'Battambang' has been found to be originated from a legend that King Kranhoung threw his staff which landed in the city and the name simply means 'loss of stick'.

Built during the reign of King 'Soriyak Varman I' starting from year 1002 to 1050, the Ba Set Temple stands tall on top of a hill in Ba Set village. The beautiful temple which was completed in 1042 is located around 15 kilometers away from Ta Pune commune. Ba Set temple is an excellent specimen of 11th Century architecture with distinct French influences. A nearby lake which is 10 meters deep in normal weather also adds to beauty and is an attractive spot for tourists.

Another structure having French style of architecture is the Wat Ek Temple which was built in the 11th Century and is a place that every tourist loves to visit. The Wat Ek Temple was completed by King Sorayak Varman I in 1027 and you can reach it from the provincial capital after a drive of 14 kilometers.

While Ba Set and Wat Ek have a largely 11th Century style of architecture, Ba Nan temple is a mixture of 11th and 12th Century design as its construction was initiated by Ut Tak Yea Tit Tya Varman II in the later stages of 11th Century and was continued by King Jayavarman VII until its completion. Ba Nan temple stands in the Ba Nan District approximately 15 kilometers away from the capital of the Battambang province. While reaching the temple, you'll have to climb a 400 meter high cliff, Koh Tey 2 commune. Ba Set Temple, Wat Ek Temple and Ba Nan are three excellent examples of Buddhist temples in Cambodia.

Another great place which lies in waiting for you is in Snung Pagoda commune which houses three ancient stupas on top of a hill. As you arrive at the hill in Snung Pagoda commune to get a tour of the three stupas, you'll be dazzled by the magnificent 12th Century design used in the gates.

A favorite place of many foreign tourists in Battambang is the Sek Sak resort which gives people an insight into the natural beauty of Cambodia. Sek Sak contains diverse species of plants and animals and it is spread across a region of 500 meters with the bank of the river. Sam Puoy commune offers you another opportunity to venture into the greener side of Cambodia. Apart from stunning temples, the Phnom Sam Puoy also has three wells which are naturally supplied, while the Reach Kol Neang Rum Say Sork story involves mountains standing close by which adds more mystery to the whole place.

Cambodia's cultural roots originate deep into ancient history, the signs of which can be found in its architecture and all of this gives you a great mix of culture, tradition and hospitability. Cambodia offers something for everyone as from large Buddhist temples to serene countryside; the tourists find this country as an ideal spot to spend their vacations, in particular, the Battambang province.