Battambang Province

Battambang (the Siamese name was Phratabong) founded during the height of the Khmer empire in the 11th century (long before the Thai were a political power), is Cambodia's second-largest city and the capital of Battambang Province.

It is the urbanized part of theBattambang District.. After the invasion of Thai forces,
it was the main commercial hub of Siam's Eastern Provinces, though it was always populated by ethnic Cambodians. The Thai finally returned the provinces in 1909 because of pressure from the French, who administered Cambodia as a 'Protectorate', though the Thai attempted to regain the territory as part of a deal they made with the Japanese during World War II. After the defeat of their Japanese ally, Thailand returned the area to the French, from whom it was formally given to Cambodia in 1953. It is the former capital of Monton Kmer.The city lies in the heart of the Northwest and until the war years was the leading rice-producing province of the country
Battambang is the main hub of the Northwest connecting the entire region with Phnom Penh and Tahailand, and as such it’s a vital link for Cambodia. The main parts of the city are situated closed to theSangker River, a tranquil, small body of water that winds its way through Battambang Province. It is a nice, picturesque setting. As with much of Cambodia, the French architecture is an attractive bonus of the city. The French has left most of its influence on the Cambodian land.
-Barsaet Temple
Barsart temple is located in Barsaet village, Tapoan commune,Sangke district, about 15 km east of Battamang provincial town. The temple was built in 11th century, between AD 1036 and 1042, during the reign of king Suryavarman I (AD 1002-1050). This temple was seriously damaged, and only the door, frame remains. Next to this temple, there is an ancient pond that is 20 meters long, 12meters wide and 10 meters deep. It holds water year round.
-Banan Temple
Banan temple is located in Kanti 2 commune, Banan district, atop a 400 meters high mountaintop, about 25 km south of the provincial town. This sandstone and laterite temple was built between the mid 11th and late 12th centuries. Work was started under king Udayadityavarman II
(AD 1050-1066) and ultimately finished by king Jayavarman VII (AD 1181-1219). The temple has five towers similar to Angkor Wat, but it was condtructed separately. At the foot of the mountain, there is a moat and two natural wells, Best Meas and Chhoung.
-Wat Ek Phnom Tem ple
Wat Ek Phnom temple is located in Tkov village, Peam Ek commune, about 14 km from Battambang provincial town. The temple was built in
AD 1027, during the reign of king Suryavarman I. There are 18 bodhi trees around the temple. They are lovely to look at and provide abundat fresh air. Outside the temple to the south, there is a moat that is now a pond.
-Phnom Sampeou
Phnom Sampeou is a natural site located along National Road 57 in Samppeou commune, Battambang district, about 12 km from the provincial town. Atop a 100 meter high mountain stands a pagoda and three natural caves Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. Pkasla cave is full of uprooted stones and is considered important because it is where phnom Sampeou is a tural site located along National Road 57 in Sampeou commune,
Battambang district, about 12 km from the provincial town. Atop a 100 meter high mountain stands a pagoda and three natural caves: Pkasla, Lakhaon and Aksopheak. Pkasla cave is full of uprooted stones and is considered im portant because it is where Phnom Sampeou residents come to celebrate after a marriage.

-Sek Sork
Sek Sork is located in Treing commune, Rattanak Mondul district, about 50km soputhwest of the provincial town. It has long been a popular site for local people to visit. Sek Sork is a slope stream, about 500 meters long, from which water flows over a flat stone surface. There are green forests nearby, and wild bamboo growns in rows along the stream, providing shade. Visitors to Sek Sork can also go to Pick Chenda Dangtung water bubble and Laang Spean Andet site, which are only about 6 km away.