Battambang: Bamboo Train, French Quarter & Secret Bat Cave

Summary

Ride bamboo train taste fresh fruit meet locals sunset at bat cave

You’ll taste fresh jackfruit on Battambang’s streets, ride the bamboo train through open countryside, meet locals in fishing villages and fruit farms, then watch sunset as millions of bats stream from their cave with your guide by your side. It’s real life here—sometimes funny, sometimes quiet—and you’ll leave with dirt on your shoes and stories you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

We were standing outside an old shophouse in Battambang when our guide, Dara, waved us over. He was already chatting with a street vendor about jackfruit (I still can’t get used to the smell—kind of sweet and weirdly cheesy), and before I knew it we were sampling slices right there on the curb. Dara grinned and said something in Khmer that made the vendor laugh. I liked that he seemed to know everyone. That’s how our day started—not with a speech, just fruit and laughter in the middle of the city.

The city tour part surprised me. I’d read about Battambang’s French colonial buildings but seeing them up close—faded yellow paint, wooden shutters creaking in the breeze—felt different. Dara pointed out bullet holes from the war on one doorway, then told us about his grandmother hiding nearby during those years. It was hot but not stifling; you could hear mopeds buzzing past and once or twice someone’s radio playing old love songs. We hopped into a tuk-tuk and bumped along to the bamboo train—a weird little contraption that rattles so much my teeth felt loose by the end, but I loved every second. The countryside flashes by: rice paddies, kids waving, cows chewing lazily.

After lunch (nothing fancy—noodles at a roadside place where they didn’t speak English but smiled anyway), we had some downtime before Dara picked us up again for the afternoon stretch. The rice fields were blindingly green after last night’s rain; you could smell wet earth everywhere. We stopped at a fishing village where an old man mended nets with hands like driftwood. He let me try—my knots were hopeless—and just shrugged, smiling like it didn’t matter.

I think my favorite bit was sunset at Dara’s “secret” bat cave. There’s no sign or anything—you just follow him up a dusty path behind some trees until you’re staring at this huge crack in the cliffside. Suddenly millions (literally) of bats pour out in a black ribbon against the orange sky. Everyone went quiet for a minute except for one little kid who squealed every time a bat swooped low. Even now, I can still picture that moment—the air thick with wings and dusk settling over everything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Battambang city and countryside tour

• Explore Battambang's French architecture
• Ride the local bamboo train
• Visit fishing village and fruit farms
• Relax during midday free time
• See rice fields and farming
• Visit secret Batcave at sunset

Top questions

How long does this Battambang day tour last?

It’s a full-day tour starting in the morning and finishing after sunset at the bat cave.

Is hotel pickup included for this Battambang tour?

Yes, private transportation including pickup is provided by your local guide.

Can children join the bamboo train or countryside parts?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; all ages are welcome.

What is included in this Battambang city & countryside tour?

The day includes private transport, city sightseeing, bamboo train ride (optional fee), countryside visits, and sunset at the secret bat cave.

Are there food stops during this day trip?

You’ll stop for lunch at a local spot; food is not included but plenty of options are available en route.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available near most stops if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private pickup from your accommodation in Battambang, all city sightseeing with your local guide, optional bamboo train ride for an extra fee if you want it, countryside visits to fruit farms and fishing villages plus time to relax midday before heading out again for sunset at Dara’s secret bat cave spot—all by private transport so you don’t have to worry about logistics.