Battambang: Bamboo Train, Killing Cave & Bat Caves Tuk Tuk Tour

Summary

Bamboo train rides, killing cave stories and sunset bats in battambang

You’ll ride Battambang’s bamboo train through rice fields, taste local snacks (yes—even rat barbecue), climb Phnom Sampou to learn about its history and see monkeys, then end your day watching millions of bats fly out at sunset. It’s a day that stays with you long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

I can still hear the clack-clack of the bamboo train under us—kind of like a wooden rollercoaster but slower, with rice fields blurring past and wind in my face. Our guide, Dara, joked it was the “free Cambodian massage” (he wasn’t wrong). We started right after lunch with Dara picking me up outside my guesthouse in his tuk tuk. He pointed out old French buildings as we rattled through Battambang’s center—some of them faded yellow, shutters crooked. I kept trying to pronounce “Ta Dambong Kra Nhoung” (the city’s statue), but Dara just laughed and said I sounded like a duck. Fair enough.

Once we hit the countryside, everything changed. The air smelled green—like wet grass and something sweet from a fruit stand. We stopped by a farmer’s house where kids waved at us from behind banana trees. Dara explained how they grow rice here (I never realized how much work goes into one bowl). Then came the infamous rat barbecue stop—I hesitated but tried a piece anyway; honestly tasted more like chicken than I’d admit to my friends back home. That was on our way to Phnom Sampou for the Killing Cave.

The climb up felt steeper than I expected, maybe because of the heat or maybe because Dara’s stories about what happened there made everything feel heavier. Inside the cave it was cool and echoey, with sunlight cutting through at odd angles. Monkeys darted around outside, stealing snacks from someone’s backpack (not mine this time). At the top, we caught our breath and watched the sky start to turn orange over Battambang’s hills—it’s strange how quiet it gets up there.

I almost forgot about the bats until Dara nudged me—then suddenly millions poured out of the cave like smoke. It went on forever, this living river overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so small watching them disappear into dusk. The ride back was quieter; I think we were all just sitting with what we’d seen—tired but kind of grateful for it all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Battambang Tuk Tuk tour and sightseeing

• Pick up from accommodation at 11:50am
• Meet guide and learn local history
• See historical buildings and central market
• Visit villages, plantations, and rice fields
• Talk with farmers and locals
• Ride original bamboo train
• Have late lunch at local restaurant
• Taste rat barbecue snack
• Travel to Phnom Sampou by motorbike or truck
• Visit Killing Cave and learn Khmer Rouge history
• Explore temples, monkeys, and viewpoints
• Watch sunset from mountain summit
• See millions of bats flying from cave
• Return to accommodation or Pomme Bar

Top questions

What time does the Battambang tuk tuk tour start?

The tour starts with pickup at 11:50am and departs at 12:00pm.

Is hotel pickup included in this Battambang bamboo train tour?

Yes, hotel or restaurant pickup is included before departure.

Do you actually get to ride the bamboo train on this tour?

Yes, you’ll board and ride the original bamboo train as part of the experience.

Is food provided during this day trip from Battambang?

A late lunch at a local village restaurant is included; snack tasting is also offered.

Can you try rat barbecue on this tour?

Yes, tasting rat barbecue is optional but available along the route before Phnom Sampou.

How do you get up to Phnom Sampou for the Killing Cave?

You’ll take a motorbike or pickup truck shuttle up and down Phnom Sampou mountain.

How long do you watch bats at Battambang Bat Caves?

The bat flight lasts over 50 minutes in the evening as millions leave the cave.

Are entry fees included in this Battambang day trip?

All admission fees are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or restaurant pickup and drop off by tuk tuk, all entry fees covered, bottled water and cold towels for comfort, shuttle service up Phnom Sampou mountain, live guiding throughout with plenty of photo stops—and chances to taste snacks like rat barbecue if you’re curious—plus a late lunch at a village spot before heading back after sunset.