Battambang Day Trip: Bamboo Train, Bat Cave & Guide Pickup

Summary

Ride the bamboo train, climb Wat Banan & watch bats at dusk in Battambang

You’ll ride Battambang’s quirky bamboo train through green fields, climb ancient temple steps at Wat Banan with barely another soul around, and watch millions of bats stream into dusk skies. With a local guide handling transport and stories along the way, you’ll get moments of quiet awe (and maybe a little laughter) you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Siem Reap when our driver handed us cold water and grinned — “Battambang today!” The road out was a blur of scooters and those bright blue tarps stretched over roadside stalls. I didn’t really know what to expect from this Battambang day trip, except that everyone kept mentioning the bamboo train. Turns out, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a flat bamboo platform on wheels, rattling along old tracks through rice fields. Our guide, Dara, laughed when we all clung to the sides at the first bump. The wind whipped up that earthy smell you get after rain — not sure if it had rained or if that’s just how Cambodia smells in the morning.

The next stop was Wat Banan temple. Dara said it’s older than Angkor Wat but way quieter — he wasn’t kidding; we were almost alone except for two kids selling lotus flowers at the bottom of those 365 steps. I lost count halfway up (don’t judge), but reaching the top felt worth it. The stones were warm under my hands and there was this view over the Sanker river that made me just stand there for a minute, not really talking. There’s something about old temples that makes you whisper even if no one else is around.

Later on we headed to Phnom Sampeau for the Killing Cave and then waited near the entrance of this bat cave as dusk crept in. Locals gathered too — some with snacks, some just chatting quietly. Suddenly, millions of bats started pouring out in this wild black ribbon across the sky. It went on forever; honestly, I thought Dara was exaggerating about how many there’d be but nope… he just smiled and said “every night.” I still think about that sound — like soft wind mixed with tiny wings.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Battambang Highlights and Bat Cave

• Ride Bamboo Train through countryside
• Climb 365 stairs to Wat Banan temple
• Hike to secret bat cave before sunset
• Watch bats emerge at dusk

Top questions

How long does the Battambang day trip from Siem Reap take?

The tour lasts a full day with round-trip transport included.

Is hotel pickup included for this Battambang tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Siem Reap hotel are included.

Do I need to buy tickets for the Bamboo Train or temples?

No, entry fees for all sites are included in your tour.

Is lunch provided during the Battambang day trip?

No lunch is mentioned as included; bring snacks or buy locally.

Are there many tourists at Wat Banan temple?

No, outside Cambodian holidays it’s usually very quiet.

What time do bats leave the cave in Battambang?

The bats start flying out around 5 pm each evening at sunset.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for infants without supervision.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout Battambang.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup and drop-off in Siem Reap, entry fees to all sites like Bamboo Train Battambang and Wat Banan Temple, drinking water and cool towels along the way, plus a friendly local guide sharing stories as you go.