Full-Day Battambang Tour: Bamboo Train, Temples & Bat Caves

Six stops in one afternoon: bamboo train, temples, a 100-year-old house, and bats at dusk

A full-day guided tour of Battambang by private tuk-tuk, visiting the bamboo train, Mrs. Bun Roeung's Ancient House, Phnom Banan temple, Wat Ek Phnom, the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau, and the Battambang Bat Caves at sunset. Hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and bottled water are included. The tour runs 6 to 7 hours. Lunch is available at the guide's recommendation but not included in the base price.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mrs. Bun Roeung’s Ancient House1h · entry included
2. Phnom Banan1h 30m · entry included
3. Wat Ek Phnom40m · entry included

Explore Battambang city and temples

• Ride Battambang Bamboo Train
• Tour Mrs. Bun Roeung's Ancient House
• Climb to Phnom Banan Temple
• Visit Wat Ek Phnom temple
• Explore Killing Cave at Phnom Sampeau
• Watch bats emerge at Bat Cave
• Enjoy local beer at sunset

The experience

The day starts with the bamboo train: an improvised rail vehicle that runs on Cambodia's rarely used northern line. You'll ride for about an hour through rice farms and past local houses, seeing how the train was originally built as a logistical solution during the UN's transitional period. From there, the tuk-tuk takes you to Mrs. Bun Roeung's Ancient House in Vat Kor village, a 100-year-old hardwood structure with a raised floor, wide veranda, and vintage furniture that belonged to the owners. The house still stands occupied, and the owners welcome visitors to walk through and learn about the traditional construction and everyday tools that used simple mechanisms.

The afternoon moves to two temples. Phnom Banan sits on a 400-meter mountain about 25 kilometers from town. You climb ancient stairs to reach the temple, which was built in the 11th and 12th centuries under two different kings. Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th-century Hindu temple on the Sangkae River about 9 kilometers north of Battambang, comes next. Then you head to the Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau, a Khmer Rouge execution site where victims were thrown into the cave below. The guide explains the history and what you see inside.

The tour ends at the Battambang Bat Caves just before sunset. A gargantuan colony of wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats emerges from the cave mouth each evening, and you watch from the roadside bars and stalls where food and drinks are available. The private tuk-tuk and English-speaking guide stay with you throughout, handling all the logistics and entry fees so you move between sites without stopping to arrange anything.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private tuk-tuk for the full day.
• English-speaking guide.
• entrance fees to the bamboo train, Mrs. Bun Roeung's Ancient House, Phnom Banan, Wat Ek Phnom, the Killing Caves, and the Bat Caves.
• cold bottled water throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Royal Phnom Penh Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a private tuk-tuk guide to pace your day around the bamboo train ride and bat cave sunset, rather than joining a shared group tour.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the bamboo train and how long do you ride it?

The bamboo train is an improvised rail vehicle that runs on Cambodia's northern rail line, originally built as a logistical solution during the UN's transitional period. You ride it for about an hour, passing through rice farms, plantations, and past local houses and forest.

Can you go inside Mrs. Bun Roeung's Ancient House?

Yes. The 100-year-old hardwood house in Vat Kor village is still occupied by the owners, who welcome visitors to tour the interior. You'll see the raised floor, wide veranda, vintage furniture, and traditional tools and equipment that use simple mechanisms.

Do you climb stairs at Phnom Banan temple?

Yes. Phnom Banan sits on a 400-meter mountain, and you climb ancient stairs to reach the temple at the top. The temple was built in the 11th and 12th centuries and overlooks the valley below.

What happens at the Killing Caves?

The Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau are a Khmer Rouge execution site where victims were killed and thrown into the cave. Your guide explains the history and what you see inside as part of understanding this period of Cambodia's past.

When do you see the bats, and where do you watch from?

The bats emerge at sunset from the Battambang Bat Caves. You watch from the roadside bars and stalls near the cave mouth, where food and drinks are available. A gargantuan colony of wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats exits the cave each evening.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included in the base price, but your guide will recommend places to eat along the route if you want to stop. You can arrange it at checkout if you prefer to add it.