Siem Reap to Battambang Private Day Tour with Bamboo Train

Summary

Private Guided Trip: Temples, Bamboo Train & Local Life in Battambang

You’ll get real insight into Cambodian daily life on this private tour from Siem Reap to Battambang—temples, markets, bamboo train rides, and sunset at bat caves all packed into one day with your own local guide.

What’s the experience like?

The sun was barely up when our driver pulled up outside our guesthouse in Siem Reap. We piled into the van, still a bit sleepy, but the cool air and the promise of fresh countryside kept us awake. The road out of town was quiet—just a few motorbikes and some folks setting up roadside stalls. As we drove, our guide, Dara, pointed out patches of rice paddies shimmering with morning dew and kids pedaling old bikes to school. Every so often, we'd pass a small village where you could catch a whiff of wood smoke or see someone selling sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves.

After about three hours (with a couple of quick stops for photos and iced coffee), we rolled into Battambang. First stop: Ek Phnom Temple. It's an 11th-century ruin—weathered stone blocks stacked under the shade of frangipani trees. Dara explained some of the carvings and let us wander around on our own for a bit. There weren't many tourists; just a few locals lighting incense at a nearby shrine.

Next up was Phsar Nath Market. This place is busy—scooters weaving between stalls, vendors calling out prices, the smell of grilled fish mixing with sweet jackfruit. We tried some local snacks (I still remember the crunchy fried spring rolls) and fresh sugarcane juice that hit just right after walking around in the heat.

We followed the river for a while to check out those old French colonial buildings—faded yellow paint, wooden shutters half-open to catch any breeze off the water. Dara shared stories about how these buildings dated back to the 1930s when Battambang was part of French Indochina.

The highlight? Definitely riding the bamboo train—or Norry as locals call it. It’s basically a flat platform on wheels powered by a little engine. The track rattles under you as you zip past fields and farmhouses; I had to duck once when we passed under some low-hanging branches! Later in the afternoon, we headed up Phnom Sompoa (Sompoa Mountain). We found a spot near one of the caves just before sunset—millions of bats started pouring out in swirling black ribbons against the sky. It’s noisy and kind of wild to watch; everyone just stood there grinning.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Siem Reap to Battambang Tour

• Depart Siem Reap for Battambang (3 hours drive)
• Visit 11th century temple
• Explore Ek Phnom Temple
• Walk around Phsar Nath Market and try local snacks
• See French colonial buildings along Battambang Riverside
• Ride the Bamboo Train and visit Bat Caves

Top questions

How long does it take to drive from Siem Reap to Battambang?

The drive usually takes about three hours each way, depending on traffic and stops along the route.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No meals are included in the price, but your guide will recommend local places for lunch or snacks at your own expense.

Can I ride the bamboo train if I have back problems?

The bamboo train can be bumpy; it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or certain health conditions.

Are entrance tickets covered?

Yes—all attraction tickets mentioned in the itinerary are included in your tour price.

What’s included

Your private group gets an English-speaking local guide in Battambang, all attraction tickets (including Ek Phnom Temple and bamboo train ride), transport by A/C SUV or minivan depending on group size, plus free bottled water and cool towels throughout the day.