Battambang is well known for it’s main tourist attractions such as the bamboo train, Wat Banan and Phnom Sampov with it’s spectacular bat display. However, the city has a more to offer for us photographers, from local cottage industries, wonderful French Chinese architecture to the many buddhist monasteries along the Sangker river. A great place to immerse your creative eye.
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Architecture
At the time of writing, Battambang old quarters still holds some colonial charm. It has a traditional grid street format introduced by the french. In recent years the city has expanded, with the odd high rise, not the mass development found in other Cambodian cities. Central Battambang has a Khmer feel. Points of interest are mostly in the old quarters, including Psar Nath (central market) a Chinese pagoda, an old cinema, Wat Damrey and Wat Pipetharam. This Architecture street walk guide gives a brief insight into Battambang’s Architectural history.
Capture dynamic action at the historic Psar Nat clock tower. Join our Battambang photography tour to master camera panning, morning traffic blurs, and Khmer culture.
Capture the intricate architecture and serene daily life at the White Elephant Pagoda. Book our expert-led Battambang photography tour.
Master symmetrical composition and low-light techniques inside the historic Road 1 Chinese temple. Book our expert-led Battambang photography tour.
Learn to master lighting, shadows, and bold colors on our Battambang photography tour. Capture stunning details at the historic Road 1 Chinese Temple.
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Cottage Industries
Out of town, most famous are the hand made rice paper makers. These are the rice papers used for spring rolls and can be found drying outside residences along the waterway towards Ek Phnom temple. Other things to look out for are sticky rice, banana crisps and rice wine.
Capture the authentic faces and heritage crafts of Cambodia. Join our Battambang photography tour to master environmental portraiture in local villages.
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Street Photography
Around old quarters is an ideal place for some street photography with the colonial architecture providing an ideal backdrop for your chosen subject.
Master candid street photography in the golden hour light of Battambang’s Psar Nat market. Join our expert-led tour to capture authentic Cambodian daily life.
Capture the fascinating intersections of modern life and ancient tradition. Join our Battambang photography tour to master silhouettes and candid framing.
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Monks and Monasteries
Whether you hang around in Battambang town or visit the pagodas along the river, Buddhist monks are in abundance. Catch them in the morning on their daily alms round.
Master color blocking and environmental portraiture in Cambodia. Join our Battambang photography tour to capture striking imagery of monastic life.
Go behind the scenes of local cottage industries. Book our Battambang photography tour to master environmental portraiture and tricky steam lighting.
Capture authentic community traditions behind temple walls. Book our Battambang photography tour to master environmental portraiture and candid storytelling.
Capture quiet, candid moments behind temple walls. Join our Battambang photography tour to master golden hour light, framing, and storytelling.
Capture breathtaking, atmospheric imagery behind temple walls. Book our Battambang photography masterclass to learn advanced smoke and silhouette lighting.
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Phare Circus
Head to Phare Circus for some great evening entertainment. The show tarts at 7pm and is full of energy. There is also a school tour at 2 and 3pm week days. The evening show allows photography, however they are finicky with cameras on the school tour. There are different shows, check their website for more information.
Master high-speed action and tricky stage lighting. Join our Battambang photography tour for an energetic evening capturing the famous Phare Circus artists.
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Wat Sampov.
Located 15km south west of Battambang, this iconic hilltop pagoda has great panoramic views, well worth a visit. Khmer rouge era killing caves are also located here, a grim reminder of Cambodias history. Battambang’s highlight is certainly the bats on their out-flight at dusk. An estimated 7 million bats leave their nest and go hunting , one of the most spectacular nature sight. It’s worth the trip to Battambang for this alone!
Battambang’s charm and the spectacular bats on their out-flight is an attractive add on for your visit to the iconic Angkor temples. It’s a short trip form the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. The laid back atmosphere makes for an ideal add-on to our multi day photography tours.
Battambang’s charm and the spectacular bats on their out-flight is an attractive add-on for your visit to the iconic Angkor temples. It’s a short trip from the hustle and bustle of Siem Reap. If you are planning your trip around local events, make sure to check out our complete Cambodia Festival Dates & Photography Guide to align your travel calendar. The laid-back atmosphere makes for an ideal add-on to our multi-day photography tours.