Bamboo Train

Riding on a bamboo train is an adrenaline pumping and fun activity in Battambang. Running on a single track, the bamboo train, or Nori in Khmer, can come in either direction. Based on the signals of the drivers, passengers on one of the bamboo trains will need to get off to make way for the other train to pass.

Location

The Bamboo train has a few stations wherein you can board. The most famous and accessible is the one located in O’Dambang village, a few kilometres south of Battambang town.

Opening Days and Hours

The Bamboo train runs daily from 05:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The fee for a ride is USD 20 per person. However, if you happen to board on one with many passengers and livestock, it could cost as low as USD 1 per person!

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to a Bamboo train station is by taking a tuk-tuk from Battambang.

Suggested For

The Bamboo train suits visitors consisting of family with kids above 6 years, small groups of friends, young couples, and backpackers who are adventurous.

Time to Spend

You can spend about 1 to 2 hours experiencing riding on the utterly unique Bamboo train.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

As the Bamboo train is a mode of transport for the local villages, avoid going very early in the morning or towards the end of its operation time as it could get quite uncomfortably crowded.

Food

Food is only available at the villages.

Safety and Fraud

The Bamboo train has no safety devices such as safety belts, so ride at your own risk.

Stay

Battambang offers a wide choice of accommodation options such as budget guesthouses.

Good to Know

The bamboo train will take a break for 10 to 30 minutes when it has reached the end of the line before heading back.

Apsara Theatre Restaurant is a very interesting place to visit if you are an avid fan of ritual dances. You should be able to identify the dance from the stories you learned during your temple visits. Aside from enjoying the dances, you will also be served with a sumptuous dinner set.

Location

Apsara Theatre Restaurant is located at Street 26, Krong Siem Reap, a 5-minute drive from downtown Siem Reap.

Opening Days and Hours

The shows at Apsara Theatre Restaurant are held every Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 19:30 to 22:00. It is also best to check with the restaurant when you make your reservations if there are any changes.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The entry fee to the Apsara Theatre Restaurant is USD 27. For reservations, you can call at +855 63 963 561.

How to Get There

You can get to the restaurant via tuk-tuk, motoride, or taxi.

Suggested For

Apsara Theatre Restaurant suit couples and groups of friends perfectly. It is not so suitable for family with kids and seniors due to the need to sit for quite some time on the floor.

Time to Spend

Visitors usually spend about 2 hours in the restaurant.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Apsara Theatre Restaurant is slowly gaining popularity among Siem Reap visitors, so reservations are a must before visiting the place.

Food

A dinner set is included with your the entrance fee. However, no drinks are provided and have to be purchased separately.

Nearby Attractions

Since the restaurant is not open daily, other alternatives that will also give you the opportunity to watch cultural dances are Temple Balcony at Pub Street or Koulen Restaurant in downtown Siem Reap.

Stay

Siem Reap offers a number of accommodation options at different price points.

Good to Know

You may need to sit on the floor and place your feet in a trench underneath the tables if you are assigned a table at the ground floor.

White Elephant Pagoda, also known as Wat Tahm-Rai-Saw in Battambang is an architectural landmark with heavy influences from Thai architecture thanks to a Thai reign in the past, and is also known for its cultural performances. During Khmer New Year, you can get to be a part of the festival’s tradition wherein people throw water with coloured powder at other visitors as a form of blessing.

Location

White Elephant Pagoda is located between Street No 2 and Street No 3, in the heart of Battambang city.

Opening Days and Hours

White Elephant Pagoda opens daily from 07:00 to 19:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is free.

How to Get There

It is hard to miss seeing the White Elephant Pagoda with its beautiful and elaborate gates at the corner of Street No 2 and 3. Many visitors make the White Elephant Pagoda a pitstop during their cycling tour. You can get there on foot, taxi, or tuk-tuk.

Suggested For

White Elephant Pagoda is an excellent attraction for anyone who’s interested in Cambodia’s temples, including small groups of friends, seniors, families with kids, couples, and backpackers.

Time to Spend

Most people spend about 1 hour at the temple.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

White Elephant Pagoda is popular among visitors as it is strategically located in Battambang’s city centre. The best time to visit White Elephant Pagoda is during the Khmer New Year when you can also participate in the festival.

Food

Enjoy Khmer dishes especially spring rolls and sticky bamboo cakes with banana chips at one of the eateries available nearby. A number of food options can be found in the area ranging from budget local eats to relatively more expensive restaurants.

Nearby Attractions

You can head over to Wat Kor Village, which is a 10-minute drive away by tuk-tuk to visit ancient houses and see local lifestyle – where they work with ox carts and rice mills. You can also take a walk around Battambang city to see French Colonial Buildings at Street No 1 to 3. For a small break, sip on a cup of coffee at Kinyei Cafe which, is 5 minutes away on foot.

Stay

Battambang offers a wide choice of accommodation options, which includes budget guesthouses.

Good to Know

Dress appropriately as you are entering a place of worship. If you are squeezed for time on your trip to Battambang, this is a convenient and interesting attraction that you can visit.

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh stands majestically near the river front and serves as a striking landmark since 1866. The palace is richly ornate, making it deserving to be the home of Cambodian kings.

Location

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is located at Samdach Sothearos Blvd (3) and is a 15-minute walk away from the city centre.

Opening Days and Hours

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Do note that it closes from lunch break from 11:00 to 14:00 every day.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The entry fee to the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is USD 10, which includes entrance fees to the Silver Pagoda. An additional fee applies for tour guides.

How to Get There

Most visitors can get to the palace via tuk-tuks or taxi.

Suggested For

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh makes a good sight-seeing spot for architecture fans and visitors seeking a cultural experience. It suits visitors consisting of small groups of friends, solo travelers, young couples, and backpackers.

Time to Spend

You can explore the palace grounds in about 1- 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The palace is usually more crowded in the during opening times and right after lunch breaks. Sundays are usually busier than other days. You should avoid visiting the palace at these hours if you would like to avoid the crowd.

Food

A few stalls within walking distance offer good, authentic, local cuisine. You may also grab a meal at one of the cafés and bistros nearby.

Nearby Attractions

The Royal Palace of Phnom Penh is adjacent to the Silver Pagoda (10 minutes walk) and the National Museum (15 minutes walk). You may also be interested to go for the river cruise along Sisowath Quay (Riverside), which is about 15 minutes away by tuk-tuk.

Stay

Phnom Penh has a variety of accommodation options in different price points, from budget, mid-range to luxury.

Good to Know

It is important to take note of the dress code, which is similar to visiting religious sites.

The circus shows at Phare Ponleu Selpak is definitely one of the highly recommended things to do when you are in Battambang. The show starts with a 10-minute traditional Cambodian performance and after that, the circus continues with a well-choreographed act that reflects the different aspects of Cambodian culture. The show is filled with music, acrobatics and creative ways to tell you unique Cambodian stories that you will never forget.

Location

Phare Ponleu Selpak is located in Anh Chanh Village, Ochar Commune, Battambang. It takes about a 10-minute drive to get there from Battambang town.

Opening Days and Hours

The doors at Phare Ponleu Selpak opens at 18:00 but the show usually starts at 19:00. Circus shows are available two to four nights a week depending on the season. You can also visit the school and tours are available in four sessions during weekdays, starting at: 08:30, 09:30, 14:30, and 15:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The entry fee to the Phare Ponleu Selpak is USD 14 for adults and USD 7 for children. You can grab your tickets at the ticketing counter, certain vendors in town, or reserve them online at reservations@phareps.org.

How to Get There

Many visitors come to Phare Ponleu Selpak on foot, taxi or tuk-tuk. Others join afternoon group tours which include tickets to the circus and transportation too.

Suggested For

Most visitors to Phare Ponleu Selpak are made up of small groups of friends, seniors, families with kids, and backpackers.

Time to Spend

The show typically lasts for about 2.5 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Phare Ponleu Selpak is very popular among visitors to Battambang. Any nights with an available circus show is always a good time to go!

You can check the schedule for the next show at https://phareps.org/events/

Food

Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the bar before the show. Be sure to fill your stomach with dinner so that it does not growl in the middle of the show!

Safety and Fraud

Beware of people touting for businesses trying to convince you to purchase tickets from them at a much higher price!

Nearby Attractions

The museum is within walking distance to the Silver Pagoda (5 minutes) and Royal Palace of Phnom Penh (10 minutes). You may also be interested to go for the river cruise along Sisowath Quay which is about 15 minutes away by tuk-tuk.

Stay

You have a wide choice of accommodation options with mostly budget guesthouses at Battambang city.

Good to Know

Although it is possible to buy tickets on the spot, it is best to reserve your tickets earlier to ensure that you can enjoy the show, especially on seasons with only two shows a week.

The National Museum in Phnom Penh has one of the largest collections of Khmer artifacts in Cambodia. The architecture of the museum building itself is fascinating.

Location

The museum is located at Preah Ang Eng Street 13, a mere 5-minute tuk-tuk ride from the city centre of Phnom Penh.

Opening Days and Hours

The National Museum opens daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

The entry fee is USD 5 for foreigners and KHR 500 (USD 0.12) for Cambodians. Children and school groups are free. Audio tours are available for an additional fee.

How to Get There

Most visitors get to the site either by tuk-tuks or taxi. Walking is viable for visitors staying nearby.

Suggested For

The National Museum makes a good sight-seeing spot for architecture fans and visitors seeking for a cultural experience. It suits visitors consisting of small groups of friends, solo travelers, young couples, and backpackers.

Time to Spend

You will need about 1- 2 hours to see the entire museum.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Mondays are usually busier than other days and the museum is usually more crowded in the afternoons. If you would like to avoid the crowd, you should visit early in the morning.

Activities

The museum is perfect for learning and appreciating the rich Khmer culture and history. The audio tours are also helpful in understanding the exhibits in the museum. Occasionally, special exhibits are available in addition to the permanent exhibits.

Food

You can find a small snack bar within the National Museum premises. A wide selection of eateries that offer good authentic, local cuisine are also available within close proximity. Alternatively, you may grab a meal at one of the cafés and bistros nearby.

Nearby Attractions

Stay

Various accommodation options are available for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers located in Phnom Penh city.

Good to Know

It is important to know that photography is not permitted within the museum galleries.

The Independence Monument marks Cambodia’s independence from foreign rule. The 20-metre monument also serves as a memorial to the Cambodian patriots who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Location

Right in the middle of the city centre, the Independence Monument is located at the intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevard in Phnom Penh.

Opening Days and Hours

The Independence Monument is open 24 hours daily.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Free.

How to Get There

Most visitors get to the monument by either tuk-tuks or taxi and en route to visiting other attractions.

Suggested For

The Independence Monument is a good sight-seeing spot for architecture fans and visitors looking for a cultural experience. It suits visitors consisting of small groups of friends, solo travelers, young couples, and backpackers.

Time to Spend

Visitors typically spend about 1 to 2 hours at the monument.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The Independence Monument is particularly crowded on Independence Day (November 9) and Constitution Day (September 24), with most visitors here either early morning or late evening when it is well lit up. To avoid the crowd, it is advised to go any time other than the aforementioned times.

Food

Food stalls offering good, authentic, local cuisine are within walking distance. You may also grab a meal at one of the cafés and bistros nearby.

Safety and Fraud

The monument is located in an area with heavy traffic. Please exercise road safety when taking photographs.

Nearby Attractions

The Independence Monument is within walking distance to the Royal Palace (10 minutes) and the National Museum (25 minutes).

Stay

Phnom Penh offers various accommodation options at different price points.

Good to Know

The Independence Monument is an open area, so bring a hat and sunscreen if you are visiting in the afternoon. This place is illuminated at night so you may want to check that out as well.

testing singapore attraction

Kecak Dance – Uluwatu, also known as “The Monkey Dance” is a Balinese performing art that was created in the 1930s. The dance is performed by around a dozen of men who sit in rows and chant a special rhythm using the word “cak” from which the dance gets its name. The show takes place at the Uluwatu sea temple with gorgeous sunset views in the background.

Location

Located on the southern tip of the island of Bali, Uluwatu is the location of a breathtaking sea temple. The dance takes place on the Open Air Stage at Pura Uluwatu, which is about 20 kilometres from Ngurah Rai Airport. The best mode of transport to Uluwatu is car or taxi and the trip takes around 50 minutes.

Opening Days and Hours

The show is performed every day (except the holidays of Nyepi & Pengerupukan) and takes place from 18:00 to 19:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance fee costs IDR 100,000 (USD 7) for adults and IDR 40,000 (USD 2.80) for children (below 10 years).

How to Get There

Uluwatu is accessible via a 50-minute car or taxi ride from the Ngurah Rai Airport.

Suggested For

Kecak Dance Uluwatu is perfect for families with children as it showcases the natural beauty of this riveting dance in front of a magical temple that has stood in Bali for centuries. Couples, solo travelers, and groups will also enjoy this spectacle.

Time to Spend

Most tourists visit this spot to watch the dance, which takes an hour. However you can come here a little ahead of time and enjoy the scenery and sunset views. In addition to the Kecak Dance, travelers can also check out the Uluwatu Temple. So you can spend a few hours here if you want to see everything.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The Kecak Dance takes place at 18:00, although it is best to arrive here at around 17:00 to enjoy the sunset views and explore a bit.

Food

A number of local cafes that serve a variety of food and drinks can be found around the Uluwatu Temple area. Other than that, tourists can also find wide range of restaurants that serve different cuisines in a different price points in the wider area around Uluwatu.

Nearby Attractions

Blue Point Beach is just 2 kilometres from Uluwatu Temple
Dreamland is 7 kilometres from Uluwatu Temple

Stay

A huge number of accommodation options can be found around the Uluwatu area, including budget hostels, bed and breakfasts, mid-range hotels, and 5-star resorts.

Good to Know

Before entering the Uluwatu Temple area, temple guards will ask you to put on a scarf around your waist, which is a Hindu tradition. If you are wearing shorts or a skirt that are above the knee, then you will be asked to wear a sarong.