Battambang Provincial Museum

The Battambang Provincial Museum is a significant cultural and historical site in Battambang Province, Cambodia. The museum earns its reputation as one of the finest Cambodian museums, attracting tons of visitors every year. Visitors can explore the museum to gain a captivating insight into the rich history and heritage of Battambang and Cambodia.

Battambang Provincial Museum (Cre: Best Price Travel)

History of Battambang Provincial Museum

The museum was built in 1963 by French scholar Madeleine Giteau. It was created to protect ancient ruins from the Angkorian and post-Khmer empire periods. The ruins are located in Battambang and nearby areas.

The museum had been in operation since 1968, until the civil war, when it was closed. After the war, it was then re-opened again in 1986. In 1997, it went under major refurbishment. 

Nowadays, it remains renowned as one of Cambodia's top provincial museums, drawing numerous visitors annually. The Battambang Museum, though small in size, offers a remarkable range of exhibits that never fail to impress upon first sight. 

The museum has many ancient Khmer items like pottery, sculptures, art, and musical instruments. These artifacts are from around a thousand years ago, during the early and later periods of Cambodian history. 

What to see at Battambang Provincial Museum

The Battambang Museum has a variety of items from Battambang Province, including important relics from places like Prasat Banan and Sneng. Some important pieces at the museum include a statue from the 13th century. The statue features detailed tattoos of Buddhas. Another significant piece is a worn-out image of Yama riding a buffalo.

Buddha exhibits in Battambang Provincial Museum (Cre: Smart Sinn Travel)

Adjacent to the museum is a small exhibition area featuring displays on local agriculture, fishing practices, and folk tales. What truly stands out, however, are the extensive exhibits documenting the brutal Khmer Rouge era from 1975 to 1979. These artifacts, labeled in Khmer, English, and French, offer bitter insights into the period's history. 

The museum displays many ancient statues from Cambodia, including carvings, lintels, and lingas from the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian periods. While some displays lack detailed explanations, the quality of the pieces allows visitors to explore them up close. The museum preserves nearby Angkorean temples like Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan. It also helps visitors understand and enjoy these temples. 

Statuary inside Battambang Provincial Museum (Cre: Best Price Travel)

Nearby, there is an exhibition area that hosts demonstrations of local lifestyles. This area also features a temple called Wat Tahm Rai Saw. The temple has stunning architecture and hosts celebrations for the Khmer New Year.

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The best time to visit Battambang Provincial Museum

The best time to visit the Battambang Museum largely depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. The best time to visit Battambang and its attractions, like the museum, is during the dry season from November to April. During this time, you can expect sunny weather with very little rain, which is great for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Best time to visit Battambang Provincial Museum (Cre: Smart Sinn Travel)

How to get to Battambang Provincial Museum

Battambang Provincial Museum is located in Kamkor Village, Svay Por Commune, Battambang Province, western Cambodia. To get there, you have a few options:

• Tuk-tuk: Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Battambang. You can easily hire one from anywhere in the city to take you directly to the museum.
• Motorbike Taxi: Motorbike taxis, known as "moto" in Cambodia, are another affordable and flexible way to reach the museum. You can flag down a moto driver on the street or arrange for one to take you to the museum through your accommodation.
• Bicycle: Battambang is flat and good for biking. Renting a bike is a nice way to see the city and get to the museum. Many guesthouses and hostels offer bicycle rentals, and the museum is within cycling distance from most central locations.

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How to get to Battambang Provincial Museum (Cre: Smart Sinn Travel)

What to eat near Battambang Provincial Museum

The Battambang Provincial Museum does not have restaurants. However, there are many street food vendors nearby. You can enjoy a variety of food from these vendors. Some dishes you could try include:

• Fish Amok: A traditional Cambodian dish made with fish, coconut milk, and curry paste, steamed in banana leaves.
• Lok Lak: Stir-fried beef served with a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce, often accompanied by rice and a fried egg.
• Khmer Curry: A mild and creamy curry made with coconut milk, chicken, and a variety of vegetables.

Fish Amok near Battambang Provincial Museum (Cre: Tripadvisor)

Some tips on visiting Battambang Provincial Museum

• Admission fee: 1 USD
• Opening hours: 8 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 5:30 PM. 

Keep in mind photography inside the museum is not permitted, however, visitors can still enjoy close views of the ancient treasures on display.

Tourists visiting Battambang Provincial Museum (Cre: Smart Sinn Travel)

The Battambang Provincial Museum is a must-see attraction when visiting Western Cambodia. If you're planning to visit Battambang soon, feel free to contact us. Asia King Travel is delighted to assist you with your trip.

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