Battambang - Alfred&

Battambang

Tailor-made Battambang Holidays

Despite being the second most populated city in Cambodia, Battambang has managed to stay out of the spotlight from a tourist perspective. Less chaotic than the capital while still boasting a collection of charming colonial architecture and ancient temples, Battambang feels more like a town than a city and, although vast in size, is easily navigated. Here you will experience a totally different side of Cambodia and have the opportunity to discover what daily life is like in this rural province.

The locals relish in taking the time to make visitors feel welcome in their city, asking nothing more than friendship in return. Sip coffee with your tuk-tuk driver, listen to their incredible life stories and learn first-hand about the history of Battambang from the 11^th Century through to present day. Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Cambodia, head to the countryside outside the city and see how locals make their livelihood producing rice paper and wine in addition to fish paste, dried bananas and fruit leather. A UNESCO city of performing arts, you’ll find a number of art projects for young people across Battambang and visitors are invited to take guided tours, buy handmade produce and watch energetic performances from the students at the renowned Phare Circus School.

While Battambang may not have the acclaim of Siem Reap or even Phnom Penh, it’s a city full of stories that will stay with you forever. Ask our experts about adding a stay onto your Cambodia itinerary.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like James, who's travelled extensively in Cambodia. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the celebrity chef who can help you to rustle up home cooked Khmer meals, the guide who can show you the less-touristed parts of Angkor Wat and the locals who can give you a real insight into traditional village life.

James Davinson

Cambodia Travel Expert for Alfred&

James Davinson is enthralled by Cambodia’s extraordinary history. Once you’ve explored the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and the sites of the bustling capital, Phnom Penh, he recommends delving into the country’s more recent past at the Killing Fields and the Genocide Museum, where the horrors of the Khmer Rouge’s four-year reign are sensitively explored.
Chef Nak

Celebrity Chef and Cookbook Author

Nak is Cambodia’s first female celebrity chef, a cookbook author and star of the TV show, Lunchtime with Chef Nak. Her mission is to preserve Khmer culture through food and her first cookbook, Nhum (which means 'to eat'), features 80 traditional recipes. Nak has her own menu at Phnom Penh’s prestigious Rosewood Hotel and consults for organisations like UNICEF on improving nutrition in Cambodia. Currently, Nak is working on a second cookbook that provides a different window into Khmer cuisine.
Sam Art Kim

Operations Manager, Asian Trails, Alfred&’s partner in Cambodia

Sam Art Kim began his career in the tourism industry as a private driver, before working as a representative at the tourist information centre in Siem Reap Airport. He joined Asian Trails in 2005 and is passionate about providing innovative tours for guests that showcase Cambodia’s unique culture, architecture and traditions.
Kim Nou

CEO, Maisons Wat Kor

Kim Nou initially trained as a food chemistry engineer while working part-time in the tourism and hospitality field. However, realising his passion for the industry, he went on to work for a well-known French tour operator for over 25 years across Cambodia. In 2013, Kim Nou launched Maisons Wat Kor with the aim of preserving traditional Khmer culture and is hoping to open a new hotel in Siem Reap in the coming years.
Benjamin Lehmann

General Manager, Farmhouse Smiling Gecko

Benjamin Lehmann hails from Switzerland and has vast experience in the hotel industry. He studied at the École Hôtelière de Lausanne, regarded as the world’s best hospitality school. He has lived in Asia for 7 years, managing luxury brands in Koh Samui and Phuket in southern Thailand before moving to Cambodia. Benjamin is passionate about sustainability and believes in putting people and the environment at the centre of his work.
Chinda Ney

Siem Reap branch manager, Asian Trails, Alfred&'s partner in Cambodia

Chinda lives in Siem Reap and has worked in the travel and tourism industry for over 15 years. Her experience includes working for high-end hotels and as a hospitality and tourism teacher. Chinda is now the Asian Trails branch manager for Siem Reap and is passionate about providing stellar tours for guests that showcase Cambodia’s unique culture. Chinda also loves to travel and has explored much of Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Singapore and Malaysia.