Things to do in Cambodia

Exploring Battambang’s art and architecture

This three-hour tour is perfect for art and architecture lovers, as you’ll get to visit Battambang’s galleries and colonial buildings…

By Chinda Ney

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

Battambang art gallery

Battambang is emerging as one of Cambodia’s most beautiful cultural treasures. This three-hour tour is perfect for art and architecture lovers, as you’ll get to visit galleries and French colonial buildings in the walking district, especially along famous Street 2.5. You can expect to see everything from vibrant street art to local markets, a Chinese temple, modern galleries and a vintage cinema.

Battambang, Cambodia’s third city, has a large population of artists, many of whom graduated from the NGO-run Phare Ponleu Selpak Visual Arts School. Their work is often featured in the city’s galleries and exhibition spaces. On the tour, we’ll take you by tuk tuk to Sangker Gallery, where you’ll receive a welcome drink and tour of the artwork. There’s even a chance to meet with a local artist who’ll tell you all about the thriving art scene in Battambang.

We’ll also make stops at some of Battambang’s other galleries. These could include Tep Kao Sal, which is known for its watercolours and exhibition of Lorn Loeum’s incredible ice art, and the Lotus Gallery. This restored colonial building is an arts venue as well as a popular restaurant and bar. I personally like visiting galleries because it’s like entering someone else’s universe and I love to share my knowledge of Battambang’s art scene.

Guests really enjoy walking through the historical streets and seeing the traditional lifestyle, browsing food stands and strolling along the riverside. You’ll get to see grand colonial buildings and 11^th century architecture, as well as the Psar Nat Central Market and a decorative Chinese temple. The area isn’t touristy and you’ll encounter lots of locals who’ll make you feel part of the neighbourhood and its traditions.

Alfred & Chinda Ney

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.

Chinda Ney, cultural tour guide in Battambang

Alfred&

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

Asia Travel Expert for Alfred&

James has spent the last 12 years travelling throughout Asia, including time exploring the Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He has long been fascinated by Asian culture, the fantastic cuisines and the welcoming people found on his favourite continent. But his passion for diving has fuelled many of his most memorable experiences here. Sharing the water with Thresher sharks, off the coast of tiny Malapascua Island in the Philippines, being an all-time high point.
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.