What to expect when visiting Battambang
Battambang is one of the oldest cities in Cambodia, dating back to the 11th century and bursting with rich history. But don’t worry, Battambang isn’t stuck in the past, it’s a brilliant blend of old-world charm and contemporary culture.
This city offers some incredibly unique experiences like riding a bamboo train, visiting a cave home to thousands of bats that create a stunning display every day at dusk and watching an unforgettable performance at Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus.
4 ways to get from Sihanoukville to Battambang
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 490 kilometers (304 miles) from Sihanoukville to Battambang by bus (11 to 13 hours), Shared minivan (11 to 13 hours), Taxi (10 to 12 hours) and flight (4 hours 5 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 4 hours 5 minutes to 13 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from $24 (96,000 KHR) for the bus.Where to stay in Battambang?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Battambang at the bottom of this page.
Sihanoukville to Battambang by Bus
To start with, we want to remind you that sitting on a bus for 11 to 13 hours or more is not much fun. That’s also why we recommend splitting the journey with a stop in Phnom Penh.
You can check out our pages on Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh and Phnom Penh to Battambang for more details.
Still want to travel directly from Sihanoukville to Battambang? See your options below:
Bus schedule from Sihanoukville to Battambang
Sihanoukville to Battambang by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Sihanoukville to Battambang costs around $26 (106,000 KHR). The minivan journey takes about 11 to 13 hours, depending on traffic.
Sovan Rithy Express operates on this route.
Minivan schedule from Sihanoukville to Battambang
Sihanoukville to Battambang by Flight
There is no direct flight from Sihanoukville to Battambang because Battambang has no airport. But you can fly from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap, then take a minivan/ taxi to Battambang.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Flight from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap
You can easily arrange a taxi from your hotel to Sihanoukville Airport. The taxi ride will take around 30 minutes and expect to pay $20 (81,000 KHR).
Flight tickets from Sihanoukville to Siem Reap start from $33 (134,000 KHR). If you book in the high season or last-minute you will likely pay more than $100 (407,000 KHR). The flight to Siem Reap takes around 1 hour.
Step 2: Siem Reap to Battambang by Taxi/Mini-bus
The easiest way to get from Siem Reap Airport to Battambang is by taxi. If you’re travelling alone and are on a budget, you can also consider travelling by minibus.
a. Siem Reap Battambang by Taxi
There are many taxis waiting at the airport that can bring you for $40 (163,000 KHR) to $50 (204,000 KHR) to Battambang. The ride will take about 2.5 hour.
Another option is to book a comfortable SUV taxi in advance. These taxis have more space than the sedan taxis you find at the airport. You can book one online for $55 (224,000 KHR).
b. Siem Reap Battambang by Mini-bus
Bear in mind that flights from Sihanoukville arrive in the afternoon. Mekong Express has a bus leaving at 14:00. This is the last trip so make sure to consider this when booking your flight.
Also note that you still have to travel around 20 minutes from the airport to the city centre. See our page on How to get to and from Siem Reap Int’l Airport for more info.
Sihanoukville to Battambang by Taxi
Taxis are the most common method of transport around Sihanoukville, but the long journey to Battambang could be exhausting.
The advantage of a taxi is that they will bring you door-to-door so you don’t have the hassle of getting to your hotel after a long ride. Also, you can ask the driver to make some stops along the way.
Expect to pay around $130 (529,000 KHR) and don’t forget to ask about the number of stops beforehand.
Best places to stay in Battambang
The city of Battambang is fairly spread out, however, you’ll find the majority of accommodations are located centrally, near the Sangkae River.
The downtown area is less than 5km from the airport so taking public transportation or hopping in a taxi will be an easy & quick trip to your hotel. The bus terminal is located in the downtown area and will likely be within walking distance of your hotel, or just a short taxi ride away.
When looking for a great place to stay in Battambang, we recommend staying in one of these accommodations:
Pomme Hostel - Budget Friendly
Pomme Hostel, Bar & Restaurant is located centrally in the heart of Battambang. Just 200 m from Psar Nat, Riverside Night Market, and Battambang Museum, it’s a great place to stay to see the local sights.
While breakfast is not included with your stay, it’s only an extra $2 for a full English breakfast or a ‘build-your-own’ breakfast. The restaurant offers an array of local, Asian, and international meals for lunch and dinner as well. The hotel staff, who are known to be extremely welcoming and friendly, can also arrange local tours for you.
- Perfect location
- Build-your-own breakfast available
- Onsite restaurant
- Amazing staff
Private rooms start at $11 per night.
Family Batcave Homestay - Budget Friendly
Located amongst the rice fields and surrounded by beauty, this homestay is 15km from the city centre of Battambang. If this sounds a bit far, don’t worry, the homestay offers free bicycle rentals.
The hotel has a stunning garden and a relaxing terrace to soak in the sights. The owners and staff will treat you like family, offering a complimentary and delicious vegetarian breakfast every morning. The private bamboo bungalows are small slices of paradise.
- Surrounded by rice fields
- Free bicycles
- Amazing staff
- Complimentary vegetarian breakfast
Private bungalows start at $20 per night.
Muni Residence and Spa - Mid Range
Muni Residence is one of the most popular places to stay in Battambang. That’s mostly down to its almost perfect rating and incredible hosts, Liy and his family. They make you feel like you’re part of the family instantly, helping you with anything you need.
The sweet treats that they surprise guests with are such a memorable and considerate touch. The rooms are nicely designed and spacious, whilst the beds are super comfortable.
- Very popular
- Amazing host
- Free sweet treats
- Spacious and nice rooms
Private rooms start from $27 per night.
Cambana La Rivière Hotel - Treating Yourself
Situated in the centre of Battambang, Cambana La Rivière Hotel feels like an oasis where you can escape the noise. The pool area with comfy sun loungers and packed with plants is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
Or you can chill out and order room service to your private balcony. The rooms are luxurious, spacious and clean. You won’t want to leave your huge comfortable bed, but hopefully, the complimentary breakfast is enough to entice you.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Private balcony
- Luxurious rooms
- Delicious free breakfast
Deluxe suites start from $60 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sihanoukville to Battambang
What is the distance from Sihanoukville to Battambang?
The distance from Sihanoukville to Battambang is 490 kilometers (304 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sihanoukville to Battambang?
The fastest way to get from Sihanoukville to Battambang is by flight and takes 4 hours 5 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sihanoukville to Battambang?
The cheapest way to get from Sihanoukville to Battambang is by bus with ticket costs starting from $24 (96,000 KHR).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sihanoukville to Battambang. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
