The Best Hotels in Battambang, Cambodia, for Every Traveller

The city centre of Battambang in Cambodia
The city centre of Battambang in Cambodia | © amnat / Alamy Stock Photo
Alex Robinson

You’ll see more buffaloes than backpackers in sleepy Battambang. But travellers are starting to arrive – stopping over for a night or two between the Thai border to the west and Angkor to the east. They come for the tranquil rural vibe, for the clusters of crumbling French colonial buildings overlooking the languid Sangker River, the ruined Khmer temples scattered in the surrounding countryside and the thrilling Norry rides on the makeshift-trolley trains of the Khmer Rouge-era Bamboo railway. Here they are: the best hotels in Battambang, Cambodia.

1. La Villa

Boutique Hotel

Outdoor pool at La Villa with covered terrace and palms
Courtesy of La Villa / Expedia

With a lemon-yellow façade, white shuttered windows, Mediterranean floor-tiles and art deco furnishings in the rooms, La Villa feels like a Provençale mansion transported to a new tropical environment. The rooms to book are the first-floor suites, with balconies overlooking the Sangker River. It’s an idyllic view. At the rear of the villa, under a glass roof with a turn-of-the-20th-century design, is the restaurant: an idyllic retreat for both European and Asian cuisine.

2. Battambang Resort

Independent Hotel

Battambang Resort room with tile floor and art on walls
Courtesy of Battambang Resort / Expedia

You check in here for bright, modern rooms with large French windows over a tropical garden; also popular is the resort’s big, saltwater pool with jacuzzis; and there’s one of Battambang’s best hotel restaurants (with its own kitchen-garden). With a tranquil setting among the rice paddies. There’s plenty to like about the Battambang resort, but don’t be tempted to walk into town – it’s a dusty 40-minute hike on a dirt road, which is poorly lit (and stalked by stray dogs) at night. Get them to book you a tuk-tuk instead.

3. Sangker Villa

Independent Hotel

Sangker Villa outdoor pool with palms and seating area
Courtesy of Sangker Villa / Booking.com

A big shout-out to the rooms first. Brilliantly whitewashed, with subtle fawn floor-tiles and dark woods, they’re pleasantly spartan sitting over an attractive pool, decorated with Khmer Buddha faces and surrounded by lush foliage. Because the villa is right in the heart of Battambang town, when you wake at dawn you can step out to see ranks of orange-robed monks in the street outside, receiving alms from locals. It’s a magical Instagram-worthy sight.

5. Bric-à-Brac

Hotel

Bric-à-Brac room with faded chic decor including desk, ottoman and tile floor
Courtesy of Bric-à-Brac / Expedia
In the colonial thick of things, Battambang’s plushest boutique hotel is an attractive affair, where ceiling fans whir overhead and guests can get to know each other as they learn to cook local treats. Set in a historical building, the property has just three rooms – decorated in warm tropical colours and furnished with French colonial, Chinese and Japanese antiques, they are the perfect retreat after a night in the hotel’s arty bar, which prides itself on the best selection of wine, artisan gins and French cheeses in Battambang.

6. Bambu Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Bambu Hotel room with tile floor, wardrobe and blankets on bed
Courtesy of Bambu Hotel / Booking.com

Keeping its reputation as one of Battambang’s top boutique hotels, this stylish offering is situated slightly out of town, making the province’s stunning countryside all the more accessible. It boasts 16 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, tropical gardens and free wifi.

7. The Sanctuary Villa Battambang

Boutique Hotel

The Sanctuary Villa Battambang room with silk drapes, lotus flower on bed and tv
Courtesy of The Sanctuary Villa Battambang / Hotels.com

With 12 guest rooms, this intimate hotel boasts a restaurant and bar area, outdoor pool, babysitting services, a spa and business centre and free continental breakfast. Nestled on the outskirts of town, a free shuttle bus is available for guests.

8. Ramchang Guesthouse, Battambang

Boutique Hotel, Budget Hotel, Guesthouse

Asia Hotel room with patio garden and drapes, swan towel design on bed
Courtesy of Asia Hotel / Hotels.com

If it’s bang for your buck that you’re after, then Ramchang Guesthouse fits the bill. The clean and contemporary 20 rooms span double offerings through to spacious family rooms. There is also an outdoor pool, luggage storage and free wifi and parking. All rooms feature a private bathroom and cable TV.

9. Maisons Wat Kor, Battambang

Garden Hotel

Maisons Wat Kor room with wood floor, curtains and chest table
Courtesy of Maisons Wat Kor / Hotels.com

This hotel is essentially a beautiful collection of 10 traditional wooden Khmer houses and traditionally decorated rooms dotted throughout lush, tropical gardens. A restaurant and bar is onsite, as well as an outdoor pool, business centre and terrace. Free tea and coffee is served in the common area, with in-room childcare available at an additional cost. Try the spa for a relaxing Khmer massage between sightseeing.

This is an updated version of an article originally written by Marissa Carruthers.

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