that genius wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2018 5:00 pm Not sure I would call it a riverside, in the dry season you can literally jump across the river, more of a creek

Agree with richard, boring town, and expensive accommodation, thanks to a history of Korean/Japanese NGOs who gave their staff insane accommodation allowances

A Donald Trump town, imho

It's dry season now and the river is still there. My guest house is only $6 for a large room with fan, LCD TV, a phone (don't ask me why), and a hot shower.

It is a bit boring though, which is why a few decent restaurants and bars would liven it up.

timmydownawell wrote:

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2018 2:55 pm I don't understand what you're getting at. Battambang has long been a stop off point for tourists (both domestic and foreign) as well as expats. Kampot is perhaps slightly more popular with expats for weekend retreats because of its proximity to Phnom Penh, but Battambang gets tons of tourists and voluntourists.

Well, I'm seeing tourists and guesthouses around, but I feel it's a wasted opportunity - particularly the riverfront, which would be a very appealing destination for dinner and drinks. The tourist infrastructure seems to be eluding me.

The river has never been the restaurant go to place there. It's always been "inside" on that main strip. I've forgotten the name but it's where all those foreign and Khmer restaurants are, like White Rose and all. I don't know why, just the way it is. As mentioned, the "river" becomes a tiny trickle in the dry season, so it's not particularly beautiful or anything. A few places are now across the river and the place has certainly expanded, but the riverside has never been what it is in Kampot, Kratie or Phnom Penh.

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2018 5:32 pm The river has never been the restaurant go to place there. It's always been "inside" on that main strip. I've forgotten the name but it's where all those foreign and Khmer restaurants are, like White Rose and all. I don't know why, just the way it is. As mentioned, the "river" becomes a tiny trickle in the dry season, so it's not particularly beautiful or anything. A few places are now across the river and the place has certainly expanded, but the riverside has never been what it is in Kampot, Kratie or Phnom Penh.

It's a shame because that long strip of colonial buildings on the riverside could be quite a picturesque and attractive destination. And whether the river is full or not, it's still an interesting spot for people watching, with all the activities (kids playing and adults exercising etc) along the riverfront in the evenings.

I am sure the Chinese will dicover its money laundering potential at some point. I suspect it will be the new snooky or kampot

Cannot find the link but I believe the town was offering tax incentives at one time because it wanted to make a pub street like SR. if everyone is getting driven out of kampot and snooky maybe we can make a western enclave up there. never been there but I cannot imagine it being any more boring than kohkong or kampot

Well I think Kampot is poised to become the new Sihanoukville, so it stands to reason that Battambang will become the new Kampot.

As for there being no pub street, the little street between Rd 2 and Rd 3 is labelled on Google maps as Pub Street but (thankfully) it's much more low key and relaxed than its namesakes elsewhere.

timmydownawell wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2018 6:30 pm Well I think Kampot is poised to become the new Sihanoukville, so it stands to reason that Battambang will become the new Kampot.

As for there being no pub street, the little street between Rd 2 and Rd 3 is labelled on Google maps as Pub Street but (thankfully) it's much more low key and relaxed than its namesakes elsewhere.

Watch out for ladybar street, followed by casino street followed by Chinese takeawy street followed by "NO BARANG" signs at the city limits

Was in Battambang some years ago, then it was a little sleepy. But then again it is what you want to make of the place. I kinder of enjoyed it for what it is and considered living there. There is a good expat community and visitors. For accommodation I stayed in an apartment just on the outskirts of town at $180 a month. I later found a good hotel for shorter stays at $7 per night, worth looking on Agoda. For restaurant's there is plenty of choice, look at tripadvisor. I even considered setting up a restaurant myself, being there seems to be a nice steady trade and plenty of choice of foods from around the world.
For things to do! Plenty, but again up to the person to find the attractions. The bat caves are worth a visit for sure. A drink and a small meal waiting for the spectacle. The views from the top of the hill are amazing.
Also found this little gem on the way back, just off Hi-way 57 down a dirt track, good for a swim.

Also had a ride out to the airport. In the evening there are food stalls, and young Khmer courters. It's the only place I have come across where Khmers are charged $0.25 to enter and westerners are free.

pczz wrote: ↑Sun Jan 21, 2018 6:14 pmI cannot imagine it being any more boring than kohkong or kampot

Be ready to be surprised.