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Battambang Province is the ricebowl of Cambodia and is more than capable of feeding the entire country. Its rice is also of the highest quality. In 2003 it produced over 500,000 tonnes of rice. Other local crops include corn, beans, oranges and sesame. The Province is bordered by the Tonle Sap Lake to the east, Pursat Province to the west and Banteay Meanchey to the north. It covers an area of 1,270,200 hectares, the majority of which is given to forest, agricultural land and flood plain.

There are 13 Districts, 96 Communes and 741 villages in the Province. The population of the Province is 1,250,695, 52% of whom are women. Most of the population make a living from farming.

Battambang is also the name of the Provincial Capital. It is Cambodia's second largest city and is located o¬n the north-western end of the Tonle Sap. Battambang is served by National Highway No.5 and by the railway. Boats to Battambang are available from Siem Reap.

Rubies and garnets are mined in this Province. Culturally, Battambang also has many ancient temples dating back to the 10th and 13th centuries. These are well worth visiting, both out of historical interest and as a chance to view the countryside beyond Battambang City.

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

Air : Flights from Battambang-Phnom Penh leave daily (except o¬n Tuesday). O¬n Monday, Wednesday and Thursday they go via Siem Reap. Direct flights take about 45 min. and indirect flights take 1hr. The airport is near the town center, just off National Highway No.5. Departure Tax $4.

Boat: A daily boat to/from Battambang and Siem Reap costs around $12-$15/ person and takes 3-4 hours. Boats to / from Phnom Penh and Battambang are not available.

Road : Neak Krorhorm Travel depart 2 times a day (7.30am and 12.00 noon) to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. GST Bus Co. and Ho Wah Genting Bus Co. offer daily buses between Battambang and Phnom Penh. The cost is around $4/pax.

Train (from Phnom Penh) : It is 274km from Phnom Penh-Battambang. Trains depart at 7:00am and take 12-15 hours. The price is about R12,500.

LOCAL TRANSPOT:

As with most of Cambodia, the transport options in Battambang are to hire a moto taxi (motodup) or a car and driver, or to rent a motorcycle yourself. Cars cost about $20/day and motorcycles cost $5-$8/day. Prices for these are higher than in other towns. Hotels can generally assist in renting transport. Motodups are plentiful during the day and scarce at night. Do not worry in the daytime: moto drivers will find you! Rides in town cost 500 to 1500 riel.
There are some banks where you can change cash (Cambodian Riel, Thai Bhat or travellers cheques) into most major currencies.

BANKING:

Canadia Bank and Acleda Bank : accept Master Card, CCB and Visa. There are no ATMs in Battambang.

COMMUNICATION:

There are several internet cafes around the town. Teo Hotel also has a small internet shop. Access is relatively fast and stable. Prices are higher than in other towns: $1.75- $2.50/hr. Most hotels and internet shops offer international telephone services.

SHOPPING

There are several local markets that sell locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat, as well as clothes and accessories. Some markets offer handicrafts, electrical and household equipment, VCDs, CDs, postcards and books. They are primarily for local people, but are interesting places to browse around. Cambodian gems like sapphires and rubies are mined in Pailin near the Thai border, and brought to Battambang to be graded, cut and polished. Scams are common, so you need to either know your gems, or trust your dealer!