Battambang is the most fertile region of Cambodia
rice plant it on the fly while in most Asian countries it must be transplanted by hand, two crops a year. Battambang is a great city with its French colonial style buildings lined up along the river, gives a lot of charm. Then visit the Provincial Museum and pagoda, and Wat Ek Phnom, dating from the eleventh century. Passing through traditional villages, you will get a glimpse of local crafts cakes and the villagers' lifestyle.
Battambang is the second largest city of Cambodia
and the capital of the province of Battambang, which was founded in the 11th century. It is the former capital of Monton Ker and is at the heart of the Northwest of Cambodia. Until the war years, in which almost all the infrastructure was destroyed that was the main province of rice producing countries. The name of Battambang or Batdambang, literally means "loss of stick" in reference to a legend Preah Bat Dambang Kranhoung (stick Kranhoung King). The population is now around 250,000 people.
It is a riverside town, home to some of the best French colonial architecture sites in the country. Until recently Battambang was on the map for backpackers, but the facilities were recently upgraded and is an ideal base for visiting the nearby temples such as Wat Phnom Banon and Ek Phnom and the nearby villages. The small museum has a collection of artifacts Angkorian period, and beyond the city there are a number of hilltop temples. One of the most famous hills is Phnom Sampeau (Ship Hill) with caves took place notorious massacres. Battambang is a peaceful, pleasant town, the main parts of the city are closed by Sangker river, a small body of water that winds through the province of Battambang. It is a charming and picturesque setting. As in many parts of Cambodia, the French architecture is an attractive bonus for this city.
Bamboo train or train bambou
About one hour 20 minutes to go, same for the return while cross the rice fields. Cushions are available umbrellas so that we keep constantly in our vehicles. We will have the opportunity to visit a village and a manufacturing handcrafted bricks.
Fortunately, bamboo trains can be removed in a jiffy (See the image below) remove the Honda motorcycle engine (it is equipped with an automatic choke a belt and a pulley) and then remove the axles and wheels. It can be remounted in seconds. 
Wat Prasat Banon Exactly 368 steps to climb
Not far from Battambang, on the banks of the River Sangkaè two rectangular pools flank the long avenue that leads to the foot of Phnom Banon. A staircase and an elegant terrace decorated with ancient stone lions and naga heads have been built. The vendors of refreshments installed near explain that "the site is well visited because the three towers that rise proudly top of the hill are irresistibly think of Angkor Wat". During the ascent, we see traces of dressing limonite blocks that once covered the slopes of the hill. Top, ancient frangipani trees, the fresh wind that constantly blows and the view of the rural landscape of the province of Battambang contribute to the undeniable charm of the place.
The temple was surrounded by a gallery with four corner towers that have disappeared. Arranged at the cardinal points, four towers act as gopura and allow entering. The five floors of the imposing central sanctuary sandstone carvings are richly decorated but artists have never completed the trompe l'oeil windows that decorate the front building.
Inside are placed Buddhas and an inscription. "Until 1993, said the guard, a gun was installed at the top. It was during this troubled time that the heads of apsaras and almost all the decorations were removed chisel. "He also emphasizes that" to climb the stairs without incident, it is prudent to ask permission with three sticks of incense Look at Ta Dombong Daek who lives here. " Behind the temple, under a small umbrella, is the statue of the old Tep "that prepares her food." "The temple was built by a king in the late eleventh or early twelfth century. His gopura and the central sanctuary then matched each in a specific place: the hill, the village, and the market Banon and pagodas Banon Kraom and Banon Loeu "Vat Banon Leu is south-east of Phnom. . It still houses a very old vihara worth visiting. "Before going to war, the king had first pray and then came back to thank for his victory. So it was a temple for warriors then called Babon, Ba 'men' and Bon 'make vows'.
