Battambang, Cambodia 🇰🇭
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Battambang is the capital of Battambang Province, known for its French colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10-25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 4,050 KHR; USD is widely accepted; ATMs available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C outlets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cellcard and smart; plans starting at $2. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly used services include ABA Bank, Wing, and PayPal. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from guesthouses to long-term rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited cashless options; primarily cash transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb, with prices around $15-50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Sleep Zone Hostel, starting at $6 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Sangker Lounge, with reliable internet and a chill atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Jaan Bai, known for good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at local cafes; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Battambang Expat Group on Facebook; regular gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | PassApp and Grab are commonly used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at local shops; prices around $5 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Sihanoukville Beach, about 9 hours by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | N/A; most travel done by bus or car. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cambodia Angkor Air and Air Asia serve the region. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | National Road 5 connects to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Battambang Railway Station serves local transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transport passes; pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh available via Giant Ibis. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ratanak Hospital; modern facilities and English-speaking staff. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga classes offered at The White Elephant Restaurant. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Battambang, offering good equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available; prices around $1.50 per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Nham24 is popular for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Khmer Curry; best at local street food stalls. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Smokin' Pot, offering a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Battambang Bakery for pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Psar Nath Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Facebook Marketplace is widely used for local transactions. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Little Red, offering local grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Riverside area; popular for bars like The Bamboo Stage. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Battambang Beer for local brewing experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Battambang offers an extensive wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls around Psar Nath Market. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Chinese and Thai restaurants available in the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bamboo Train and Phnom Banan Temple are must-visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Battambang Provincial Museum showcasing local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Wat Ek Phnom, a temple with ancient ruins. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Sampeou, known for stunning views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Battambang Festival, celebrating local culture each November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town area has rich heritage architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Phare Ponleu Selpak, known for cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Psar Nath Market for authentic local shopping. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music venues feature live performances regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals found throughout the city, especially downtown. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available at several local restaurants for traditional Khmer cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Romchek 5 Art Café hosts local artists' exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | French colonial buildings dot the city, notable on Street 1. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cambodian culture prominently displayed in local events and festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Banan Eco Park offers great hiking and nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cardamom Mountains are accessible within a few hours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Sangker River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Phnom Sampeou for panoramic views of Battambang. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Canvas Bird Sanctuary is a popular spot. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the Sangker River. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Mailing services available at The Post Office Battambang. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Several local shops near Psar Nath for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Offered at several language centers in the city. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public library in Battambang for quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Techo Community Center hosts various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Ninja Gaming Lounge for video gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options; most entertainment is local. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 14% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on territorial income; only local income taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, apply to companies with foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% annual tax based on property valuation. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 4% tax on property transfers. |