Battambang, Cambodia’s second city
Posted: December 16th, 2012 by Scott
From Phnom Penh it was another 6-hour bus ride to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city, which actually felt like a very small town.  Battambang has many small wats (Buddhist temples) and some French colonial buildings to explore.  It is also adorned with many statues decorating nearly every round-about, sidewalk and park.
Statues all over the place
Another statue
Statue made from dismantled weapons.
Another great statue.
Though after a day of wandering around, we felt like we had seen most of what there was to see.
So on our second day we went on a bike tour of the nearby countryside to visit some of the local industries including rice paper making, fish paste, dried bananas, sticky rice cakes, and rice wine.  We had a great local guide who was very knowledgeable about each business and the process of making each product.  It was a great way to learn about local customs and daily life, as well as get out, get some exercise, and have a bit of fun.
Learning how to make rice paper by hand
Scott trying his hand at making rice paper
Sheets of rice paper drying in the sun
Woman making dried banana sheets
Delicious sticky rice cake with banana and coconut
Brewing local rice liquor. This stuff is strong, 30-40% alcohol.
Fish drying in the sun, this place had a strong aroma.
More photos of Battambang and the bike tour.