What the Battambang?! I am Not Feeling This…
Lonely Planet, you failed me. You sensationally hyped Battambang’s wealth of charming colonial French architecture, nearly antiquated bamboo train, and tragic Killing Cave. “It is the type of place where travelers lose themselves.” Oh B.S. I have a special place in my heart for France and charming French architecture, but don’t bet the bank on Battambang being the beacon of colonial architecture in Cambodia. Battambang is dusty, run down and lackluster. Shortly after the Central Market closes late at night, garbage – strewn into the street – attracts a healthy population of rats. For foodies, there is an absolute lack of quality establishments and we encountered strange adaptations of standard dishes (as in, strange bad). For social enthusiasts, a lack of life after 11:00 is wholly disheartening. Okay, but Battambang is the location of the nearly obsolete Norry. These bamboo trains travel slowly along rail road lines, disassembling when encountering train traffic. It is Old World travel and there seems to be a persistent rumor that they will soon be pulled from the lines permanently. …