Battambang to Maintain Protectorate-Era Buildings as Tourism Attractions
By Chhum Chantha Cambodianess Sun, June 1, 2025
The authorities of Battambang city have identified buildings from the French Protectorate era. Photo by Sao Phal Niseiy
PHNOM PENH — The Battambang city authorities have designated buildings dating from the French Protectorate era as heritage conservation areas as part of an effort to attract foreign tourists.
According to Uch Umphinissara, director of the Battambang Provincial Tourism Department, the city has approximately 800 buildings remaining from the French Protectorate era. The houses were built between 1907 and 1960, showcasing a blend of French and Khmer styles.
These buildings were typically divided into two sections, with the front serving as the living area and the rear as the kitchen. Another unique aspect is their flowing walkways, which enable people to pass through without getting wet during rain.
According to Umphinissara, Battambang is the province with the most remaining Protectorate-era buildings, followed by Kratie and Kampot provinces. Most of these houses are located in the city, next to the Sangke River. So far, they are popular destinations for tourists to visit and take pictures.
In the future, the provincial administration will continue to restore and set up the areas surrounding these buildings and other related infrastructure to transform them into tourist destinations for foreign visitors and especially French tourists, Umphinissara said.
“Battambang considers these preserved buildings to be attractive to foreign tourists because they are historical vestiges from the French Protectorate era,” he said. “Most of the tourists [visiting Battambang] are French and come here to take pictures. Currently, the province is promoting the area [and working] to beautify and make the space more accessible for visitors.”
Tourism plays a crucial role in Cambodia’s economy, bolstering both national and local markets. In 2024, the country welcomed around 6.7 million international visitors, which was a 23 percent rise compared to 2023. At the same time, domestic tourism also rose, reaching 22.5 million people travelling through the country, which was a 20 percent increase.
The Protectorate period began in 1863 when King Norodom signed the Protectorate Treaty with France to protect the country from Thailand and Vietnam, which were progressively expanding on its territory. It ended in 1953 when King Norodom Sihanouk proclaimed the country’s independence.
SOURCE: Cambodianess Sun, June 1, 2025
ASEAN Digest 
Recent Comments