Governor’s Residence

Battambang is a charming, culturally rich city in northwest Cambodia, known as the country’s “rice bowl” for its fertile surroundings, well-preserved French colonial architecture, vibrant arts scene (UNESCO City of Gastronomy), and tranquil, rural vibe, offering unique experiences like the Bamboo Train and Sunset Bat Caves, making it a great off-the-beaten-path destination for experiencing authentic Cambodian life beyond the typical tourist trails.

Built in 1905, the Governor’s House is a prime example of French architecture. In the south end of town it can be reached by walking down the river from where you can appreciate the town’s French colonial architectural legacy – the French colonial buildings are fine tourist attractions in themselves.

Governor’s Residence in Battambang

From 1907 onward the new French Colonial Governor of the province of Battambang took up residence, with the Thai Government having sold the building to the French Government as part of the deal to transfer control. Fairly recently a new building has been constructed next door to the Governor Residence’s to house the provincial administration, and the carefully preserved Governor’s Residence now functions as a museum.

                                                    Side view of the Governor’s Residence

Some, but not all, of the furnishing and fitting of the original residence remain in place. The flooring, window shutters, light fittings and larger pieces of furniture all appear to be original items dating back to the early 1900s. These are the parts of the building which it would have been difficult for looters and the various invading armies (Khmer Rouge, Thai and Vietnamese), who came to Battambang during the frequent chaotic periods that occurred in Cambodia from 1941 to 1991, to take away.

Entrance hall at the Governor’s Residence

The Cambodian authorities have done a superb job of maintaining the Governor’s Residence and the once empty rooms of the building have been filled with exhibits of Cambodia culture and history in place of what would have been there when the building was used by the French Governor. 

Downstairs there are several rooms devoted to displays of traditional music instruments from Cambodia. These are not antiques but they have been beautifully made using traditional carpentry techniques.

                                                   Interior of the Governor’s Residence

Upstairs there are other exhibits relating to Cambodian history. One of the rooms has mannequins dressed in Cambodian costumes from different periods and another room has some excellent models of different styles of traditional rural Cambodian dwelling. The exhibits are good and many are helpfully labelled in English and Khmer.