Why Krong Battambang?

Once the rice bowl of Cambodia and a flourishing colonial trading post, Krong Battambang has quietly transformed into a creative and cultural hub that surprises you at every turn. Packed with almost 1,000 years of history, Krong Battambang is a city where time moves gently to the rhythm of everyday local life.

Its wide boulevards, faded French architecture, and tranquil riverside paths tell quiet tales of resilience and reinvention. But it’s the people who truly bring Battambang to life. Cambodians are warm, proud, and shaped by a deep cultural heritage that runs through everything they do. There’s a quiet strength here, born from history and hardship, that gives the city its soul. Krong Battambang is the perfect place for those seeking something more personal, more real. It’s a place where connection matters and culture is lived, not displayed.

As a teacher in Battambang, you won’t just be working, you’ll be making a real impact. Education is a powerful force in this community and your role goes far beyond the classroom. You’ll be part of something meaningful, helping young people grow and dream, shaping futures of their own.

In Battambang, life simple. Sunset bike rides, speaking with the locals, and perusing around the riverfront market. This city invites you to slow down, observe, and reconnect. Battambang doesn’t shout for attention, instead, it leaves a lasting impression with its warmth and gentle charm.

Cost of Living

Life in Krong Battambang offers a refreshing break from the ever more challenging cost of living in the West, making it easy to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle without stretching your budget. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in town can be as low as £150 a month, bills are often under £50, and day-to-day expenses are delightfully low. A hearty local meal with a drink might set you back just £2 to £3, and market-fresh groceries keep costs down whilst connecting you to the community. Getting around is simple and affordable whether by tuk-tuk, bike, or on foot. All that leaves a big chunk of your salary for the travel, experiences, and savings that matter.

Salary

Teaching at our partner school in Krong Battambang provides you with far more than just career development and an amazing cultural experience, it also comes with a salary that offers you the chance to save a large amount of money. If you manage your monthly wage of $1,500 well (around £1,200) then our partner school says it is very achievable to save around $500 to $700 a month. You can easily afford quality housing, dining out regularly, and domestic travel whilst saving for whatever adventure you have next. As long as you manage your finances wisely then you’ll have an incredible experience in Cambodia and leave with far more than you started with.

Is Krong Battambang Right for You?

Life in Krong Battambang is simple and rewarding. The cost of living is low, allowing you to focus on what really matters – your work, your community, and the connections you make.

The people here are warm and welcoming, and the city itself invites you to slow down, explore, and find your own rhythm. And while Battambang doesn’t offer the bright lights and hustle of larger cities, it provides a deeply satisfying balance of work and life. If you’re happy to move to a slower and more thoughtful beat then it might be the perfect place for you.

And being surrounded by lush rice fields, quiet villages, and the gently winding Sangker River – Battambang also provides the opportunity to escape the city for a dose of natural beauty. Anyone who needs a bit of the great outdoors to survive can rest assured that there’s no shortage of nature only a short drive from the city.

Real food lovers will also be happy in Battambang. Local dishes are incredibly flavoursome and unique, but might not sit well with the less adventurous of you out there, so keep that in mind if you wince at the idea of fermented fish paste or frogs being on the menu. Picky eaters can survive in Battambang, you’ll find something familiar somewhere, but real food explorers will be in culinary heaven.

So – if you’re looking for a peaceful, community-focused environment where your work truly matters, Battambang is the perfect place. In the classroom, your impact is immediate and lasting – helping students grow in confidence, skills, and ambition. The school is deeply connected to the local community so your role goes beyond the classroom. You’re part of something bigger, shaping futures and opening doors. It’s a rewarding way to live and work in a city that supports both.

5 Things to Do in Krong Battambang

Cycle Through the Countryside

Take a Cambodian Cooking Class

Visit Wat Banan Temple

Browse the Central Market

Cruise the Sangker River

School Life

Tucked away in the calm of Cambodia’s third-largest city – this young international school offers a unique opportunity for teachers seeking purpose, impact, and community. Now in its third year, our partner school is small but growing, with seven foreign teachers already on board and a strong focus on creative, student-led learning.

The school follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), a hands-on and forward-thinking approach that encourages children to learn through experience rather than textbooks. It’s a place that values curiosity, independence, and global awareness – and they’re looking for a teacher who shares that mindset. With minimal micromanagement, this is a great fit for educators who are confident, adaptable, and ready to shape their classroom with freedom and imagination. That said, the open-ended nature of the role can feel overwhelming for those without much classroom experience.

Right now, the school is hiring for a nursery teaching position – ideally suited to a female native English speaker. Although applications are open to all from the UK, USA, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A degree or PGCE is not essential, but prior teaching experience is highly preferred, what truly matters is your character. The school is looking for someone who is warm, resourceful, and ready to connect with young learners. A recent non-criminal background check is required by the school, even though it’s not needed for visa purposes. And the visa process is refreshingly straightforward – it usually takes around two weeks and is easy to obtain.

3 Must Try Foods in Krong Battambang

Fish Amok

(steamed fish curry in banana leaves)

Bai Sach Chrouk

(grilled pork with rice and pickles)

Nom Banh Chok

(Khmer noodles with green fish curry)

Location and Climate

While it may not have an international airport of its own, Battambang is well connected. In just a few hours drive you can get to Siem Reap and the iconic Angkor Wat, venture slightly slightly further to reach Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital.

Whether you’re into jungle trekking and exploring ancient temples, island hopping to find the best seafood on pristine beaches, or simply diving deeper into the rich culture of rural life – Cambodia’s beauty is never far, and every journey feels like a genuine adventure.

The city you could call home, Battambang, has a gentle pace of life shaped by its riverside setting and leafy streets. The tropical climate and year-round warm weather make it very easy to enjoy. Dry season comes around from November to May, and is followed by a greener and cooler rainy season from June onward. Both bring their own beauty – from dusty golden afternoons to lush, misty mornings. But beware, temperatures from March to May can be scorching, AC and icy drinks are your best friends during these months.