Battambang is Cambodia's second most populous city, and a popular tourist destination due to the many nearby places of interest. It is also the capital city of the province with the same name.
Battambang is known for its statues which seemingly decorate every public place. Most are of animals (mythical and real) and divinities. The most famous of these statues is on the main road in from Phnom Penh and is of an ancient Khmer King holding a stick which he used to quell rebellions in the Battambang area. The name of the town / province comes from this legend.
The town also has a number of fine colonial buildings along the river including a very grand French era governors residence.
(http://wikitravel.org/en/Battambang)