Battambang City, the provincial capital of Battambang province is 280 km away from Phnom Penh. Bordering provinces are Banteay Meanchey to the north, Pursat to the east and south, Siem Reap to the northeast, and Pailin to the west. The northern and southern extremes of the province’s western boundaries form part of the international border with Thailand. In addition, Tonlé Sap forms part of the northeastern boundary between Siem Reap and Pursat. Battambang, which literally means ‘disappearing stick’ derived its name from a powerful stick used by a legendary Khmer king to achieve and maintain power.