Bamboo train

Battambang, a charming town in western Cambodia, has long been known for its unique "bamboo trains." Unlike conventional trains with carriages, here passengers ride on simple bamboo platforms!

This unconventional mode of transport operates along a 7-kilometer railway using a basic motor and four wheels. Locals refer to the bamboo train as "norry," making it a fascinating and authentic experience for visitors exploring the region.

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A Bit of History

The first versions of this unique train emerged in the early 1970s. At that time, people used long bamboo poles to push them along the tracks. This creative invention originally served as a way to move along the railway for maintenance purposes.

By the 1980s, these trains were taken over by Vietnamese and Cambodian authorities to transport soldiers to the front lines.

Following the war, Cambodia’s railway system was left in ruins. Many sections of the tracks were dismantled by the Khmer Rouge, causing the bamboo trains to disappear from Battambang.

Today, although the distance covered is relatively short, the bamboo train remains in use, serving both locals and tourists.

More Than Just a Ride – A Childhood Game

For me, this ride brings back childhood memories!

Traditionally, it was a game played by two people: one pulling a platform using a rope while the other stood on the side, taking turns.

But don’t worry, no rope-pulling is needed on this ride!

When two bamboo trains meet on the track, the one carrying the lighter load has to step aside. Drivers work together to quickly dismantle and reassemble the train, a process that showcases teamwork and fair play.

A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

Picture yourself seated or lying on a wooden platform, gazing at the vast sky and lush rice fields, with the wind rushing past and echoes of the past in the air.

This exhilarating journey lasts around thirty minutes at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

It’s an experience you won’t forget!