Bamboo Train , Battambang

The bamboo train in Battambang is a unique, clickety-clackety rail journey that’s listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top things to do in Cambodia. As you may derive from the name, the train, which the locals refer to as ‘norry’, consists of a bamboo platform powered by a small motor. The train operates on a bumpy track and is held in place by gravity alone.

The History of the Bamboo Train in Battambang

In the 1930s, French colonists built the Cambodian railroad to transfer rice and other goods between Phnom Penh and Poipet for trade purposes. Unfortunately, during the American war with Vietnam, the railroads were easy targets for bombs and in 1975, when the Khmer Rouge took control of the country, a large proportion of the track was removed. Any track that remained was left in disrepair.

Once the Khmer Rouge government was finally overthrown, locals were quick to use scrap that had been leftover from tanks and other vehicles to mend and reinstate the track. They then built small bamboo ‘trains’ to transport goods and passengers. 

With the introduction of better road infrastructure in the country, this train ride would have disappeared had it not been changed to a fun travel experience. 

The Operation of the Bamboo Train

The small motor attached to the lightweight platform means that the train is only able to travel at speeds of up to 40km/h. They can be taken apart and reassembled in a matter of minutes, a somewhat surprising process that springs into action when a train appears on the track, coming from the other direction. Typically, the train with the least amount of passengers or weight is required to temporarily remove itself, allowing the other train to continue its journey. 

The tracks from the Battambang Bamboo Train station lead the train through colonial bridges, stunning rural countryside and at some points, lush jungle greenery. Where the train stops, the surrounding shops and huts offer visitors the opportunity to purchase refreshments and souvenirs. 

The train, which is in operation every day of the year, is now mostly a tourist attraction for visitors who want to experience a more traditional mode of transport, whilst taking in the scenery under the heat of the Cambodian sun. Despite this, it still holds significant economic importance to locals who use it to get to and from work, or for leisure purposes. Farmers, for example, use the bamboo train to reach rice paddies that they would otherwise be unable to access.

The Future of the Bamboo Train

Unfortunately, the threat of redevelopment hangs over the railroad and means it is unlikely that the bamboo train will continue to exist indefinitely. In some cases, such as between Poipet and Phnom Penh, the restoration of rail services has already ended the use of traditional bamboo trains, however, a modernised version of the train has since been rebuilt for tourism purposes. 

An estimated 189 bamboo train operators will be impacted by the closure of the bamboo train service and there has been a fund set aside by the Asian Development Bank (ADP) to offer compensation to their families.

Other Things to Do in Battambang

Although the bamboo train is the main reason why visitors tend to travel to Battambang, there are many other attractions in this culturally rich Cambodian town.

Shop at the Phsar Nath Market 

This authentic market is where the locals go to buy and sell a variety of produce including fresh seafood, meat and fruit. The design of the market is what makes it stand out, with shop fronts you certainly wouldn't expect to see in a small town in Cambodia.

Visit the Killing Cave

The Khmer Rouge is an extremely tragic part of Cambodian history, and the killing cave in Battambang is just one of the locations where the violence took place. Following the brutal murder of the victims on top of the cave, their bodies were dropped inside. Today, the site is a tribute to those who had their lives taken from them.

Kayak on the Sangkae River

Running directly through Battambang, the banks of the river Sangkae are where many of the locals live. The water is used for everything from washing clothes to fishing, which means you can get a glimpse of what life is like for them as you pass by.

Ride the Bamboo Train with Experience Travel Group

If you’re keen to experience the bamboo train in its original, authentic glory, get in touch with one of our destination specialists who will work with you to create the perfect itinerary for your perfect holiday.