The Bamboo Train: Battambang Railway
The Bamboo Train, known locally as norry or nori (derived from the French word for lorry), was a unique rail service in Cambodia. According to Lonely Planet, it’s referred to as “Cambodia’s bamboo train.” These makeshift trains could reach speeds of up to 50 km/h on the meter gauge tracks around Battambang and Poipet. While there is a government-operated scheduled service, it travels at a slower pace of 30 km/h. The broader rail network, initially established by the French colonial authorities, fell into disuse after the Khmer Rouge regime effectively halted operations. By 2006, the BBC noted that there was only one scheduled service per week, moving at little more than a walking speed.
As of October 2017, the bamboo train ceased to operate in its original form due to the revival of rail services between Poipet and Phnom Penh. However, a new version of the bamboo train was created near Wat Banan to support local tourism, officially opening in mid-January 2018.
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The History Of The Bamboo Train
The Bamboo Train, or Norry, is a creative form of transportation that emerged after the devastation caused by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia, which left the country’s citizens, children, and infrastructure, including the railway system, in ruins.
With the railway tracks damaged and largely unusable, towns across the nation found themselves connected by these abandoned paths that had no purpose. In response, local villagers ingeniously repurposed leftover truck parts from the war to create vehicles that fit the width of the railway.
They constructed bamboo platforms to sit on top and attached small motors from cars, boats, or motorbikes to power them. While traveling at 40 kilometers per hour might not seem fast, the absence of walls, doors, or seatbelts adds an exhilarating element to the ride.
Over time, the Bamboo Train has become a popular tourist attraction, boosting the local economy and drawing a steady flow of visitors to the region.
The Ticket Price For The Bamboo Train
When you arrive, you’ll be guided to purchase a ticket for $5.00 per person. Depending on the crowd, you might join another group or enjoy a private experience.
After buying your ticket, a driver will be assigned to you, ready to take you on your bamboo ride.
Should Visit or Not
The Bamboo Train in Battambang is undoubtedly an exciting adventure that highlights the creativity of the local community and is an essential experience in Cambodia.
Originally a basic means of transport, it has transformed into a beloved tourist hotspot.
So, jump on and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the beautiful countryside!