The “Bamboo Train” is one of the most interesting Batdambang cultural attractions (along with the circus and the practice of wagering on rain).
Used as an alternative form of local transportation, the cars are like old-school railway pushcars. Basically a mini-flatcar made of bamboo atop railway-gauge wheels, the ‘trains’ have deafeningly loud outboard motors and are typically overloaded with passengers and lots and lots of supplies, including the occasional pig.
The train from Phnom Penh is no longer in operation, so the bamboo trains have the tracks to themselves now. Plans to rip up the old line and replace it with a gauge that can carry trains from Thailand and onwards (to Singapore and Shanghai) will be implemented eventually, but bamboo train operators will likely evolve their vehicles when the time comes.
Visitors can ride portions of the rail line as train operators are eager to make some easy extra cash. Inquire at your hotel or the Tourism Office for how to hitch a ride.
Getting There
You can ask hotel or tourist information center. To reach the Bamboo Train, known locally as Norry, in Battambang Province, you can easily access it from the city center. The Bamboo Train station is located about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) south of Battambang town. Travelers can take a tuk-tuk from central Battambang, which typically takes around 15-20 minutes and costs between $5 to $10 USD, depending on your negotiation skills.
If you’re traveling from further afield, the easiest option is to arrange a taxi or private car. The Bamboo Train is a popular attraction, so most local drivers and guides are familiar with the route. Once you arrive at the station, tickets for the ride can be purchased directly at the site. The journey on the bamboo platform offers scenic views of the countryside and is a unique experience that showcases the ingenuity of Cambodian transport.
Need to Know
- What is It?: The local roller coaster.
- When to Go: Best in the dry season months between November and March.
- Nearest Town: Approximately 4 miles south of Batdambang’s Old Stone Bridge, which can be reached by bus from Phnom Penh in 4-5 hours, from Siem Reap (bus: 3 hours or boat: 7-10 hours), or from the Poipet and the Thai border (2 hours).
- Don’t Miss: A loud, but exhilarating ride.
- Trivia: Train route is on a single-track line where a train gets disassembled and put aside to let the opposite train pass.