An unusual train in the Cambodian countryside
The Battambang Bamboo Train is one of Cambodia's most distinctive tourist experiences. Known locally as the Norry, it consists of a lightweight open platform mounted on railway wheelsets and powered by a small petrol engine. Instead of conventional carriages, passengers sit on a simple platform covered with bamboo slats.
The vehicle emerged from local ingenuity when Cambodia's railway infrastructure was in poor condition. Residents adapted available tracks to transport rice, crops, goods and people between rural communities and town. The unusual system later attracted travellers and became one of Battambang's best-known attractions.
History and design
The original tourist ride used old railway tracks near Battambang. When the railway was rehabilitated for regular train services, the attraction moved to another section. A traditional Norry has a wooden frame, bamboo decking, two wheel bogies and a small engine.
On a single-track line, opposing platforms could pass by dismantling one of them. The bamboo deck and wheelsets were lifted off the rails, allowing the other vehicle through, and then put back together. This practical solution became one of the most memorable features of the bamboo railway.
A ride through rice fields
The route offers views of rice paddies, palm trees, small villages and cultivated land. Depending on the season, fields may be bright green, flooded with water or golden before harvest. Travelling on an open platform brings passengers close to the landscape, with the breeze and sounds of rural life all around.
This is a short recreational ride rather than a conventional rail journey. It offers a simple way to leave the town streets behind and experience the countryside of Battambang Province.
Where to find the Bamboo Train
The historic route operated near O Dambong, close to Battambang. A separate tourist line was established near the foot of Phnom Banan, roughly twenty kilometres from the city. Older maps and travel guides may refer to different locations, so check the operating site, departure point, journey length and ticket price with a local operator before travelling.
Nearby attractions
The ride can be combined with a visit to Phnom Banan temple, which stands on a hill and is known for its five towers and views over the surrounding plain. In Battambang itself, visitors can explore colonial-era architecture, local markets and creative spaces.
Visitor tips
Morning is often a comfortable time to ride before the heat builds. Bring water, a hat and sun protection. The platform can be bumpy, so secure your belongings and keep your hands and feet inside its edges. Travellers who need to avoid strong vibration should take the ride's roughness into account. The Bamboo Train remains an engaging example of local ingenuity and a memorable attraction in north-western Cambodia.
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