Bamboo Train: A Ride Through Rural Cambodia

The Bamboo Train, locally known as 'norry,' is a unique and improvised rail transport found in the Battambang province of Cambodia. Originating in the 1980s after the Khmer Rouge regime, when the country's infrastructure was devastated, villagers ingeniously crafted these trains from bamboo and repurposed truck parts to navigate the broken railway system. These makeshift trains became essential for transporting goods and people across rural areas.A ride on the Bamboo Train involves sitting on a simple bamboo platform mounted on two sets of wheels, propelled by a small gasoline engine. The train travels along the existing tracks, offering a 20-minute ride each way, covering a 7km route. The experience provides a glimpse into rural Cambodian life, passing through rice fields and offering interactions with local communities.While the future of the Bamboo Train is uncertain due to potential railway redevelopment, it remains a popular tourist attraction. The original Bamboo Train operates about 5 km from Battambang city center. The 'new' bamboo train is more of an amusement ride located 21km from Battambang City.