bamboo train of battambang city
1 / 10

Bamboo Train Battambang

4
·953 reviews·Krong Battambang, Cambodia

Ride a unique, motorized bamboo platform on old train tracks through Cambodia's scenic countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
bamboo train of battambang city

Bamboo Train Battambang

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a unique, motorized bamboo platform on old train tracks through Cambodia's scenic countryside.

4
(953 reviews)

"It's a fun, unique ride through the Cambodian countryside, showcasing local ingenuity."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Price & Negotiation

Expect to pay around $5 per person. Some reviews mention potential for tip pressure, so be prepared.

☀️ Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen and a hat! The open platform offers no shade, and the sun can be intense.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bamboo Train Ride

The Bamboo Train Ride

Ou Dambong Station

Experience a unique, motorized bamboo platform zipping through the Cambodian countryside.

Countryside Views

Countryside Views

Along the tracks

Enjoy picturesque views of rice paddies and rural Cambodian life from your unique vantage point.

Local Ingenuity

Local Ingenuity

Ou Dambong Station

Marvel at the resourceful engineering of these 'norries' powered by small engines.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Bamboo Train operates on active tracks, so be prepared for potential stops and delays. Arriving earlier in the day can mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. Consider the weather; the lush green scenery is stunning, but rain can impact comfort.

Understand the 'Norry'

This isn't a traditional train! It's a unique, motorized bamboo platform on wheels. While fun, it can be loud and bumpy. The ride is relatively short, so manage expectations for a quick, novel experience rather than an extensive tour.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

รีวิว รถไฟไม้ไผ่กัมพูชา 🇰🇭 เป็นไง ไปดู #กัมพูชา #รถไฟไม้ไผ่ #พระตะบอง #battambang
@natcha_ncs
108.3K likes • 3.1M views

💰 Price & Negotiation

Expect to pay around $5 per person. Some reviews mention potential for tip pressure, so be prepared. TikTokReddit

☀️ Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen and a hat! The open platform offers no shade, and the sun can be intense. Reddit

Reaction Video to Bong Bចេង @Justin Ly 19.95 #cambodia #battambang #phnomphen #paris #khmertiktok🇰🇭 #usa🇺🇸
@justinly95
63.4K likes • 552.5K views
Would you ride this bamboo train in Battambang, Cambodia?
melvintures
41 likes • 1.3K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You might need to disembark if another 'norry' approaches. Comfortable footwear is key. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

The ride is short but photogenic. Keep your phone or camera secure, as it can be bumpy! Instagram

Bamboo Train in Battambang, Cambodia. This transport connect a few small villages spread in 7 km area. Unluckily soon will close definitely. In past man used a long pale to push the platform, until someone had the brillant idea to motorize them by an engine #cambodia #battambang #bambootrain #kmerculture
raricaart
345 likes • 159.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Price & Negotiation

Expect to pay around $5 per person. Some reviews mention potential for tip pressure, so be prepared. TikTokReddit

☀️ Sun Protection

Bring sunscreen and a hat! The open platform offers no shade, and the sun can be intense. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You might need to disembark if another 'norry' approaches. Comfortable footwear is key. Reddit

📸 Capture the Moment

The ride is short but photogenic. Keep your phone or camera secure, as it can be bumpy! Instagram

🤔 Manage Expectations

It's a unique, short, and sometimes loud experience, not a relaxing scenic tour. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(953 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Bamboo Train offers a unique and fun ride through the Cambodian countryside, showcasing local ingenuity. While many enjoy the novelty and scenic views, some find it noisy, bumpy, and overpriced for the short duration, with occasional concerns about tip pressure.

"Such a fun way to see Cambodia. We came in late September, nearing the end of rainy season, so it was especially green and beautiful!! Don’t forget to wear sunscreen or bring a hat ☀️🌾🛤️🇰🇭"

Lily-Jane

"During my weekend in Battambang, this was my favorite thing.
The ingenuity of the Khmer people to use the train tracks for their personal use with just a flat frame, some wheels and a motor is awesome.
I loved the the ride and I love the out of the box thinking they people did."

Brian Powell

"Not at all what I would imagine a ‘bamboo train’ to look like. Powered by a motor, so it’s incredibly loud and not relaxing. It doesn’t take you anywhere particularly interesting. For $5 there are much more fun things to do in the area. This was a massive waste of time for me."

Jamie Newell

What People Like

Unique motorized bamboo platform
Scenic countryside views
Ingenious local engineering

What People Dislike

Noisy and bumpy ride
Overpriced for duration
Tip pressure concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bamboo Train is located near Ou Dambong station, a short drive from Battambang city center. You can hire a tuk-tuk or a taxi to take you there. Many tours from Siem Reap also include it as a stop. TikTokInstagram

Yes, it's a well-known attraction. Your driver will likely know exactly where to go. Asking locals for 'Norry' or 'Bamboo Train' will also help. TikTok

Absolutely! It's often combined with visits to the Killing Caves, Phnom Banan, and the bat caves. TikTokReddit

You can take a bus, minivan, or private taxi. The journey takes around 3-4 hours. Some travelers opt for a boat trip, which is longer but scenic. TikTok

The platforms are low, but getting on and off might be challenging for those with mobility issues due to the uneven terrain and the nature of the 'train'. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The standard price is around $5 per person for a round trip. Prices can sometimes be negotiated, but be aware of potential tip requests. TikTokReddit

No, tickets are typically purchased on-site at the station. It's advisable to go earlier in the day to avoid long queues. TikTok

The Bamboo Train usually operates daily from morning until late afternoon. It's best to confirm current hours upon arrival or with your accommodation. TikTok

There are no strict age restrictions, but the ride can be bumpy. It's generally considered suitable for most ages, though young children should be supervised. Instagram

If another 'norry' comes from the opposite direction, your platform will be quickly dismantled and removed from the tracks to let the other pass. This is part of the unique experience! InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique design of the 'norry', the surrounding lush countryside, and the interaction when platforms are moved off the tracks. The station area also offers good shots. TikTokInstagram

Be cautious. The ride can be bumpy and fast, so secure your camera or phone. It's best to hold on tight and take photos during brief stops or when the train is moving slowly. Instagram

Yes, videos are highly recommended to capture the motion and sounds of the 'norry' as it travels through the landscape. TikTokInstagram

The train itself offers the best moving viewpoint. At the station, you can get good shots of the platforms and the surrounding area. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can create beautiful scenes. TikTok

🎫 💡 Local Insights & Culture

The 'Norry' was developed after the Khmer Rouge destroyed Cambodia's railway network, using salvaged truck parts and motorbike engines to create a functional transport system on old tracks. Instagram+1

It's named for the primary material used for its platform – a sturdy bamboo structure built on wheels and powered by a small engine. Instagram

It represents the ingenuity and resilience of the Cambodian people, repurposing old infrastructure into a unique mode of transport and a tourist attraction. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there are usually souvenir stalls at the Bamboo Train station where you can purchase local crafts and mementos. TikTok

The Bamboo Train offers a glimpse into rural Cambodian life and the resourcefulness of its people. It's a testament to adapting and innovating. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bamboo Train is a hit with families looking for a unique adventure. Kids often find the novelty of riding on a motorized bamboo platform thrilling. The open-air ride allows them to take in the sights and sounds of the Cambodian countryside. Instagram+1

Parents should be mindful of the bumpy nature of the ride and ensure children are supervised at all times. Sun protection is crucial, so hats and sunscreen are a must. While the ride is short, it offers a memorable experience that's different from typical theme park attractions. Instagram

🎒 Budget Travelers

At $5 per person, the Bamboo Train is an affordable way to experience a unique aspect of Cambodian culture. It offers a good value for a short, memorable ride. TikTokReddit

While the price is reasonable, be aware of potential requests for extra tips, which some travelers have found off-putting. Consider it a fun, quick excursion rather than a full-day activity to maximize your budget. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Bamboo Train offers a dynamic subject. The unique 'norry' design, the interaction when platforms are moved, and the scenic rural landscapes provide ample opportunities for striking shots. TikTokInstagram

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Be prepared for a bumpy ride, so ensure your gear is secure. Capturing the 'action' of the train being dismantled and reassembled is a must-have shot. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ingenuity of the 'Norry'

The Bamboo Train, locally known as the 'Norry', is a marvel of Cambodian ingenuity. Developed in the aftermath of the Khmer Rouge era, when the country's railway infrastructure was largely destroyed, locals ingeniously repurposed old train tracks. They created a simple yet effective motorized platform using a bamboo base, salvaged truck parts, wheels, and a small motorbike engine. This resourceful solution allowed for the transport of goods and people across the countryside when traditional rail travel was impossible. Instagram+1

The 'norry' is designed to be lightweight and easily dismantled. When two 'norries' meet on the single track, the one with the lighter load is quickly taken apart and lifted off the rails to allow the other to pass. This process, while adding a unique element to the ride, also highlights the practical, on-the-fly problem-solving that defines this mode of transport. InstagramReddit

While its primary function was once practical, the Bamboo Train has evolved into a significant tourist attraction, offering visitors a thrilling and memorable experience. It provides a unique perspective on rural Cambodia, showcasing the landscape and the spirit of its people. TikTokInstagram

Navigating the Ride and Expectations

Riding the Bamboo Train is an experience unlike any other. The 'norry' can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h, making for a surprisingly fast and exhilarating journey through the scenic Cambodian countryside. The open bamboo platform means you're fully exposed to the elements, so be prepared for the wind and sun. Instagram+1

It's important to manage expectations. The ride itself is relatively short, typically lasting around 20-30 minutes. Some travelers find the noise from the engine to be quite loud, and the ride can be bumpy. Reviews suggest that while fun, it might not be the 'relaxing' experience some anticipate, and for $5, some feel there are more worthwhile activities in the area. TikTokReddit

Be aware that the experience can sometimes be interrupted. If another 'norry' approaches, your platform will be temporarily dismantled. Some visitors have also reported feeling pressured for tips at the end of the ride, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. InstagramReddit

You may also like