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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Bamboo Train Battambang
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride a unique, motorized bamboo platform on old train tracks through Cambodia's scenic countryside.
"It's a fun, unique ride through the Cambodian countryside, showcasing local ingenuity."

💰 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bamboo Train Ride
Ou Dambong Station
Experience a unique, motorized bamboo platform zipping through the Cambodian countryside.

Countryside Views
Along the tracks
Enjoy picturesque views of rice paddies and rural Cambodian life from your unique vantage point.

Local Ingenuity
Ou Dambong Station
Marvel at the resourceful engineering of these 'norries' powered by small engines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Understand the 'Norry'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 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.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You might need to disembark if another 'norry' approaches. Comfortable footwear is key.
📸 Capture the Moment
The ride is short but photogenic. Keep your phone or camera secure, as it can be bumpy!
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.
☀️ Sun Protection
Bring sunscreen and a hat! The open platform offers no shade, and the sun can be intense.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You might need to disembark if another 'norry' approaches. Comfortable footwear is key.
📸 Capture the Moment
The ride is short but photogenic. Keep your phone or camera secure, as it can be bumpy!
🤔 Manage Expectations
It's a unique, short, and sometimes loud experience, not a relaxing scenic tour.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! It's often combined with visits to the Killing Caves, Phnom Banan, and the bat caves.
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.
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'.
🎫 🎫 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.
No, tickets are typically purchased on-site at the station. It's advisable to go earlier in the day to avoid long queues.
The Bamboo Train usually operates daily from morning until late afternoon. It's best to confirm current hours upon arrival or with your accommodation.
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.
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!
📸 📸 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.
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.
Yes, videos are highly recommended to capture the motion and sounds of the 'norry' as it travels through the landscape.
The train itself offers the best moving viewpoint. At the station, you can get good shots of the platforms and the surrounding area.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can create beautiful scenes.
🎫 💡 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.
It's named for the primary material used for its platform – a sturdy bamboo structure built on wheels and powered by a small engine.
It represents the ingenuity and resilience of the Cambodian people, repurposing old infrastructure into a unique mode of transport and a tourist attraction.
Yes, there are usually souvenir stalls at the Bamboo Train station where you can purchase local crafts and mementos.
The Bamboo Train offers a glimpse into rural Cambodian life and the resourcefulness of its people. It's a testament to adapting and innovating.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🎒 Budget Travelers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenuity of the 'Norry'
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.
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.
Navigating the Ride and Expectations
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit