Bamboo trains of Battambang in Cambodia

Cambodia is probably one of the less-explored countries in the word. If you have not made any plans for Cambodia yet, maybe you need to make one soon. While the country has gained increased attention in recent years, it still maintains an element of unexplored charm and offers unique experiences for travelers. One such experience is the bamboo train ride in Battambang.

These unique bamboo trains are locally called norries and are a unique form of transportation found in the countryside of Cambodia. Some may even call it cute!

Particularly used in Battambang province, a norri is a wooden platform or bamboo platform that is fitted with wheels and powered by a small engine or a motorcycle engine.



In the olden times, these makeshift trains were used to transport people, goods, and sometimes, even livestock along the abandoned railway tracks. They have been an essential mode of transportation for local communities. Though they are no longer required with all kinds of transportation options available to the locals, they continue to exist primarily as tourist attractions.


For visitors, who may have never seen such a vehicle, it’s a delightful experience. It’s quite fun to learn about the unique and rustic nature of these improvised bamboo trains and their historical significance in the country's transportation system.

Also read: How to explore Bangkok like a local?

Battambang, known for its scenic countryside and rural charm, has become a hub for norri tourism. Local operators have set up tracks specifically for tourists to enjoy the norri rides, complete with picturesque landscapes and stops at local villages. It offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in rural Cambodia and the ingenuity of the local communities.


A norri ride might even take some of you back to your childhood days. It’s easy to forget that they are not some playthings. Though norries, being improvised and individually operated vehicles, do not have a formal system for traffic control or collision prevention, the ‘traffic’ is pretty well managed.



In the case of two trains approaching each other on the same track, one wonders what happens. Well, nothing dramatic happens as one of them simply gets off the track, passengers and all, do a partial dismantling of the train and simply waits for the other train to pass by. The bamboo train can always be assembled easily!


It's worth noting that norries typically travel at relatively low speeds, allowing operators to have enough time to react and avoid collisions.


Have you experienced this unique bamboo train ride?