Battambang Bamboo Train
Amusement Park Informal bamboo rail carts on rural tracks
Local operators run hand-built bamboo platforms on narrow-gauge rails near Battambang; tourists ride short stretches for the quirky, improvised transport and for riverside village views.
The Battambang Bamboo Train, locally known as the norry, is an informal motorized platform service on narrow-gauge railway tracks near Battambang city in northwest Cambodia. It began as a practical local transport solution and became a popular tourist experience offering short rides through rice paddies and villages.
A typical ride uses a lightweight platform built from bamboo or timber mounted on wheels and powered by a small motor. Trips run on short sections of track outside the town and are usually scheduled by local operators rather than as part of Cambodia’s formal rail network.
Historically the bamboo train emerged where road and rail infrastructure were limited, and the tourist iteration preserves that ad hoc character while catering to visitors seeking a short rural rail experience. The boarding points are located a short drive from central Battambang and rides are commonly combined with visits to nearby markets and countryside.
- Platform size: Riding platforms are improvised low bamboo or metal decks driven by small engines and typically seat around four to six passengers.
How to Get to Battambang Bamboo Train #
The Battambang bamboo train site is reached from Battambang town by a short local ride: take a tuk‑tuk or motorbike taxi from the town centre to the bamboo‑train village (commonly about 6-8 km and roughly 15-25 minutes depending on traffic). Battambang is served by regular buses from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap via National Road 5; once in Battambang town hire a tuk‑tuk for the short transfer to the track site.
Tips for Visiting Battambang Bamboo Train #
- Go early in the day (before the midday heat and tour buses arrive) to enjoy the ride with fewer people and steadier service from local operators.
- Expect to pay in cash at the boarding point and to ride on a short, community‑run section of track; check with your guesthouse or a local guide beforehand because the route and operating hours can change.
- Treat the bamboo train as a short, informal experience-combine it with nearby village visits or Phnom Sampov to make a fuller half‑day trip rather than planning it as a long excursion.
Best Time to Visit Battambang Bamboo Train #
Best visited in the cool, dry season (November-February) for drier tracks, more comfortable temperatures and easier travel.
Weather & Climate near Battambang Bamboo Train #
Battambang Bamboo Train's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and hot winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 19°C to 35°C. Abundant rainfall (1294 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 4 mm.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is hot, feeling like 28°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (237 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (212 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
