Norry
Railroad Station Improvised bamboo rail vehicle on rural tracks
In Battambang, the Norry or bamboo train is a makeshift rail trolley that runs on local tracks; tourists ride short stretches for a quirky view of rice paddies and village life.
Norry (the bamboo train) refers to improvised, lightweight rail vehicles used on sections of narrow-gauge track around Battambang in northwestern Cambodia. These simple platforms, mounted on wheels and powered by small motors, have become a local tourist attraction.
Expect short, open-air rides on a low wooden platform with basic seating and a small engine; the experience emphasizes novelty and local transport history rather than a formal attraction. Operators will stop to pass trains and negotiate the single-track sections by lifting platforms.
The norry system evolved from local use of redundant colonial-era rail lines for transporting goods and people and later adapted to tourist rides as road transport became dominant. Individual norry operators maintain and run the platforms.
Norry rides operate around Battambang city in northwestern Cambodia and use stretches of remaining track that pass through rural and semi-urban areas close to town.
- How it works: Rides are typically short and informal; the single-track setup requires alternating sections where platforms are lifted to let opposing vehicles pass.
Tips for Visiting Norry #
- Confirm current operation and opening times with your Battambang guesthouse before going - the 'norry' (bamboo train) service is informal and can be affected by track works or local schedules.
- Visit mid-morning to avoid the hottest part of the day and to combine the ride with nearby attractions in Battambang (such as Wat Banan or local markets) on the same outing.
- Choose a recognized tourist operator or a widely recommended local platform rather than improvised vendors to ensure a safer, more predictable ride and price.
Best Time to Visit Norry #
Weather & Climate near Norry #
Norry'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 (1336 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 5 mm.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 29°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (165 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (243 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (216 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.
