In Battambang, Cambodia, there’s a stretch of narrow-gauge railway left behind from the French colonial era. Due to years of conflict and war, Cambodia’s railway system was largely destroyed, making this line unusable for conventional trains. However, the locals put their ingenuity to work—using two sets of wheels, a bamboo platform, and a small motor, they built simple open-air bamboo trains. Thanks to this clever invention, the once-abandoned tracks came back to life in a truly unique way.
The bamboo train was originally created to transport goods and passengers. Today, it has become one of Cambodia’s most unique and charming tourist experiences.
When you arrive at the starting point just outside the city, pay the fare, and watch as the driver assembles the train right before your eyes—placing the wheels, bamboo platform, and small engine directly onto the track. You might be surprised at how basic it looks, but once it gets going, it runs surprisingly smoothly and fast!
A cozy mat and cushions are thoughtfully laid out on the bamboo platform. Once you’re settled in, the engine starts up and the bamboo train gradually picks up speed. You can sit or lie down as you please, and simply enjoy the breeze of Battambang and the beautiful countryside rushing by in a soothing blur.
The round trip on the bamboo train takes about an hour. Along the way, you’ll pass through vast, lush green rice fields with wide-open views; squeeze through narrow jungle paths flanked by thick trees, where you might even need to duck to avoid branches reaching across the track; cross intersecting roads where vehicles courteously give way; and roll over elevated track bridges that add a touch of thrill to the ride. At the final stop, you’ll find a few souvenir shops where you can take a short break and browse local handicrafts before heading back.
The return journey follows the exact same track as the way out, so at the final stop, the bamboo train has to be manually turned around before heading back. But what happens if two trains meet on the same track? The solution is surprisingly simple—and a bit rough-and-ready: one of the trains is dismantled and lifted off the rails to let the other pass, then reassembled afterward. So if there are many trains running that day, expect a bit of a wait during these manual “train crossings”.
In the vast open landscape, the bamboo train takes you on a breezy ride through the heart of Cambodia—swift, simple, and unforgettable.
