Bamboo train / Norry

The bamboo train, called the "norry" by locals, is one of Cambodia's most adventurous tourist attractions - rated by the Lonely Planet travel guide as one of the Top Ten Things to Do in Cambodia. 

Located in the northwestern provincial capital of Battambang, the bamboo train began after the Khmer Rouge left Cambodia in tatters.  With the railroad mostly broken and abandoned, villagers took tank and truck parts leftover from the war and cut them to fit the railroad.  They then placed a bamboo platform on top - held in place only by gravity - and added a small motor to the back, often taken from small cars, motos, or boats.  The result was the bamboo train - a small railroad cart capable of traveling up to 40km per hour down the warped and bumpy tracks, which can be taken apart and reassembled in under two minutes.

Today, the bamboo train is largely used for tourism.  For about $5 USD per person, you can board the bamboo train and take a ride down the roller coaster-like tracks - enjoying the Cambodian sunshine, the beautiful atmosphere, and the unforgettable thrill of the journey!

The train is currently still operating every day of the year, including religious holidays, from about 8am to about 7pm.