Battambang Bamboo Train Tour: An Honest Half-Day Review

Visiting Cambodia and skipping the famed Bamboo Train of Battambang? That’s almost like going to Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower, right? Very, very recently I had the opportunity to experience the Bamboo Train tour firsthand, and honestly, I’m excited to tell you all about it. It’s an exciting little ride that’s so iconic, yet seemingly fragile all at once. So, allow me to give you the lowdown, sharing all the fun bits, a couple of things to watch out for, and if this unique Cambodian attraction is really something that you should include on your list.

What’s the Bamboo Train Experience Really Like?

Ok, first things first, so, what exactly is this “Bamboo Train,” anyway? The local name is actually norry, that it’s a makeshift rail vehicle that was born from necessity. Think back to the days where resources were tight, there were war damages that destroyed the railways, and the resourcefulness of the Cambodian people truly shined. Locals used things, like bamboo platforms, and pieces of old tanks so they could construct these little trains for transporting goods and folks across the countryside.

What makes the norry interesting, it’s how they handle oncoming traffic. That’s right, if you encounter another one headed in your direction, it is not like normal train journeys where there are separate lines. Instead, so the lighter train, normally the one with fewer passengers, it has to be disassembled, lifted off the tracks, and then reassembled, once the other norry has passed. This truly makes the trip quite the authentic, only-in-Cambodia type of thing.

The train departs from a station located not too far away from Battambang, anyway. The tracks extend out into the countryside and offer views of fields and settlements. You sit on a bamboo platform while experiencing everything around you as you travel along the rails. Now, do keep in mind that this journey won’t be the smoothest one you’ve ever experienced because the tracks, yet they aren’t in tip-top shape and they might rattle you about a bit.

What a Typical Half-Day Tour Involves

Basically, that is how a typical tour runs. This is more or less, a breakdown to get you prepared. First you would organize transportation from your accommodations out to the Bamboo Train station, could be tuk-tuk or even a hired car, whatever works best. The drive may be half an hour, possibly more. After reaching the station, they will bargain over the norry fare with a driver, you know to secure your ride, it’s expected. Then comes the fun.

That rattling, a bit bumpy trip on the bamboo platform starts, and this normally lasts around half an hour each way, just enough to soak up the scenery. At the turnaround point, often that is a brick-making village or something along those lines, that you will have some free time. This is just a little for you to stretch your legs, have some interaction with locals, perhaps buy souvenirs, or sample neighborhood snacks. Then you hop back onto the norry, as I was saying and return to the departure station. Round trip to your hotel or wherever you want to be dropped off concludes everything.

Things I Wish I’d Known Beforehand

Okay, here’s where it gets a little more practical, very, very important to make sure you know these things before. Number one: negotiating that fare. Those prices aren’t set in stone, just because it’s tourism. Don’t be shy to haggle just a bit and settle on a price that feels fair. Number two, so think about sun protection, alright? There’s virtually no shade on the norry, so definitely make sure to slather on the sunblock, grab your sunglasses, and wear a hat. Three: it is helpful to manage your expectations on the track conditions, those rails won’t offer the silkiest glide, and expect bumps and vibrations.

Then number four: supporting the little community that you visit during the turnaround. That is where they derive the benefit from your visit, is that they’re trying to sell handicrafts and drinks and what have you, you understand? Remember number five: is that safety first, kids. Make sure that you keep your hands and feet on that train at all times, and please pay attention when other trains have to be removed from or are being put back on the tracks. Finally number six: keep that camera charged because that passing landscapes, those candid moments with local residents, that is something that you will really love capturing.

Is the Bamboo Train Tour Worth Your Time?

Basically, the million-dollar question that, is it really worth it? In short, and to put it simply, that if you ask me I’d have to tell you that it is quite unique, in some respects it gives a glimpse into the ingenuity and resourcefulness of local Cambodians. It is a hands-on, memorable way to witness a slower, slightly more straightforward form of living. Still that tour might feel too touristy for some, so make certain you consider your own travel style and preferences.

This trip isn’t just a quick snapshot because it is something more than that because it gets you a closer appreciation of rural Cambodian life, arguably the essence of experiencing Battambang. Do expect crowds and noise levels during those peak hours and prepare a backup plan in the event you find that the Bamboo Train feels too overdone.

Making the Most Out of the Experience

Okay, so you’re committed, but how to do things right? Think about getting out there early, or you can go later in that day in order to dodge some crowds, and get better light for amazing pictures. So that it’s very, very cool, get mingling with villagers at a turnaround, a chance to learn, possibly hear their stories, also that’s supporting small business operations as well. Then be sensitive about those shots; respectfully ask anyone who you plan to photograph because it makes for way more authentic interactions.

Have yourself an open mind and welcome those unexpected pleasures since they’re half the adventure anyway. Indulge yourself with food; there will be a lot of snacks or neighborhood fruits to try on that route. Finally, definitely factor in just a little extra time; everything can proceed slightly slower than what you might be used to, yet who would mind?

So there you go! Having provided the insights needed to make sure you can go on and create your Bamboo Train escapade in Battambang in ways which will truly become meaningful as well as fun.