THE BAMBOO TRAIN IN BATTENBANG
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This post is all about how to ride the bamboo train in Battenbang in Cambodia
Battenbang isn’t on everyones list of places to visit when travelling in Cambodia, but I believe it should be for a unique experience you can’t get anywhere else - the Battenbang bamboo train.
The bamboo train is in the north western part of Cambodia, on the outskirts of Battenbang town. Calling this a train is a very big stretch of the imagination and you shouldn’t go with the idea of modern, western trains. This bamboo train or nori is essentially a bamboo flatbed on wheels that’s powered by a motorcycle or tractor engine.
The rail line stretches all the way down to the capital of Phnom Penh, but most of the tracks lie in complete abandon and disrepair.
The bamboo train ride only runs 7 kilometers in length to a nearby village and back.
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This post is all about visiting Battenbang in Cambodia and going on the bamboo train there.
WHAT’S THE HISTORY OF THE BATTENBANG BAMBOO TRAIN?
After the Khmer Rouge had devastated Cambodia and it’s railways, Norry’s (trains) were built as a new form of transport. The villagers of Cambodia used truck parts left over from the war and fitted them to the railroad. They were used for easily transporting goods and people.
WHAT IS THE BAMBOO TRAIN IN BATTENBANG?
The bamboo train in Battenbang is a contraption that’s more like a bamboo raft on wheels than a train.
The bamboo railway of Battenbang is the only surviving section of the rustic Cambodian public transport system that used to stretch across the whole country. The 7km stretch of railway tracks that is now used as a tourist attraction ferries tourists along on a bamboo platform. It gathers up quite a speed at around 50km an hour.
It’s a cheap and simple method of travel. Each bamboo platform has a driver who stands or sits at the back of the flatbed and uses a small motor to propel the carriages along. There are no brakes so it’s best to just look forward and cross your fingers!
WHERE IS THE BATTENBANG BAMBOO TRAIN?
The bamboo train is 6km away from the centre of Battenbang and is easy to get to from the centre of Battenbang. You can get a tuk tuk there individually or as part of a tour.
We took the option of a small tour which included visiting the bamboo train, the killing cave, Phnom Sampov and the bat cave at sunset where we saw millions of bats flying. This tour is pretty inexpensive at only $15USD.
HOW MUCH DOES THE BATTENBANG BAMBOO TRAIN COST?
The train is a very affordable excursion costing only $5USD per person.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE BATTENBANG BAMBOO TRAIN?
After paying your $5USD you get on a bamboo flatbed that’s covered with a blanket and a couple of cushions. Each train carriage has a driver who sits or stands at the back and starts the engine. It’s powered by a small motor but manages to get up some pretty good speeds.
The rickity train bumps along through the trees along a single track for 7km. As it’s only single track when people are coming in the opposite direction the drivers stop the train, lift the flatbed off the track and then the two sets of wheels off so the trains coming in the other direction can go past.
After the short journey you will arrive at a village and you’re told you have to get off the train for 10 minutes or so. The village is set up with many little shack stores with the locals trying to sell you everything from laces, jewellery and art.
I have heard stories from other travellers that their drivers wouldn’t take them back on the return leg of the train ride unless they bought something from the village. This didn’t happen to us and we were able to get back on the train after a short wander around the village.
IS THE BATTENBANG BAMBOO TRAIN WORTH VISITING?
Personally, I’d say yes! It’s a great little trip that you can do in as little as an hour or two.
It’s great to book it as part of a Tuk Tuk tour that takes you around a few places near Battenbang.
Yes, it’s very touristy and set up to try and make as much money from you as possible and you do get hassled a bit at the village to buy things but I don’t mind that. The locals are just trying to make a living.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BATTENBANG
Battambang is in the western hemisphere of Cambodia and shares its border with Thailand.
The weather in Battambang can be separated in to two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season is from October to early May and the wet season is mis May to September. Throughout the year temperatures usually range between 21°C and 36°C.
The best time of the year to explore Battambang is between November and February. These months fall under the dry season and there is a pleasant climate with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 27°C.
During the wet season, Battambang experiences cloudy weather with September receiving the highest amount of rainfall. The landscapes around Battambang turn beautiful during the wet season thanks to lush greenery. The best thing about exploring this city during the wet season is lesser crowds.
HOW TO GET TO BATTENBANG
By Air:
The Battambang Airport is located approximately 3 km away from the centre of Battambang. There are several airlines that fly between Siemp Reap and Phnom Penh.
By Road:
Battambang connects to other neighboring cities through the well-built National Highway 5 and National Highway 6. These roads provide excellent access to towns such as Phnom Penh, Sisophon, Siem Reap, and Poipet. You can get night buses from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
By Water:
There is one ferry that travels between Battambang and Siem Reap. This ferry departs early in the morning and offers tourists a 6 hour scenic ride through tranquil oceanic waters with sights of incredible floating villages.
VIDEO FROM THE BATTENBANG BAMBOO TRAIN
WHERE TO STAY IN BATTENBANG
Battenbang is set on the banks of the Sangkae River in Cambodia. It’s a wonderful destination that should be on your list of places to visit in Cambodia. It’s a great place to spend a few days. Accommodation options include intimate heritage hotels as well as tranquil village hideaways, perfect for a range of tastes and budgets.
This is a fantastic hostel at an absolute bargain price. There are private and dorm rooms and you can add a delicious breakfast on to your stay if you want. There is a good sized outdoor pool if you want to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy some relaxation in the Cambodian sunshine
Stay here if you’re on a budget.
photo credit booking.com
This homestay is near Battambang Museum, Colonial Buildings and Battambang Royal Railway Station. It has a lovely garden you can enjoy and some units have a terrace and/or a balcony with garden views. There’s also an Asian breakfast included.
Stay here if you want a value private room.
photo credit booking.com
Bambu Hotel features local Khmer and French colonial architecture. There is an outdoor pool, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi, rooms come with a flat-screen TV and iPod dock. Bambu’s rooms feature private terraces with views of the pool. There’s air conditioning, a minibar and DVD player. There is a restaurant on site : Russey Restaurant Battambang, which serves local and international dishes. Room service is also provided.
Stay here for Cambodian luxury.
photo credit booking.com
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