photo: shankar s. / CC BY 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons/Tourists on board the bamboo train
A bamboo train might sound like a fantasy, but in Cambodia, it's real. This one-of-a-kind ride takes travelers through history, adventure, and the daily lives of locals.
There are many unique railway routes and trains across the world, and among them is Cambodia’s famous bamboo train. The term "train" might be a bit of an exaggeration, but since it moves on tracks, why not? Some might call it a rail cart, though it doesn’t quite fit that definition either. The vehicle consists of wheels, a bamboo platform, and a small motor. Locally, it's known as norry. Unsurprisingly, it has become a top tourist attraction, but nowadays, travelers need to be cautious about whether they’re getting the real deal or a modern imitation.
Railways Without Trains
Cambodia’s rail network was originally built by the French, but in 1975, the Khmer Rouge—a Maoist-nationalist regime—took control, leading to genocide and destruction across the country. Those were four of the darkest years in Cambodia’s history. The railways were abandoned, left to decay under the forces of nature. But locals, ever resourceful, found a way to use the tracks for transportation, creating an ingenious solution to travel between villages.
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So, what exactly is this famous contraption made of? The design is incredibly simple yet effective. Villagers repurposed wheels from old military vehicles or decommissioned trains and connected them with an iron rod. Once the base was set, they placed a bamboo platform on top and attached a motor—which could be anything from a motorbike engine to a sawmill motor. The train reaches speeds of around 30 km/h, controlled by a drive belt that tightens to accelerate. The brake? A simple wooden stick.
Priority on the Tracks: More Cargo, More Right of Way
As you might guess, there’s no official schedule. Passengers simply wait until the platform fills up—whether with people, luggage, firewood, or even livestock. Tourists often get special treatment and are given a bamboo train ride all to themselves.
Since the tracks are single-track railways, a unique right-of-way rule applies. When two bamboo trains meet, the one with less cargo must yield. This means passengers and goods are unloaded, the bamboo platform and wheels are removed from the tracks, and once the oncoming train passes, the crew reassembles the cart and continues the journey.
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Fake Bamboo Trains vs. The Real Experience
The original bamboo train is a legendary experience among adventurers and backpackers, but its rising popularity has led to imitations. Some private businesses now run a "bamboo train" experience but with a modernized vehicle and a custom-built track for tourists. While still fun, it lacks the authenticity of the real ride, where you immerse yourself in local life and witness the true Cambodian countryside.
Travelers often leave mixed reviews on these new versions, whereas the original bamboo trains, despite slight modernization, still offer an authentic journey—one that captures the spirit of Cambodia’s resilience and ingenuity.
Source: zivotnacestach.cz, lideazeme.cz, idnes.cz, backpackerswanderlust.com