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The Bamboo Train: A Cambodian Legend Reimagined
Base of Phnom Banan (20km south of city)
~$5.00 USD per person
30-45 Minutes (Round Trip)
"Norry" comes from the word "Lorry" (Truck)
The Battambang Bamboo Train, or "Norry" as it is known locally, is one of Cambodia's most iconic inventions. While the famous original track near the city center was closed in 2017 to rehabilitate the national railway, the spirit of the Norry lives on at a new location near Banan Temple.
A Piece of History: The Original Norry
A snapshot from the original line in 2015.
The original Norry was born out of necessity in the 1980s. With roads destroyed and trains rarely running, locals built small, bamboo platforms powered by boat engines to transport people and goods along the abandoned tracks.
It was a vital lifeline for villagers and a symbol of Khmer resourcefulness. While that specific line is gone, these photos serve as a memory of that unique era.
Enjoying the ride back in 2015!
The Experience Today
To preserve this heritage for visitors, a new track was established near Phnom Banan. While it is more "touristy" than the original, it offers a smoother ride through beautiful scenery.
You sit on a bamboo mat, the engine roars to life, and you zip through rice paddies with the wind in your hair. It is noisy, bumpy, and incredibly fun.
The "Norry" Dance
What happens when two trains meet on a single track? The rule is simple: the train with the lighter load must yield. In seconds, the drivers dismantle the lighter train—lifting the platform and wheels off the tracks—to let the other pass. They then reassemble it just as quickly. Watching this teamwork is often the highlight of the trip!
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