The Bamboo Train

 A visit to Battambang is not complete without a ride on the famous “Bamboo Train”.

The Cambodian railway system, a remnant of the French colonial period, fell into disrepair during the Khmer Rouge period (1975-1979). Sections of track near the Thai border were removed in an effort to deliberatly isolate the country, and prevent trains from entering or leaving. After the regime fell, the Khmer Rouge continued guerilla attacks on trains and planted landmines on many rail lines. With the railway system in tatters, resourceful Cambodians created small motor driven railroad carts to use on the disused sections of track. Today these bamboo trains, called "Norry" by locals, are still used to ferry goods and offer rides for tourists.

This ingenious design, the flat cart riding on axles powered by a small gas engine connected via v-belt, makes for quick disassembly and removal when faced with another Norry traveling in the opposite direction (see video clips).

Our Engineer and Brakeman

These bamboo trains clatter down the warped bumpy track at upwards of 40 km/hr (25 mph), making for a very thrilling ride!

Bamboo train quickly changes direction video clip::

https://youtu.be/pgFj6DEDepc

Two bamboo trains travelling in opposing directions meet. video clip:

https://youtu.be/VgHZC8I0RYk

After an exhilarating day of riding the rails there is nothing like a cold refreshing can of KRUD.

(Just not sure how the marketing campaign will work in the US)