The Bamboo Train, Battambang Cambodia



There are so many adventurous things to do in and around Battambang.  Most of them would never fly in the United States, as we are overwhelmed with lawsuits, but here in Cambodia you can have some fun on these local (and slightly dangerous) attractions! This past Saturday we ventured out with our good friends and their three adorable children to take a ride on the Bamboo Train.  

Built in the 1980's, Cambodians used bamboo trains as a means of transport around the countryside after much of the transportation infrastructure was destroyed during the terrors of the Khmer Rouge. The people needed to transport themselves, livestock, crops, and other items from one area to the next, and they used bamboo trains to do so.

The bamboo train (the tourist activity) is a simple assembly of a bamboo platform resting on axles with old railway stock wheels and a simple exposed engine on the back.  The ride lasts abut 20 minutes from one village to the next, taking its passengers on a scenic journey (faster than you would expect) through rice field, jungle, and lush green farm land.

What made this adventure even more fun was the fact that we got to do it with our friends, and experience the train through the eyes of a child.  Don't worry, we held on to them tightly and sat them in the middle of the train car so they were safe the entire time!  But despite the speed the kids were so excited to ride on the train, and were a joy for the locals to interact with in the villages on either end of the tracks.  

We love exploring the local area and getting to know Battambang and its surrounding area a bit better.  We can't wait to experience more of this amazing county and get to know more of the people who call it home!


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