Forever under threat of extinction, this unusual, and thrilling, way of catching a glimpse of the gorgeous Battambang countryside is known locally as a norrie, or nori, or nory. It’s a “train” made of a bamboo platform set on two sets of bogies with a small motor stuck on the ...
Forever under threat of extinction, this unusual, and thrilling, way of catching a glimpse of the gorgeous Battambang countryside is known locally as a norrie, or nori, or nory. It’s a “train” made of a bamboo platform set on two sets of bogies with a small motor stuck on the back. They used to be powered by long poles (Venice-style), but that was clearly simply not terrifying enough.
A wooden stick does serve as brake and accelerator though. There’s a mat laid on the wooden platform — the ‘deluxe’ versions come with cushions (tuk tuk drivers may let you use the tuk tuk cushions) — and passengers sit cross-legged on the mat.
When the road to Phnom Penh was upgraded, making it a five-hour or so ride, the 16-hour (on a good day) train services more or less ceased operating but locals continued to use the existing tracks for goods and passengers as a means of accessing Battambang town and its markets from outlying villages. Locals quickly caught on that they had an excellent, ready-made tourist attraction but plenty of villagers do still use it.
Tourists tend to favour early morning and late afternoon ‘departures’ when it’s not so hot (the trains have no roof) — the latter time can get very busy in high season. Rides usually take you to the first ‘station’ down the line where drinks and T-shirt vendors await or perhaps to a strategically located bridge for watching the sun set over paddy. Your ride will take 10 minutes or so each way and drivers are happy to wait for you for a dollar tip. Note the line heads southeast out of town, so you more or less have to do the return trip since there’s not anything to combine it with. It may look like an accident waiting to happen but we must have done it over 30 times without seeing any incidents — so while it’s not as bad as it looks, it’s still a good idea to ask them to drive slowly.
There are definite plans to upgrade the old railway line eventually to link Phnom Penh to Bangkok, but as of time of writing in mid-2015 the bamboo train is still operating. Since the old line to Kampot has been upgraded there are, to our knowledge, no other bamboo trains as tourist attractions in Cambodia.
The trains are limited to a maximum of four passengers and currently charge $5 per person.
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Tea Cham Rath Street, Phum Chrey Kong, Sangkat Slaket (250m from Battambang Boat Pier), Battambang, Cambodia
Best Value!
Designed to look like a Khmer Buddhist Temple, The Sanctuary Villa Battambang offers an outdoor pool. Fitted with free WiFi, air-conditioned villas present a mix of modern and traditional decor.
The Sanctuary Villa Battambang provides a free transfer from Battambang Bus and Boat Terminal. Via tuk-tuk, it is a 5-minute ride from the town area and a 15-minute ride from Bamboo Train Station. The property offers complimentary pickup services from the bus or train station.
Dark wood furnishings and shades of golden-yellow give villas an elegant feel. All come with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and a mini-bar. Private bathrooms have a separate bathtub and walk-in shower.
Leisurely afternoons can be spent with a traditional Khmer massage treatment. Day trips can be arranged at the tour desk. The property offers complimentary use of bicycles for guests who wish to explore the surrounding area.
The semi-outdoor Oh Yeah! Restaurant serves a selection of Khmer, Thai and international dishes. In-room dining is also possible with room service.
This property is also rated for the best value in Battambang! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
159 D, Street 207, Phnum Romcheck 4, Sangkat Ratanak, Battambang, Cambodia
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and an in-house restaurant, Classy Hotel is a modern building located in Battambang. Contemporary rooms come equipped with a bathtub. Free Wi-Fi access is available in this hotel.
Cooled with air conditioning, rooms feature a flat-screen cable TV and a minibar. A personal safe and a wardrobe are included as well. En suite bathrooms offer a hot/cold showers and free amenities.
Refreshing workouts can be enjoyed at the fitness centre. The accommodation also provides meeting facilities and sauna facilities. A 24-hour front desk can assist with traditional massages, shuttle services and travel arrangements.
Classy Hotel is located only 200 m from the historical Colonial Buildings. It is 300 m from Battambang Museum and 400 m from Riverside Night Market. Siem Reap International Airport is 75 km away.
Local Cambodian and Western meals can be served at the in-house restaurant. Guests can also opt for room service options and breakfast can be served in the room upon request.
This property is also rated for the best value in Battambang! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
Classy Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 9 Dec 2013.
Hotel Rooms: 128
Noth of Bueng Chhouk Market, Prek Moha Tep Village, Svay Pou Commune, Battambang, Cambodia
Best Value!
Seasons Guesthouse is located in Battambang, within 1.9 km of Battambang Museum and 2.1 km of Riverside Nights Market. The property is around 2.4 km from Borey Thmey Mall, 8 km from Bamboo Train Battambang and 16.1 km from Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau. Banan Temple is 20.9 km from the property.
At the guesthouse, the rooms are equipped with a desk and a TV. With a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower and free toiletries, rooms at Seasons Guesthouse also feature free WiFi.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Boeung Chhouk Market, Psar Nat and Colonial Buildings.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip.
This property is also rated for the best value in Battambang! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
185 Pom Romchek 5, Kom Rattanak, Battambang, Cambodia
Best Value!
Located in Battambang, a 5-minute walk from Colonial Buildings, La Villa features an outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The property is close to several noted attractions, around 549 m from Battambang Museum and around a 9-minute walk from Riverside Nights Market. Free WiFi is available and Psar Nat is 1 km away.
At the hotel, all rooms come with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Each room is equipped with an electric tea pot, while some rooms have a terrace and others also feature pool views. At La Villa, rooms have a seating area.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast. At La Villa you'll find a restaurant serving Cambodian and French cuisine. A vegetarian option can also be requested.
Bike rental and car rental are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling.
Popular points of interest near the hotel include Borey Thmey Mall, Boeung Chhouk Market and Wat Po Veal.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Battambang! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Solo travelers in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a one-person stay.
This property is also rated for the best value in Battambang! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
La Eh, corner street 101, battambang, Battambang, Cambodia
Best Location!
Located in Battambang, within a 2-minute walk of Boeung Chhouk Market and 549 m of Psar Nat, Capital Battambang Hotel has accommodations with a garden and free WiFi. The property is around 1.9 km from Borey Thmey Mall, 8 km from Bamboo Train Battambang and 17.7 km from Killing Caves of Phnom Sampeau. The property provides a 24-hour front desk and room service for guests.
At the hotel, all rooms have a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with free toiletries, all guest rooms at CAPITAL BATTAMBANG HOTEL have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms will provide you with a balcony.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Colonial Buildings, Battambang Museum and Riverside Nights Market.
This property is also rated for the best value in Battambang! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
St.155, #306, Romchek4 Village, Ratanak Commune, Battambang, Cambodia
Centrally located in Battambang City in Cambodia, King Fy Hotel offers well-decorated rooms with free Wi-Fi and a 32-inch flat-screen TV. Providing free shuttles to the shopping areas, it also has a steam room, hot tub and in-room spa treatments.
Featuring wooden furnishings, the air-conditioned rooms have a private balcony with views of Battambang City or Sangker River. A personal safe, minibar and writing desk are included. Bathrooms have a rainshower or spa bathtub.
King Fy Hotel is 450 m from Wat Kandal and Wat Pacha. It is less than 1 km from the Provincial Museum and Battambang Railway Station. It is 4.1 km from Battambang Airport.
Guests can rent a bicycle, arrange a day trip or exchange foreign currency at the tour desk. The hotel also provides a minimart and a souvenir shop. Laundry services and a business centre are also available.
The Coriander Restaurant specialises in Asian and European cuisine. It also offers a degustation menu of fusion Western and Khmer dishes. Beautiful sunset views and cocktails can be enjoyed at The Terrestrial Lounge.
This property is also rated for the best value in Battambang! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.
We speak your language!
King Fy Hotel has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 10 Nov 2011.
Hotel Rooms: 65
Being the locals, we know the true value of our land. We always listen and arrange everything as your desire. Please kindly send us whatever about your trip,we will send you best offers quickly.
Guest Name: Miss. Lamaerne trinderup
Country: Denmark
City: Hillerød
N.of Person: 6 pax
Travel date: 2025-03-14
Booked: Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon
Tour Style: Tour Activities
Duration: 30 Mins
