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.
This tour is offered by Visit.org, the world's leading platform for social impact travel experiences. Revenue from this experience will be reinvested in our local partner org Soksabike, which aims to ...
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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!
East Road along the stream, Rocheck 4, Rattanak Commune, River East Bank, Battambang, Cambodia
Presenting a blend of Khmer and modern design, Vimean Sovannaphoum Resort offers an outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the entire property and complimentary parking is provided.
The resort is within a 10-minute walk to Natt Market and Beung Chhouk Market. The nearest bus station is 300 m away, while Sampov Mountain is approximately an hour’s drive from the property.
Featuring a balcony with pool/garden views, air-conditioned rooms are furnished with a wardrobe, a flat-screen cable TV and seating area. Tea/coffee making facilities and minibar are also provided. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer, bathtub, hot/cold shower and free toiletries.
Vimean Sovannaphoum Resort provides luggage storage, laundry and car rental services. Guests can indulge in a pampering massage at the spa, or approach the tour desk for sightseeing and travel arrangements.
The in-house Vimean restaurant serves delectable Khmer, Thai and Western cuisine between 06:00 to 23:00 daily. Meals can also be served in private 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!
Vimean Sovannaphoum Resort has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 12 Apr 2013.
Hotel Rooms: 20
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
No. 618, Grom. 29, Phom Preak Mohatep, Battambang, Cambodia
Best Location!
Royal Hotel is in the heart of Battambang city, within easy access from various tourist attractions. The hotel features a hot tub as well as a rooftop restaurant which overlooks Phnom Sam Pouv Mountain and free Wi-Fi.
All rooms at Royal Hotel have private balconies and large windows. They are equipped with a fridge, cable TV and a private bathroom with hot and cold water facilities.
The hotel provides a tour desk, a business center and various services like car rental, currency exchange and room service.
Guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets with their meals at The Royal Hotel’s rooftop restaurant. Local specialties, as well as, Western dishes are available.
This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Battambang! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 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!
Wat Kor Village, Battambang, Cambodia
Located in Wat Kor Village, 4 km from Psar Nat shopping area, Battambang Resort features bright and modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and views of a garden or lake. Home to an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar the resort is surrounded by rice fields and provides free private parking.
A 10-minute drive from Battambang Resort is Wat Kor Pagoda. The Hotel is 4 km from Battambang Railway Station and Battambang Town.
Each air-conditioned room is also equipped with a fan. All rooms have a telephone, hairdryer and fridge. Some rooms include a tea/coffee making facility.
Battambang Resort has a 24-hour front desk. Tour, ticketing and laundry services are available.
Daily breakfast is served at the resort’s restaurant, which features Asian and Western dishes. Choose from a selection of wine and local beer at the bar. Room service is also available.
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!
Battambang Resort has been welcoming Booking.com guests since 13 Apr 2012.
Hotel Rooms: 10
Street.101, Krom.42, Prekmohatep Village, Sangkat Svaypor, Battambang, Cambodia
Best for Traveller!
Located within 1.8 km of Battambang Museum and 1.9 km of Riverside Nights Market, Lucky Hostel has rooms in Battambang. Featuring ticket service, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The guesthouse has an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi.
Guests at the guesthouse can enjoy a continental breakfast.
You can play pool at Lucky Hostel, and bike rental and car rental are available.
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 8.3 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!
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: Mr. kkokk
Country: United Kingdom
City: perg
N.of Person: 5 pax
Travel date: 1983-04-15
Booked: Angkor Stunning Hot Air Balloon
Tour Style: Tour Activities
Duration: 30 Mins
