More a novelty and a treat for kids, the Battambang's norries - bamboo trains - provided essential transport for moving goods and produce along the old French built railways when more hi-tech rolling stock wasn't available in Cambodia's long lean decades.
A norrie is a simple railway craft with a flat bamboo tray that sits on four railway wheels all powered by a small motor. They move through pretty rural countryside at a surprisingly rapid clip.
Travellers board for a 15 minute journey - depending on stops - before alighting at the other end for a drink and an optional walk. The norries operate on a single line so when another norrie approaches, drivers disassemble their craft, lift it off the rails and allow the other norrie to pass.
Cambodia's improving infrastructure may mean that the norries are no longer essential. But tourist interest seems to be sustaining them for now.
Travel tip
Easily visited from Battambang or as part of day trip including Phnom Banan and Phnom Sampeou.
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