Bamboo Train Battambang

During my weekend in Battambang, this was my favorite thing. The ingenuity of the Khmer people to use the train tracks for their personal use with just a flat frame, some wheels and a motor is awesome. I loved the the ride and I love the out of the box thinking they people did.

Not at all what I would imagine a ‘bamboo train’ to look like. Powered by a motor, so it’s incredibly loud and not relaxing. It doesn’t take you anywhere particularly interesting. For $5 there are much more fun things to do in the area. This was a massive waste of time for me.

Is it safe? NO Is it fun? YES For $5 a person you can go on a little bamboo train ride which is super fun. At the end of the journey while they turn the platform around you can buy a drink before your journey back. It takes about 10 minutes each way or so. No need to pre book anything you can simply show up. It is also easy to find on Google Map.

The ride takes about 30 minutes and runs on an active train track, which adds a bit of excitement. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. It’s overpriced, poorly organised, and constantly interrupted—you have to stop mid-ride, get off, while thet physically remove your cart to let others pass. Worst of all, at the end they demand a tip, and when someone in our group gave one, they said it wasn’t enough and asked for more. You’re better off grabbing a coffee at the train café and watching the carts and trains go by from the bridge (see video)

Very fun ride! The cart is super fast. Sadly it's only a short ride for a high price of 5 dollars per person. It stops at 2 little shops in the middle of nowhere where a lady is very pushy about giving tips etc.

I had low expectations for the bamboo train due to all the negative reviews. But I had a free day to explore and figured might as well try it. My girlfriend and I absolutely loved it. We had the whole train to ourselves. Not another tourist in sight. We were here during low tourist season. Yes, it can get really loud, but it didn't bother us. I can see why it would, though, if you have sensitive ears. It doesn't feel like the safest thing in the world. In fact, when we took off the first time and accelerated to max speed, I was sure we were going to fly off the tracks. But that's all part of the experience. A lot of people talk about being exposed to the sun the entire time, and yeah, I can see how that wouldn't be much fun. Fortunately, for us, it was overcast during the first 90 percent of the ride. The final 10 percent it rained like crazy on us. We got drenched, but it was such a fun experience. No one asked for a tip, but in retrospect, I wish I had given one. Our driver was super friendly. The end happened so fast. They were quickly breaking the train down and running to cover while we were simultaneously running to a tuk tuk. By the time I thought about tipping, we were already on the road heading home. A lot of people talk about being pressured to tip. I don't think that's okay, but I do think a tip is definitely warranted. The locals totally deserve it. I still feel really bad that I didn't tip myself. 😢

I’ve read the reviews about the ‘loud engine’, that’s not ‘safe’ to ride and that it is expensive (5$). About loudness and safety, what do you expect?? You ride a bamboo plateau with an old fashioned engine on it. Of course it has no safety regulations but that simplicity gives it the charme and fun. And then the 5$ part. Is 5$ really that much when you traveled all the way to the rural side of Cambodja to help a poor community? Personally I really enjoyed the Bamboo train. It was a very unique experience and would recommend it to everyone.

It's alright, tourist trap tho... If you are looking for something to do in Battambang this is an option. It's fun but feels like 5$ each is too much + feeling forced to tip the driver. They also bring you a few kms down the track to a lady selling cold drinks or souvenirs with a little girl selling bracelets. We had to get off multiple times for other people coming back and once for an actual train in. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't fun but it wasn't worth 5$ each + tip imo