Riding the Bamboo Train

After Siem Reap, where we visited the famous ruins of Angkor Wat, we decided to do a short stop-over in Battambang on our way to Sianoukville. Why? Because of the famous Bamboo Train! 

This train - well, to be precise it is not a train but a draisine - is a simple construction consisting of weels, a bamboo plattform to sit on, and a small twin-stroke engine to animate it! All out of the simple reason that after the Khmer Rouge regime resources were scarce and no trains were operating in the region (and still do not operate on this particular route). But people had to get to the local markets to sell their goods, so they invented this magnificent means of transportation.

And it had to be kept simple and to be easily disassembleable for one good reason: there is only one track! So if two bamboo trains from two different directions meet each other, the one that is heavier loaded stays on the track, the other one is disassembled quickly and put aside the track to give way. A great way to solve the problem!!!

Unfortunately, the Bamboo Train is not as heavily used by locals as a means of transportation anymore, it is kept alive mainly to make tourist dollars. Feels quite odd to be driven for 7 km from one station to another, only to be hassled by people who want to sell refreshments to you...
However, riding the Bamboo Train was heaps of fun and exciting, and watching the operators dismantle their rides even more! 

Additionally, we have heared rumors, that local authorities plan to revitalize the track and that the Bamboo Train will come to the end of its existence. So be quick and catch this very special train as long as you can!