Although being made increasingly popular by the bamboo train, Battambang is a city in North-western Cambodia, not frequently visited by travellers- but it totally should be. Cheap eats and delicious milkshakes are to be had in the market and the town is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Accommodation here is cheap too, I had a basic room (4 mattresses on the floor) for £1.50 each! There are also gorgeous hotels and guesthouses that are pretty well priced also.
The bamboo train is a popular activity for travellers to do in Battambang. Actually they have recently made a new track, opened in 2018 which is still very similar to the old track. The bamboo train is like a raft made of bamboo that’s been placed on metal wheels, powered by a small motor. Travelling along a single track, reaching speeds of up to 50kph, the train takes you through beautiful countryside.
Sitting at the front I hold on tight and once the train picks up speed I cannot not remove the smile that has spread widely across my face. We rush past green fields and trees, even through pretty white butterflies fluttering beside. It’s so enjoyable I just can’t stop laughing as it picks up speed.
We have to stop at along the way though as another train was approaching. If there’s more people on the train from the opposite direction, then everybody has to get off, then they lift the whole train from the tracks, let the other train past and then put it all back together again!
After a short ride we reach a local village for a stop before heading back, I assume because they want us to buy something from them. But still, the locals are very friendly and we get a little tour of their brick factory from the small children.
They excitedly show us around their village, talking with surprisingly good English and then make us jewellery from bamboo which was so sweet. They don’t ask for money for them which I thought they might, they seem to just be having fun showing us what they can do. Whether or not its because we bought a few drinks and souvenirs from them- I’m not sure however!
After a while we get back on the train and explore some more of Battambang, exploring a cave used during the Khumer Rouge times (quite sobering but informative) and then visiting a temple with stunning views of the countryside. Battambang is quite big with a fair few western style places to eat and well as local hangouts (the local club was pretty interesting!). So come and explore Cambodia’s relaxed countryside and of course, you cannot leave without riding the famous bamboo train!
Discover more amazing places in Cambodia…How to Spend 36 Hours in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
