On our Battambang day-trip, Chin Chin brought us to see the "Bamboo Train." The train tracks were laid by the French years ago to create a trainline between Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital, and Poipet, on the Thai border. The train service was once a week and a little too expensive for the average Cambodian, so the locals developed their own makeshift train system to carry goods and people from town to town.
The bamboo train is essentially a flat bed made of bamboo which is laid on top of two sets of wheels. It used to be powered by hand with punt poles but has now been upgraded to a lawnmower engine. At this stage, the tracks are a little warped so the ride is somewhat bumpy. Also, there's only one set of tracks so if you meet someone coming the opposite direction, the lighter carriage is unloaded and taken apart so that the other carriage can pass. Once they have passed the train is re-assembled and you're off on your way again in less than five minutes. We took a video of the ride but it's a little bumpy - not advised for people who get motion sickness!
At the end of the line we stopped in a little village for some refreshing drinks and got to see ice being delivered to the locals:
All in all, the Bamboo Train was one of our favorite experiences from our trip. It was totally unique - a must see for anyone visiting Cambodia.
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