One must keep in mind Cambodia is a contemporary war-torn country. It has been only since 1993 any semblance of safety, electrical power, running water and governance has been in place.
Since, roads have been greatly improved, among other things.
Cambodia's railroad system however is in absolute shambles. Once a week (approximately) one train barely ambles across the country from Phnom Penh to Batambang near the Thai boarder and back. Top speed - about 3.5 miles per-hour. Even at this speed, derailments are not uncommon. Cambodia's passenger rail cars make Bangladesh's look like the Orient Express in comparison.
But not to fear, the Bamboo Railways of Cambodia are here!
Along the hundreds of kilometers of railroad track are hundreds of entrepreneurs that rip up and down the unused track on what they call, 'Bamboo Trains'. No government intervention in this rail system. These bamboo railroad operators have hashed-out their own territories, timetables and inner connection points.
Here are some photographs followed by a bamboo train video shot by Chean Long.
Bamboo Train Video:
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