Phnom Penh: Train travel has largely ground to a halt in Cambodia due to the coronavirus but railway fans can still get their fix aboard a stationary carriage converted into a hipster cafe.
Image Credit: AFP
2 of 10
The country has more than 600 kilometres of track extending from its northern border with Thailand to the southern coast, but decades of war and neglect have left vast stretches damaged and coronavirus has shut many remaining services.
Image Credit: AFP
3 of 10
A new airport rail link was closed last year and passenger trains to the seaport of Sihanoukville have been suspended since March when Cambodia was hit with the worst of its COVID-19 outbreak.
Image Credit: AFP
4 of 10
A worker making coffee in a train carriage converted into a cafe.
Image Credit: AFP
5 of 10
But a new train cafe - located at Phnom Penh railway station - has become a hub for Instagrammers and Facebookers looking for a selfie location and cold drink.
Image Credit: AFP
6 of 10
As authorities relax virus restrictions following a three-week lockdown in the capital, patrons have flocked to the cafe for impromptu photoshoots and iced coffees.
Image Credit: AFP
7 of 10
The carriage only required minor modifications including ripping out old sticky seats and replacing them with comfy chairs, said Sak Vanny, manager of passenger operations for Royal Railway Cambodia.
Image Credit: AFP
8 of 10
"We had the idea to turn a train carriage into a train cafe in order to generate some income for the company and help staff members with work during the pandemic," she said. "We did not make a lot of changes to it so that its original look wouldn't disappear... When guests come here they can have the same feeling like they are riding a train."
Image Credit: AFP
9 of 10
Women posing for a selfie at the front of a train at a railway station in Phnom Penh.
Image Credit: AFP
This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you.
Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.
