Wherever you go, people get around differently. Whether that’s a result of history or technology, it adds a certain flavor to your destination. Here are 10 unique modes of transportation in Asia.
10 unique ways to travel in Asia
By Coconuts Manila
Wherever you go, people get around differently. Whether that’s a result of history or technology, it adds a certain flavor to your destination. Here are 10 unique modes of transportation in Asia.
1. JUNK BOATS
You'll find these ancient ships cruising around Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. They're more for leisure and cruising than for transportation, and offers a nice change of pace in the busy city.
2. CYCLO
You'll find these three-wheeled taxis zipping throughout traffic in Vietnam. These tricycles are used by tourists and locals alike, and are often faster than waiting in traffic in a car.
3. BULLET TRAIN
Although most items on this list focus on older, almost novel modes of transportation, Japan's bullet train (or the Shinkansen) is one of the fastest, most advanced networks of trains in the world.
4. CARABAO
Carabao (water buffalo) are found throughout the Philippines and have been used on farms for decades. While they are no longer a staple in transportation, they're still quite the tourist attraction.
5. ELEPHANT
Elephant riding is perhaps one of the biggest attractions for tourists in Thailand, and is definitely a must-try. They also hold an important part of transporting goods to remote locations.
6. BAMBOO TRAIN
Cambodia's bamboo trains are what they sound like. A 3m frame pieced together with bamboo planks atop barbell-like bogies powered by a small gas engine, these trains travel along old train tracks.
7. RICKSHAW
While Japan has rapidly modernized and has long since abandoned human-powered rickshaws as a method of travel, you can still find a few of these in the smaller streets in Kyoto.
8. SONGTHAEW
A songthaew consists of two benches attached to some sort of wheels and engine, often trucks. While they're not the most comfortable, they can handle rough terrain.
9. JEEPNEY
A Jeepney is a jeep-bus hybrid used commonly as public buses in the Philippines. These came from the heavy use of Jeeps after WWII, from there, they were modified to carry more people.
10. TUKTUK
Found in Thailand, tuktuks are three-wheeled taxis that look like a motorcycle with a metal frame built around it. These can be found all over Thailand with 'taxi' signs on the roof.
