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| The jeepney is one of the familiar public transportation in the Philippines. (Source: BusinessWorld) |
Jeepney in the Philippines
Appearing since the 1950s, jeepneys have been a signature form of public transport in the Philippines for decades. This type of vehicle is a testament to the flexibility and creativity of the people of the Southeast Asian country, having been modified from American military vehicles after World War II, then covered with colorful paint, imbued with the local culture.
However, under pressure from pollution and the need to modernize, the Philippines is gradually replacing old jeepneys with new, environmentally friendly models using Euro 4 engines or electricity.
The government requires that the modernization process be completed by 2029, but for now, the traditional jeepney is still a familiar sight on the streets of the Philippines, as both an essential means of transportation and a cultural symbol of the country.
Cyclo in Malacca (Malaysia)
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| Tourists explore the historic city of Malacca on colorful cyclos. (Source: Melakatravel) |
In Malacca City (Malaysia), traditional cyclo (trishaw) has been “revived” into a modern, colorful and musical version. Decorated with neon lights, cartoon characters and vibrant music, trishaw has become a unique cultural highlight, attracting tourists and young people on social networks.
Not only is it entertaining, it is also digital. About 300 drivers are officially licensed, with their own QR codes and IDs. Tourists can book a ride via the iTrafik MBMB app, which helps manage the service efficiently and increases the drivers’ income, which currently ranges from RM5,000–6,000 (about USD1,200–1,400) per month.
From a seemingly outdated means of transport, the trishaw in Malacca has been “reborn” into a vibrant symbol of transport culture, combining tradition and innovation, serving both the travel needs and experiences of tourists in the digital age.
Hanging train in Wuhan (China)
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| A suspension train attracts tourists in Wuhan, Hubei Province. (Source: CGTN) |
The suspension train line in Wuhan City (China) officially operated from September 2023, is the first suspension monorail system in the country. The train is suspended below the rails, hovering high above, bringing a unique experience to passengers.
Each train consists of two carriages, can accommodate 200 people, and is equipped with panoramic windows for a 270-degree view of the city. The route is more than 10 km long with 6 stops, operates automatically, without a driver, and has a maximum speed of about 60 km/h.
Not only serving inner-city transportation, Wuhan's suspension train has also become a new tourist attraction thanks to its modern design and "flying in the middle of the city" experience.
Electric snowmobile in Lapland (Finland)
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| The eSled snowmobile operates smoothly, helping visitors on the Aurora Emotion tour fully immerse themselves in the wild nature. (Source: Mountain Sledder) |
In the Arctic region of Lapland (Finland), electric snowmobiles (e-sleds) are gradually replacing traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, providing a quieter and more environmentally friendly experience.
Travelers can easily control the e-sled to cross snowy forests, frozen lakes or hunt for the northern lights. Many tours incorporate outdoor activities such as campfires, reindeer camps or gem hunting, making the journey a complete experience in the peaceful icy space.
Not only do electric sleds reduce the impact on the ecosystem, they are also easy to handle and suitable for all ages. With their moderate speed and safe design, e-sleds are becoming a popular choice for both locals and visitors who want to experience Lapland in a sustainable way.
Handcart in Kolkata (India)
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| Traditional hand-pulled carts still operate in some small areas of Kolkata. (Source: Kolkata Pages) |
Kolkata (India) is one of the few cities that still maintains an ancient form of transport: the hand-pulled cart. Imported from China in the 19th century, this type of vehicle consists of a seat on two wheels, pulled entirely by human power. The drivers are usually strong and flexible enough to navigate crowded streets, especially in flooded or narrow conditions.
Despite being considered outdated and facing the threat of being banned several times, hand-rickshaws have survived as a flexible transportation solution for short distances. Today, in some old neighborhoods of Kolkata, there are still a few thousand of them operating as a legacy in the modern metropolis.
Sledding in Madeira (Portugal)
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| These sleds can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. (Source: Oddviser) |
In Funchal, on the island of Madeira (Portugal), visitors can sit on a rattan chair with a slide (toboggan) to go down the slope from the Monte area to the city. This type of vehicle has a history dating back to the mid-19th century, and was once used by locals to quickly move to the city center.
Today, the toboggan has become a unique tourist experience. Two drivers, called carreiros, dressed in white uniforms and straw hats, run behind to balance and steer the sled with their feet. The sled course is about 2 km long and can reach speeds of nearly 40 km/h, providing an exhilarating experience amid the rolling hills and tranquil bays of Funchal.
Minibus in Dakar (Senegal)
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| Imported from France, these minibuses were quickly adapted to suit local travel needs. (Source: Senegal-shuttle) |
In the capital city of Dakar, Senegal, minibuses (car rapide) have been a street icon since the 1970s. Although their name means “fast car,” they are actually bulky and slow. They are often decorated with bright colors, folk motifs, and illuminated signs, giving them a unique appearance. This form of public transport plays an important role in urban transportation because it is cheap, flexible, and suitable for the travel needs of the country’s people.
However, facing pressure from congestion and pollution, the Senegalese government is implementing an electric bus rapid transit (BRT) system and other modern public transport options. The rapide cars are therefore gradually being replaced not only to improve traffic quality but also to aim for sustainable development for Dakar.
Bush plane in Alaska (USA)
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| A de Havilland Beaver lands on Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park, where much of Alaska remains inaccessible by road. (Source: Alaska Photo Graphics) |
Alaska is one of the largest and most sparsely populated states in the United States. Its many isolated areas are accessible only by small commercial aircraft, often referred to as “bush planes.” These planes, capable of taking off and landing on short runways, rough terrain, or water, transport residents and essential goods to remote communities, and serve tourists who want to explore the wilderness.
The most popular models are the Piper Super Cub, Cessna 206 or De Havilland Beaver, equipped with large tires, skis or floats, allowing flexible landings in forests, snow and frozen lakes. In addition to transport, they also perform rescue flights, deliver medicine, patrol wildlife and supply in winter.
Despite operating in harsh conditions and facing changing weather, the small civilian aircraft remains an irreplaceable part of life in Alaska.
Amphibious bus in the Netherlands
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| Unique amphibious buses in the Netherlands. (Source: Civitatis) |
No one was surprised when a bus in the Netherlands suddenly plunged into a canal and continued moving like a boat. That was the Amfibus – a hybrid of bus and boat, developed by the Dutch Amphibious Transport company. This unique vehicle can travel up to 100 km/h on asphalt and 6.5 nautical miles per hour on water thanks to a modern hydraulic propulsion system.
Amfibus was put into trial operation in 2009 and officially operated in Rotterdam since 2011, then expanded to Amsterdam and several other cities.
With a 55-seat design, Amfibus is mainly for tourism, providing a “two-in-one” experience of exploring the city on the streets and cruising on the typical Dutch canals. This is not only a means of transportation but also a unique tourist attraction in the land of tulips.
Chicken truck in Guatemala
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| Colorful cars on the streets of Antigua, Guatemala. (Source: Flickr) |
In Guatemala, old buses from the United States are brightly painted and repurposed for transportation. The name “chicken bus” comes from the fact that passengers often bring poultry on board.
These crowded, cramped, yet lively buses are not only a staple of local life, but also an unforgettable experience for tourists. There are no set departure times, and the buses only leave when they are full. Inside, the narrow corridors are always packed with people, luggage hangs from the roof, the music is loud and the atmosphere is always bustling. For many tourists, stepping on a chicken bus is a “rite of passage” to truly experience the daily life of this Central American country.
From the vibrant streets of Manila to the snowy Lapland or the tranquil canals of Amsterdam, each form of public transport tells a vivid story about the pace of life in each country and region. They are living pieces in the local cultural picture, reflecting how people adapt to the terrain and climate of each region. Traveling on these unique forms of public transport is always a memorable experience for visitors.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/kham-pha-10-phuong-tien-cong-cong-doc-dao-nhat-the-gioi-321822.html
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