Just got back from Myanmar (Nov 6 2014). Was looking for pix depicting local buses – your site provided a prime example of the type of bus I used to travel from Thazi to Kalaw. What a great method of transport and a fantastic way to meet the locals. I spent the 2 1/2hr journey sitting on top of a huge bag of salt, right near an open door, and sharing it with a wonderful old lady, who kept her hand on my knee for most of the journey. As we could not speak each other’s language, I believe this was her way of interacting with me. Great memory and what a great way to interact with the locals.
Local Bus Trip (Ngwe Saung Beach to Pathein)
Posted on June 5th, by Juan in Activities. 2 comments
This is a typical local bus in Myanmar for short distance trips. They are well prepared for carrying goods on top and, in this case, the gas tank. Sometimes you even see people travelling on top!
This trip was from Ngwe Saung Beach to Pathein, famous for being the place where Burmese Parasols are made. It’s just a 55 km trip, but the roads are bad and the bus stops frequently to load and unload goods and pick up passengers in small villages, meaning that it can take up to 4 hours.
Utilitarian and vintage dashboard.
These are the seats which are more or less comfortable until they load goods everywhere. On our journey they were transporting coconuts.
In addition to the coconuts and crazy driving, there was also a gas tank just next to the passengers on the first row… Not very safe!
This guy is the one who calls out the bus’ destination as it passes through villages. He also helps with the loading and unloading of goods, as well as delivering envelopes and packages to shops along the route.
Stopping to load up sacks of coal.
2 thoughts on “Local Bus Trip (Ngwe Saung Beach to Pathein)”
Leave a Reply
2 thoughts on “Local Bus Trip (Ngwe Saung Beach to Pathein)”
Leave a Reply
Hi there!
I am passionate about Myanmar and want to share with you the beauty of this country through its Culture, People & Food. Be inspired by my book 'Delicious Myanmar' and let me know if I can help you plan your trip from my own and extensive experience. Happy travels, Juan
My Book: Delicious Myanmar
Discover Myanmar through its People and Food! (Paperback & Kindle Edition)
Descubre Myanmar en Español
Myanmar In Your City
Find businesses and services related to Myanmar around the world.
Myanmar Restaurants
Just got back from Myanmar (Nov 6 2014). Was looking for pix depicting local buses – your site provided a prime example of the type of bus I used to travel from Thazi to Kalaw. What a great method of transport and a fantastic way to meet the locals. I spent the 2 1/2hr journey sitting on top of a huge bag of salt, right near an open door, and sharing it with a wonderful old lady, who kept her hand on my knee for most of the journey. As we could not speak each other’s language, I believe this was her way of interacting with me. Great memory and what a great way to interact with the locals.
Thank you Jude for sharing your amazing story!
Local buses are one of the best ways to interact with locals.
I have a very similar story. An old woman was sitting next to me and I had my hands on the back of the seat in front of me. She put her hands in front of her sit too and slowly her hands were coming closer and closer to mines, but she wasn’t even looking, and when they were finally touching mines, she just kept them there for a while.
Reaaaally sweet and I agree with you, it was her way of connecting with me.
I’ll never forget this moment.