My first trip to Myanmar was in 1986 and I have fond memories of seeing ancient British cars such as old Austins still being used, left over from colonial days. So on my most recent trip in Jan 2009 I was hoping these old cars would still be around, but sadly they seem to have disappeared. Only saw one the whole trip. It's hardly surprising, as I wouldn't expect them to last another 20 years when they were already old in 1986! However there are plenty of other old cars on the roads, such as old Mazdas and Russian jeeps etc.
 |
| rickshaws |
 |
| back to back |
 |
| using phone whilst riding |
 |
| illegal photo of bridge! |
 |
| local passing by |
 |
| going to market? |
 |
| loading up |
 |
| old Mazda taxis |
 |
| taxis and bicycles |
 |
| illegal shot of petrol station |
Myanmar drives on the right side of the road. But 95% of the vehicles I saw are right hand drive, presumably from Thailand. This makes it hard for the driver to overtake.
 |
| a left hand drive |
 |
| typical open engine compartment |
 |
| ferry Hpa An to Mawlamyine |
 |
| Boats at Hpa An |
 |
| lottery ticket seller |
 |
| like a songthaew |
 |
| smart jeep |
 |
| someone with money |
 |
| ox cart |
 |
| bus Mawlamyine |
 |
| keeping cool |
 |
| bus in Mawlamyine |
 |
| have elephant will travel |
 |
| wedding ceremony |
Yangon was the only place where I really saw lots of new cars and 4WDs etc. These next photos are all in Yangon -
 |
| smart antique! |
 |
| traffic |
 |
| old Merc at The Strand |
This is our van -
© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission
Interesting topic. Is it dangerous ? In view of the dictator-military goverment, and the recent killing of people ? Burma used to be a rich and powerful country once. The goverment is not there to look after the country and people.
ReplyDeleteNatural air-cool engine - no need water-cool radiator. Well, make do what you can under such circumstances.
ReplyDeleteWhat happen here ? Natural air-cool human.
ReplyDeleteMyanmar is a great place, its just the ones in power who spoil it. I think Msia is more dangerous for Burmese people now, look how many have been killed or attacked in KL in recent months. As a tourist in Myanmar you are still restricted where you go, but its much easier to travel now than on my previous visits. Its a beautiful country and has so many natural attractions to offer tourists. But sadly the tourist numbers have really fallen since the 2007 and 2008 problems. Life is hard, electricity supply is really bad, most places have generators now as backups.
ReplyDeleteNo, that was our car and we were getting ready to go caving. I just added the photo to show that there are newer vans!
ReplyDeleteBut in fact we did have trouble with the car. First was dirty fuel and that caused a day of problems. Next we overheating on the return journey. And finally the gearbox gave up and we had to abandon the car on the outskirts of Yangon, luckily on the last day.
ReplyDeleteThat alone will give me a very impression - dirty fuel ! Malaysia is no better in term of human rights.
ReplyDeleteThat alone will give me a very impression - dirty fuel ! Malaysia is no better in term of human rights. Every day at least a few thieves, robberies, killing, rapes mostly done by immigrants and a few locals.
ReplyDelete