suicide vans

One of the ways that locals get around the country is by using what are often called buses (xe buyt), but are really just modified mini-vans. They add side seats and allow people to stand, put a bench seat in the front and stuff as many people in as possible. We took one to and from Quang Nhai to visit the My Lai Massacre site.
They are commonly referred to as suicide vans because the drivers go as fast as they can, down whatever lane they feel like and you really are signing over your life. Made for an interesting adventure:


25 February 2007
Whoa. What a loooooong day. I was so exhausted by the time I got home. We'd walked for about 4 or 5 km from the bus stop to home, after riding in a stuffed mini-van. And I do mean stuffed. There were 21 people in a vehicle that normally holds 7-9 people. Insane. We were so squished in: Stuart crammed against the window with my left hip slightly overlapping his right hip and Audrey laying across our laps. My legs were pinned between a bag and the front seat. I quickly lost my shoe and all feeling in my feet. Mette and Hannah wedged themselves in next to me and were held in place by the riders standing between the seats and the door. And for all that comfort we paid 70,000VND each (almost $13USD).