The Knisely's: Tuk-tuks and Log Trucks

So this blog entry is for all of you who are wondering, might be wondering or haven’t even asked yourself, “So what kind of vehicles do you have in Lao?” That is a great question! Hopefully, this blog will give you a pictorial experience that will answer that question.

First we have the infamous ‘tuk-tuk’ famous in many Asian countries and known by various names. This three wheeled machine buzzes the streets of Vientiane and is available for hire. They come in different sizes, but all are put together with miss-matched parts from cannibalized motorcycles and other vehicles.

Tuk-tuk

The second is similar to the ‘tuk-tuk’ in name and use. The ‘dtek-dtek’ is the primary work horse in rural farms and the modern version of a water buffalo (minus the milk). However, it's use extends to local hire, putting down the street to Tha Thom and to neighboring villages. Farmers take these ‘powerhouses’ anywhere, including crossing rather deep rivers. It is interesting to note that they are started by a hand crank!

Dtek-dtek

Washing the Dtek-dtek

The next vehicle is the bamboo raft! Although they are simple they are used to ferry goods and motorcycles that are too small across deep rivers.

Bamboo Rafts

“But what if the river is too deep for a larger vehicle?” Well I am glad you asked because now we bring in the big guns; the grader ferry!

Grader Ferry

Another mode of transportation we have become accustomed to is the long boat. They come in various sizes and with different sized engines. The down side: they aren’t incredibly comfortable so for long trips we recommend a pillow and be sure to wear long sleeves lest you tempt the UV rays to turn you into a beet! These contraptions may also find themselves literally grounded in the dry season.

Long River Boat

Another Boat

We move now to larger beasts of burden. The first I throw in for interests sake…the commercial truck with dual steering axles! These machines negotiate the narrow roadways of Vientiane delivering many supplies, mostly from Thailand.

Dual Steering Axles!

The next heavy-weight is the log truck converted from an old army frame. These are seen frequenting Tha Thom and neighboring villages, picking up logs and delivering them to the mill north of town.

Log Truck

“So how do you get around when you visit project villages?” Another good question! We have several options: walking, running, riding bike, dtek-dtek, small motorcycle (100cc), large motorcycle (250cc) or by pickup. The larger motorcycles seem to be one of the staff favorites if they can manage the starts and stops! The average Lao stature is short, so many staff start by using a step and try to stop somewhere else in the same manner.

250cc Kawasaki

On longer trips the pickup up is nice ride. It traverses rivers and mountains with relative ease and it’s AC is a blessing in the hot and dust season. The current road situation in Tha Thom and the surrounding towns makes a truck with brush guard, snorkel and winch a good option.