Dutch photographer Hans Kemp has just come out with a photo book examining how the motorcycle and scooter are a critical part of commerce in Vietnam.
Bikes of Burden is a photo essay of the myriad of two wheeled vehicles that cover Vietnam and carry just about everything needed to keep an economy going – animals, construction supplies, entire families, you name it.
Motorcycles and scooters are popular in Vietnam because they are far cheaper to buy and operate than cars and trucks. Cars are not only expensive, there is a 200% tax on imports.
As a result the scooters and motorcycles have been pressed into duty taking care of the jobs normally handled by cars and light trucks.
The book looks to be filled with truly OMG moments sure to make you laugh and stare in amazement. For a sneak preview you can run over to the Motorcyclist website where they have a short article and a few sample photos.
Bikes of Burden – I encourage you to check it out.
20. June 2009 at 1:08 pm
I liked the pictures from the first book. When I go to the Motorcyclist web site the pictures are blank. Do you have to subscribe to see them?
20. June 2009 at 3:23 pm
Strange, the photos were on their site when I wrote the post. I don't have a subscription and I could see them.
I also had to redo one of the graphics for this post. Perhaps there are some internet hiccups causing all of this?
23. June 2009 at 11:30 pm
And I thought I was doing well when I figured out how to carry an entire week's groceries on the back of my CT. These Vietnamese riders could make an RV out of a Honda Cub!