"The King's Happy Car" in Ha Tien

(NLDO) - Ha Tien City, Kien Giang Province is the only place where the "royal cars" that are only a memory in other provinces and cities in the country still exist.

The pedicab was a familiar means of transportation for people in the West in the second half of the 20th century. It was a bicycle with a rear box, capable of carrying 2 to 4 people. At that time, many provinces in the West called this type of vehicle by a rather arrogant and funny name: "King's Car".

The royal carriage has become a familiar image and a specialty of Ha Tien tourism.

Around the early 21st century, for traffic safety reasons, this type of vehicle, as well as three-wheeled passenger vehicles in general, was "discontinued" nationwide. Since then, the legendary "king car" has only remained in the memories of nostalgic people.

Coming to Ha Tien city, tourists will be impressed with the colorful "king cars" and cheerful drivers, taking visitors around the city.

As the world turns, few people expected that the legendary "king's car" would "revive" in a poetic southwestern border city for more than ten years now, in an eye-catching and constantly improved form.

Every day, when the night falls, the "royal cars" turn on their bright lights and roam around the city to pick up and drop off passengers. This is a familiar, characteristic and unique image only found in the tourist city of Ha Tien.

Today's "king cars" are equipped with electric motors, so older drivers do not need to use their strength to pedal to carry passengers like in the past.

Today's "royal car" drivers in Ha Tien no longer have to sweat and exert all their strength to carry passengers like in the past, because the cars are equipped with electric motors and decorated with gorgeous LED lights like a true royal car.

The car is also designed with a canopy and cushioned seats for passengers, and steps are designed on both sides of the car for elderly and children to easily step on. Some cars are even equipped with phone chargers and wifi for passengers.

"I invested nearly 40 million VND in this car, the electrical system has cost 20 million VND. I have been driving it for 9 years, with or without customers, I only drive it on days when it rains heavily, but I am used to driving it, taking a day off makes me feel sad!" - Mr. Tam, a driver over 60 years old in Ha Tien shared.

"Get in the car, I'll take you around the city, only 50,000 VND per person" - the old driver smiled brightly and invited the passengers.

The moment the "king car" drivers wait for customers

The colorful cars, each with its own style, follow each other through the ancient streets that sparkle like fairy tales. When the car reaches a historical site or a famous landmark, the driver immediately shows off his skills as a professional tour guide. The drivers here seem to be able to recount every historical period of the formation of Ha Tien's historical relics and are ready to explain further when guests have questions.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Tuan (40 years old), head of the Ha Tien City Pedicab Club, said that at first, one person "customized" a beautiful vehicle, others were amazed and followed suit. Not long after, the entire fleet of nearly 100 pedicabs in Ha Tien were transformed into brilliant "king vehicles". Seeing that visitors to Ha Tien really liked this homemade vehicle, the city leaders "gave the green light" to the tourism industry, police... to support drivers in establishing a pedicab club.

"After nearly 4 years of establishment, the club now has 154 members, registering 154 cars. The club's spirit is to maintain order, obey the law, and also to support and help each other. Club members are trained in the culture and history of the land, and in particular, experts from Ho Chi Minh City are invited to train drivers in communication skills and community conduct, with the hope that each driver will be a tour guide in Ha Tien" - Mr. Tuan shared.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/xe-vua-vui-ve-o-ha-tien-19625013110041998.htm