Hippie Bus in SE Asia, Volkswagen “Type 2” … Chiang Mai

Just like the VW Beetle, the VW “Minibus” is commonly seen in Chiang Mai.

From Beetle to Minibus

In 1950, following the success of its Type 1 Beetle car, Volkswagen introduced its Type 2 vehicle, which was available as either a cargo van or a passenger van.

It was called the Transporter or the Kombi, but it came to be more commonly known by its nicknames – including the “Microbus,” the “Minibus,” and the “Hippie Van.”

From popular Minibus to iconic Hippie Van

The VW “Minibus” was spacious, economical, and easy to maintain. Consequently, in the 1960s, it became popular among hippies, primarily in the US.

The iconic van was used by The Grateful Dead and other bands as a tour bus, and it even appeared on the covers of albums by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Johnny and The Hurricanes.

_{(on right)}

Freewheelin’ Bob in New York City, with a classic VW van parked in the background.

From Hippie Van to FoodsWagen

Apparently, the VW “Hippie Van” has become popular also in Thailand. Many of the “Hippie Vans” here in Chiang Mai are used as food stalls.

These vans may no longer be suitable for tripping around the country, but apparently an old VW van is ideal as a little sausage stall set up on the side of the street.

Or, as one vendor here in town renamed his VW van, as a “Foodswagen.” _{(See photo on right, below.)}