Get the Party Moving

Trams and buses used to be predictable affairs; a bit of traffic excitement was the most they had to offer. Now they are hip party venues. Here's a quick tour.

Hong Kong For around $230, you can hire an antique tram from Hongkong Tramways to take you and 24 friends on a two-hour trip around the city's main districts. The tram has a built-in music system, and you can bring your own booze to sip as you roll past landmarks like Times Square mall and the [an error occurred while processing this directive]Happy Valley racecourse. www.hktramways.com

Prague Once a month, a streetcar gets turned into TRAMix — a mobile party wagon, fitted with a 1,000-watt sound system and two makeshift bars. TRAMix sets off from the Malostranské námestí tram stop and, to a soundtrack of thumping house music, takes some 50 revelers on a 21/2-hour cruise around the capital. Check out www.b52.cz; tickets are $9.60.

Newcastle For a flaming good night out, hire a fire engine. You can rent a decommissioned engine from Mr. Fireman Parties. The engine can seat up to 10 partygoers and is staffed by genuine firemen. Prices start from $220 per hour, which includes two bottles of champagne. www.mrfireman.co.uk

Johannesburg Expecting a big crowd? Hire a converted double-decker bus from the Adventure Bus Company. The bus can carry up to 60 passengers, and comes complete with a DJ, dance floor and bar (BYOB). It costs around $740, including entrance to three nightclubs. www.adventurebus.co.za