The enormous waterwheels, or cọn nước, stand as a testament to the ingenuity and diligence of the Thai ethnic community in Vietnam’s northwest. Every November, as the weather turns colder, residents of Nom Village in Chieng Dong Commune, Tuan Giao District, Dien Bien Province, gather along the Nam Hua stream to build these traditional irrigation tools, which have become a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage.
Located 60 kilometers from Dien Bien Phu City, Nom Village is home to 91 households with over 400 residents. With underdeveloped irrigation systems, more than 60 waterwheels tirelessly operate to irrigate 13 hectares of rice fields during the winter-spring crop season. According to Ca Van Nam, the village leader, the inconsistent water supply, especially during the dry season, compels locals to rely on these waterwheels. Due to frequent flooding, the wheels typically last only one year.
Functioning like giant pumps, the wooden wheels, outfitted with hundreds of bamboo pipes, rotate continuously. Each rotation draws water from the stream, lifting it into bamboo troughs. To irrigate the expansive fields, many families construct systems of five to six wheels, creating a striking visual scene.
Pipes filled with water are poured into the trough.
Crafting a waterwheel is no simple task and requires skill, patience, and careful selection of materials. Villager Lo Van Sang explains that constructing a single wheel takes about 10 days. The process begins with selecting durable bamboo, rattan, and wood from the forest. Each component, from the sturdy central axle to the finely woven bamboo spokes, must meet exacting standards.
A critical feature of the waterwheel is its bamboo scoops, meticulously crafted and affixed to the wheel. These scoops dip into the stream as the wheel turns, lifting water into the troughs that form a complete irrigation system.
The waterwheel is not only a tool to support labor but also a cultural symbol of the Thai ethnic group in Dien Bien in particular and the Northwest in general.
The dry season, from November to April, is an ideal time to visit Nom Village and witness the mesmerizing beauty of these waterwheels in action. Against a backdrop of endless rice fields, the sight of these traditional structures creates a serene and picturesque landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into the enduring cultural and agricultural traditions of the Thai people.
@laodong.vn