VietNamNet Bridge - More than 200 households of Muong ethnic in Tan My commune, Lac Son district of the northern province of Hoa Binh risk their life every day by crossing the Buoi River on bamboo rafts.

The Buoi River separates Mac Village and Hoa Lam market. Local people made a 9m raft by bamboo to cross the river, instead of travelling by land through a distance of over 10 km.

Each household in the village assumes the task of taking the boat across the river in turn. The average depth of the river is 8-9m.

The raft has no rescue equipment. 

 

On the market days (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), the rafts work at full capacity.

In the rainy season, the water rises, flooding the two banks.

These rudimentary rafts carry both passengers and their vehicles.

Many times passengers and motorcycles fell into the river.

 

This year Mr. Bui Van Sat’s family is in charge of operating the raft. The fare is VND1,000/person, VND5,000/motorbike.

The raft with a length of 9m, a width of more than 1m can carry up to 12 people. 

Most people in Mac village can swim so they are not worried when travelling this dangerous way.

Local peoples are waiting for a bridge.

Photo: Zing

Le Ha