Lam Dong pine forest Tarzans

Many men in the Central Highlands Province of Lam Dong make money by picking up pine cones for sales.

Many men in the Central Highlands Province of Lam Dong make money by picking up pine cones for sales.

For this kind of the dangerous job, they are often nicknamed Tarzan after the famous literary and film character.

Many men in the Central Highlands Province of Lam Dong make money by picking up pine cones for sales

This is the season for picking pine cones in Don Duong District. After a working day, each person can earn VND200,000-250,000 (USD9.09-11.3)

They usually take fresh pine cones and then sell them to traders in Da Lat City for around VND4,000-4,500 per kilo.

This is a quite unique way of earning a living in Lam Dong as only people who are strong and brave can do it.

Kon Sa A Rim, 27, said that he has been doing the job for nearly ten years. He often climbs 25-metre pine trees to gather pine cones. These days, the cold weather makes the work become harder.

To conquer high pine trees, the men have to use a hook to climb the first branches and then gradually move to the top. They often do the job in groups of 3 to 5 people to support one another.

After buying pine cones, traders in Da Lat dry and then re-sell them to people in HCM City. The dried pine cones are used to make souvenirs or for decorations.

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