For over 10 years, Chin Mong has crafted miniature boats by hand, honoring the spirit of Mekong life through delicate wooden models.
For over a decade, tiny boats hanging by the roadside on Provincial Road 943 in An Giang have been more than just festive decorations. They are symbols of one man’s resilience, craftsmanship, and quiet dedication to his river-bound heritage.
Miniature boats displayed by the roadside by Mr. Mong evoke deep emotion. Photo: T.T
Lining the roadside in Tay Hue 1 Hamlet, Long Xuyen Ward (formerly My Hoa Commune), An Giang Province, passersby are often captivated by the sight of miniature boats, sailing ships, and model motorized canoes neatly displayed on wooden racks.
Behind these handcrafted models is Pham Van Mong, also known as Chin Mong, a 54-year-old craftsman who has spent over 10 years giving new life to the traditions of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
He modestly calls his roadside stand the “Chin Mong Handicraft Workshop,” though he's the only worker. From selecting timber to sanding planks, framing, painting, and adding intricate details - every step is done by his calloused hands.
Chin Mong’s “workshop” is less than 2 square meters but has sustained him for over a decade. Photo: T.TMr. Mong shares stories from a lifetime devoted to his family’s boatbuilding legacy. Photo: T.T
His workshop is as humble as the man himself - a makeshift 2m² space covered by a tin roof and tarpaulin beside a friend’s home. It holds a chair, some wooden boards, tools, and shelves that cradle both dreams and livelihood.
Greeting visitors with a wry smile, he says, “I just call it a workshop to sound fancy - it's only me here.” But behind his lighthearted words are years of sun and rain, of painstaking work with chisels and brushes, hoping each boat touches the hearts of those who love the river culture of southern Vietnam.
Born in Long Hau Commune, Lai Vung District, Dong Thap (formerly), Mr. Mong grew up in the renowned boatmaking village of Ba Dai Canal, a craft tradition spanning over a century. His father, a seasoned carpenter and boatbuilder, passed the trade down to his children.
After marrying and settling in Long Xuyen, Mong continued building wooden boats to support his family. But in 2011, a traffic accident left him with a fractured leg and lasting health issues.
Large-scale boatbuilding requires physical strength, including lifting heavy timber and working outdoors for hours - a burden Mong could no longer shoulder.
“After six months of recovery, I didn’t want to quit the trade, so I looked for a new path that suited my health. I turned to making miniature boats. These tiny models take more finesse but less strength, allowing me to stay connected to the woodworking craft I love,” he explained.
Each handcrafted model is a source of hope for a man who persevered after life-altering injury. Photo: T.T
Crafting a simple 30 cm mini canoe takes Mong an entire day. More complex designs like sailboats or motorboats can take two or more days to finish. All models are made from xoan wood - light, durable, and resistant to warping, making them ideal for long-term indoor display.
Mong says the best-selling season is just before Lunar New Year, when families begin decorating their homes and preparing ancestral altars. A small boat is often added to fruit trays or displays to symbolize southern river culture and bring a sense of fullness and festivity.
During those festive days, Mong’s stall bustles with customers. On regular days, sales are slow - just enough to get by. Prices range from 250,000 VND to over 2 million VND ($10 to $80), depending on size and craftsmanship.
Nowadays, fewer customers stop by. At times, he sells only a couple of pieces a month. But Mong finds solace in knowing that his tiny boats still resonate with people - still find places to “dock” in homes, in hearts, and in memories.
Just like Mong himself, quietly anchored to a legacy, come rain or shine.
Vietnamnet.vn
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