Rolling along the bank of Nam Hua Stream in Chieng Dong Commune, Tuan Giao District, Dien Bien Province, the bamboo waterwheels are not only an essential agricultural tool for locals, but they also add a charm to the majestic natural landscape of the north-western commune.

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The waterwheels play an important role in irrigating rice during the growing season.
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The waterwheels have become an iconic image which is commonly seen in villages of the Thai ethnic group in the mountainous areas.
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They work as an automatic pump with a giant wheel that works day and night to take water from the lower rivers or streams to the higher fields.

 

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Thai ethnic people in Nom Village join hands to construct a new waterwheel before the beginning of a new rice planting season.

 

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The nearly 80 waterwheels spinning along the two banks of Nam Hua Stream have not only contributed to bringing a bumper rice season to Nom villagers but also created a beautiful and poetic image for visitors to admire and explore.

Source: Nhan Dan

Water wheels the highlights of mountain fields

Water wheels the highlights of mountain fields

Water wheels always appear in the dry season along streams in the northwestern region. The simple bamboo water wheel is associated with the traditional farming methods of ethnic minority groups in mountainous areas.

Walk of fame for village’s shoes

Walk of fame for village’s shoes

Visitors to the northern province of Dien Bien are sure to be impressed by the colourful traditional outfits of the Xa Phang ethnic minority, in particular their sophisticatedly embroidered shoes.