Phu My village: Keeping the centuries-old craft of basket boat making alive

  • The waterproofing technique using fresh cow dung mixed with resin from the Dipterocarpaceae tree - a method passed down through generations, gives the boat its rich color, prevents termite damage, and ensures it lasts 4–5 years in saltwater. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    The waterproofing technique using fresh cow dung mixed with resin from the Dipterocarpaceae tree - a method passed down through generations, gives the boat its rich color, prevents termite damage, and ensures it lasts 4–5 years in saltwater. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • Phu My’s basket boats are the result of years of experience and refined craftsmanship. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    Phu My’s basket boats are the result of years of experience and refined craftsmanship. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • It takes 8 to 10 days to complete a high-quality basket boat. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    It takes 8 to 10 days to complete a high-quality basket boat. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • All stages of crafting a basket boat are done meticulously by hand. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    All stages of crafting a basket boat are done meticulously by hand. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • The waterproofing technique using fresh cow dung mixed with resin from the Dipterocarpaceae tree - a method passed down through generations gives the boat its rich color, prevents termite damage, and ensures it lasts 4–5 years in saltwater. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    The waterproofing technique using fresh cow dung mixed with resin from the Dipterocarpaceae tree - a method passed down through generations gives the boat its rich color, prevents termite damage, and ensures it lasts 4–5 years in saltwater. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • To shape the boat, a round hole is dug into the ground, where the woven bamboo base is placed for further shaping. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    To shape the boat, a round hole is dug into the ground, where the woven bamboo base is placed for further shaping. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • The waterproofing technique using fresh cow dung mixed with resin from the Dipterocarpaceae tree - a method passed down through generations gives the boat its rich color, prevents termite damage, and ensures it lasts 4–5 years in saltwater. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    The waterproofing technique using fresh cow dung mixed with resin from the Dipterocarpaceae tree - a method passed down through generations gives the boat its rich color, prevents termite damage, and ensures it lasts 4–5 years in saltwater. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • Every step of the boat-making process is carefully performed by hand. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    Every step of the boat-making process is carefully performed by hand. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
  • Every step of the boat-making process is carefully performed by hand. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa
    Every step of the boat-making process is carefully performed by hand. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa

VNA Photos

Phu My village: Keeping the centuries-old craft of basket boat making alive
07/29/2025 09:16 | TTXVN |
While modern fishing boats have become increasingly common, the handcrafted thung chai (basket boat) continues to play a vital role in the daily life of Vietnam’s coastal fishermen. In Phu My Village, Tuy Hoa Bac commune, Dak Lak province, skilled artisans use their hands and traditional techniques to turn strips of bamboo and a special waterproofing resin made from tree sap and cow dung into these iconic round boats - an enduring symbol of coastal culture and livelihood. VNA Photo: Khánh Hòa

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