Every November, when the weather turns cold, the Thai people in Nom village, Chieng Dong commune, Tuan Giao district, Dien Bien province, are busy by the Nam Hua stream to build water wheels - these giant water wheels are not only a tool to support irrigation but also a typical symbol of traditional agriculture.
Located about 60km from the center of Dien Bien Phu city, Nom village has 91 households, with over 400 people. Because the irrigation system has not been fully invested, over 60 water wheels operate continuously to irrigate 13 hectares of rice fields for the winter-spring crop.
Mr. Ca Van Nam - Head of Nom Village, Chieng Dong Commune, said that due to the unstable water source from upstream, especially in the dry season, people have to make these water wheels for irrigation. During the flood season, the water wheels are often washed away so they can only be used for one year.
The water wheel is like a giant pump, working non-stop. The wooden wheel with hundreds of bamboo tubes connected together rotates evenly and rhythmically. Each time it rotates, the tubes scoop up water from the stream, then pour it down the wooden trough.
To ensure enough water for the large fields, many families have built a system of 5-6 water wheels, creating a truly unique scene. With 3 newly completed water wheels, Mr. Lo Van Sang - Ban Nom, Chieng Dong commune said: "Making a water wheel is an art that requires the skill and effort of the craftsman".
According to Mr. Sang, before building the wheel, people have to go to the forest to find the best bamboo, rattan, and wood to use as raw materials. Each part is carefully selected, from the sturdy main shaft that is like the “heart” of the wheel, to the meticulously woven spokes from old rattan trees.
One of the most important parts of a water wheel is the water bucket. The bucket is made from bamboo segments, which are hollowed out and attached to the wheel's fixed ring.
As the wheel rotates, these buckets will sink into the water one by one, scooping up and pouring water into the water channel. The water channel is made from long bamboo tubes, forming a complete water channel system.
Mr. Sang said that it takes up to 10 working days to complete a complete water wheel. With 3 water wheels serving the whole family, it is a difficult labor process.
The dry season, from November to April, is the ideal time to explore the magical beauty of Nom village. During this time, visitors will be able to admire the vast rice fields creating a very poetic and romantic scene.
