Buzz
If you're planning to visit the salt fields, it's best to go early in the morning. Firstly, to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the salt fields, and secondly, to observe the diligent labor at dawn. The salt workers typically start working before dawn so that by the time the sun rises, they've completed their morning tasks. They work while conserving their energy to finish their work by the afternoon.
The industrious labor scene at the salt fields - Photo: Internet
The weary faces in the sun-baked salt fields
The salt-making season usually begins in March and ends in September. The harvesting period is the busiest time as it gathers the most workers. There are those who dig, those who rake, those who pile; they diligently toil from early morning until the sun gradually fades away. Occasionally, we hear laughter mixed with tired breaths. That's when they relax, encouraging each other to complete the work successfully.
Salt-making is a tough profession, heavily reliant on the weather. Sunny days are fine, but unexpected storms when the salt isn't ready to be harvested are like wasting a whole day's effort.
Salt-making only lasts from 5 to 6 months a year. During the remaining months, they have to find other jobs. The strenuous work is precarious, so everyone worries about their livelihoods. Although salt-making can provide for their daily lives, you can still see a sense of uncertainty and concern in their eyes, especially for the future of their children. No one says it aloud, but surely they all hope for a day when salt prices will be higher, reducing the bitterness that has long been ingrained in their calloused hands and feet.
If you count the steps for each load and estimate, every day the salt workers have to walk several kilometers with hundreds of salt loads. They're always busy scraping, piling, and carrying. But perhaps the salty taste wafting from the salt fields has overshadowed the bitter taste of their sweat.
They work diligently from dawn till dusk, hoping for a prosperous life for their families - Photo: collected
The imagery of human activities along with the beauty and grandeur of the salt fields have created a distinctive charm, adding grace to this land. If you happen to travel affordably here, don't forget to visit the Ninh Diem - Hon Khoi salt fields. Come to observe, understand, and appreciate this arduous yet magnificent profession.
