VIETNAM: Central Vietnam's Coconut Basket Boats

Legend has it Vietnam’s basket boats originated as a way for local fishermen to avoid paying boat taxes that were imposed by the French during their colonial rule.

Most of the poor Vietnamese fishermen could not afford the taxes so they came up with a new type of boat, the “Thung Chai” basket boat.

It was made of bamboo in the shape of baskets so that it could not be counted as a boat. 

The government reluctantly agreed and the local fishermen were spared any tax. 

And ever since then these domed vessels have been a feature of the landscape in central Vietnam.

However, others say the basket boat was built simply because it was a more effective fishing vessel with superior stability, strength, and maneuverability. 

At first glance, a basket boat might appear unstable but the boat’s spherical shape distributes weight evenly. They sit atop the water moving with it, avoiding waves versus most boats which slice through the water.

Today’s basket boats maintain their original design using bamboo and cow dung along with a waterproof resin from tree sap to keep them afloat. The boat is left in the sun to dry, adding strength.

Walking along the beach in Danang we saw these fishermen moving their boat and it looked pretty easy.

The next day John kindly stopped to help this guy.

It wasn't so easy when the boat was full.

The fisherman then showed John an easier way to move the full boat by spinning it up the beach.

Still not as easy as it looks!

In fact, I think these other guys might have had a better idea.

We tried the boats out in Cam Thanh, also known as the Coconut Boat Village, a former Vietnamese army base during the "American War".

The uniqueness of the Coconut Boat Village is its palm trees known as nipa, or mangrove palms, or, also called, water coconut palms. 

These are the only members of the palm family which have successfully adapted to mangrove ecosystems. 

They grow in soft mud and areas of slow-moving tides and in rivers with roots submerged. Only the stalks and leaves are above water.

These dense palms provide shelter from the monsoon storms and floods as well as a home for birds and many species of aquatic animals. 

The palm’s fruit is a tasty snack or dessert and the palm leaves are used to thatch roofs throughout the village.

Fishermen cast their nets.

Little did we know our peaceful float through mangroves would turn into party central for tourists. 

To entertain the tourists local fishermen like to show off their "boat dancing" skills where they spin the round basket boats in super fast circles.

They make it look easy.

It is a party atmosphere with Gangnam Style music blaring.

Definitely a fun adventure!

All thumbs up.