Two decades-old wells have been the primary source of fresh water for generations of inhabitants of Tam Hai Island Commune in Nui Thanh District, Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. For years, these wells have been vital to the local community, providing them with essential sustenance.
Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters followed a winding route from the center of Tam Hai to Thuan An Village, close to Ban Than Cape, a popular destination on the island, to uncover two ancient wells with the help of the locals.
On a pristine and uncluttered lot of land, the journalists beheld one of the two aged wells, which, upon first inspection, did not seem any different from modern ones.
It is approximately ten meters deep and is constructed of brick, with a round entrance and a concrete wall.
However, according to locals, there is a horizontal cave located deep down the well.
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A woman is seen drawing water from an ancient well facing south Tam Hai Island Commune, off Nui Thanh District in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. The stunning image of the woman was captured by B.D. and featured in Tuoi Tre’s news coverage. This unique well is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam and its beautiful landscape. |
| A woman draws water from an ancient well facing the southern part of Tam Hai Island Commune off Nui Thanh District in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre |
There is another, smaller well located approximately 200 meters away in the opposite direction.
Locals refer to the two wells in the area as the North Well and the South Well.
The two ancient wells in Tam Hai are believed to have been in use for hundreds of years, since the settlement of the area. This suggests that they have been around for a long time and have played a significant role in the history of the region.
The wells have provided abundant fresh water for the locals, who consume the resource directly without any treatment. However, these structures may become depleted during the height of the dry season.
The island currently does not have any other water supply system, while all of the newly-dug wells are contaminated with iron and salt. This has been a major issue for the residents of the island, as they have no access to safe drinking water. To address this situation, authorities have been looking into solutions that can provide a reliable, clean, and affordable water supply to the island’s population. They have considered desalination, importing water from other sources, and constructing filtration systems. However, these solutions come with a high price tag and require significant investment. Until a viable solution is found, the islanders will need to find ways to access clean drinking water.
Therefore, the two ancient wells are the main source of water for over 8,000 Tam Hai islanders.
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A man drinks refreshing water straight from an ancient well in Tam Hai Island Commune, located off Nui Thanh District in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Captured in this remarkable image, the man appears to be savoring the unique taste of the water from the well, which is believed to be hundreds of years old. This stunning photograph taken by B.D. / Tuoi Tre is a reminder of the timeless beauty and wonder of Vietnam. |
| A man drinks water straight from an ancient well in Tam Hai Island Commune off Nui Thanh District in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam. Photo: B.D. / Tuoi Tre |
The islanders have made diligent efforts to maintain and renovate their wells on multiple occasions.
Households located close to the wells have the privilege of using them for free, while those that are farther away must pay VND1,000 (US$0.043) for each time they draw water.
The gathered sum of cash donations will be utilized for the upkeep of the wells on an annual basis.
The ancient wells of Tam Hai fishing commune have become a must-see destination for tourists visiting the area. Alongside other scenic spots, such as Ban Than Cape and lush coconut groves, these wells offer a unique insight into the culture and history of the commune. Recently, the area has seen a surge in popularity among travelers looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Visitors to the beautiful island can marvel at the quaint villages with narrow streets leading to residential areas, where the locals still live a tranquil and simple life.
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