Experience 1 day in Bach Long salt fields, Nam Dinh

If we have the opportunity to return to Bach Long commune (Giao Thuy, Nam Dinh), we will have a day of experience with salt farmers in the salt fields under the scorching sun.

The salt fields of Bach Long commune were originally land that was added to by the beach. People from everywhere flocked here to live, establish villages and communes right after the French colonialists invaded. Up to now, Bach Long commune has become a fertile land with the main profession being salt making. The salt making season of Bach Long salt farmers starts in March and ends in August every year when the rainy season appears. To make pure white salt grains, salt farmers often start work early in the morning.

Let's explore with iguide.ai the long-standing traditional profession of salt making, and the brilliant, sparkling beauty of Bach Long salt fields, Nam Dinh!

Interesting experience at Bach Long salt fields

To make pure white salt grains is not simple at all but is a meticulous process. Right from early morning, many salt farmers had to be present on Bach Long salt fields and often finished their work when it was late at night. The way to make salt here is also very special. Instead of making salt using the steam method like in the South or Central regions, salt in the North is made by drying on sand.

In many other salt fields, salt farmers only need to scoop up sea water and dry, but Bach Long salt farmers will need an additional step of drying and filtering sand. The reason is that the Giao Thuy sea area is located near the river mouth so the salinity concentration is low, so sand drying and sand filtering are needed to increase the salinity concentration.

First, at 6 a.m., the salt farmers will start soaking sand and seawater to prepare the soil. In the field, there will be rectangular plots of land to smooth the surface, filled with sand soaked in dried water, and sometimes sea water must be added to increase salinity. When the sun rises and after many hours, sea water will evaporate and salt will crystallize on the sand surface. Next, sea water will be brought from the sea to filter with sand through the filter and then flow into the con system, through the con system. At this time, the salt farmers will use gourds to scoop water from the lake and then pour it onto the cement drying yard like chessboard squares. Small plots have 2 bulbs, large plots have 3-4 bulbs.

At this time, the salt farmers will take the opportunity to rest and return to work at 1 pm. This is also the time when the sand has dried, each grain of sand has crystallized into small white salt grains. Salt farmers will collect salt into beds, scoop it into wheelbarrows and push it to the warehouse. The salt will be preserved and waiting for traders to come and buy it.

It is true that we have to come and witness it in person so we can fully feel the difficulties and hardships of the salt making profession. If you have the opportunity to travel to Nam Dinh, don't forget to stop by the Bach Long salt fields to experience the salt making process of the people here. 

Thank you for your choiceiguide.aito accompany your exciting experience!