Pete Williamson’s amazing photos of boats and boatbuilding in Vietnam

This remarkable set of photographs from a boatyard on the Vietnamese island of Kim Bong were taken by Pete Williamson recently while on holiday in the area. They are published with his permission.

Here’s what he says:

‘The islands of Kim Bong and Thanh Ha on the Thu Bon river near Hoi An are I believe subsidised to preserve the crafts and way of life of the people, and are a major tourist attraction.

‘The wooden boat would apparently take three months to build, and sell for $1000 US!

‘The ”coracles” are in some ways similar to Welsh coracles, but lack the plank seat, have a woven skin and are propelled by rocking rather than paddled. They are apparently raced but are also used to remove the fish caught in the large nets seen in the river.

‘Regards, Pete’

Thanks Pete! Some great shots of boatbuilding in Vietnam here – the net is particularly beautiful, and the boats themselves are extraordinary – I’ve never seen trunnels used this way before, except as a way of demonstrating that it’s possible.

In fact I’ve recently been given a number of photos from Vietnam, and will post some more of them shortly.