(Baonghean.vn) - Currently, the waterwheel (also known as a water wheel in some areas) in Pha Pat village, Cam Muon commune, Que Phong district is considered the largest waterwheel in Nghe An province.
This waterwheel is used to draw water from the Quang River to irrigate nearly 4 hectares of rice paddies in Pha Pat village. The waterwheel was the product of over 30 people working for two days to complete. The diameter of the waterwheel is approximately 10 meters. The axle has a diameter of over 20 cm and is more than 1 meter long.
Like other water wheels, the ropes used to tie the parts of the wheel are made from a special type of tree, called "Hau Ken" in Thai. The characteristic of this type of rope is that the more water it comes into contact with, the stronger it becomes, with a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.
The waterwheel is located next to the inter-communal road connecting Kim Son town (Que Phong) with Chau Thon, Cam Muon, Quang Phong communes, etc. Therefore, tourists can easily recognize the location where the waterwheel "pumps" water day and night.
Here are some pictures of what is considered the largest water wheel in Nghe An:
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| The giant waterwheel located in Pha Pat village, which draws water day and night to irrigate the fields, is considered one of the symbols of the village and of Cam Muon commune. |
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| To make the waterwheel, the village had to send more than 30 men to participate. They selected the biggest and longest bamboo stalks. |
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| The water wheel has a diameter of nearly 10 meters. It can lift water from the river to a height of over 9 meters, higher than a small house. |
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| The waterwheel shaft, with a diameter of over 20cm and a length of over 1m, was meticulously carved by skilled craftsmen. |
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| The trough used to collect water from the waterwheel is also made from a large tree trunk, instead of smaller trees like those used for other smaller waterwheels. |
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| Dozens of pillars are securely braced together, serving to keep the waterwheel stable during floods in the high mountainous region of western Nghe An. |
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| Large bamboo mats (Pí pặt) serve to block the water so that the waterwheel can turn day and night, bringing water to the village. |
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| The giant waterwheel of Pha Pat village is located next to the inter-village road, making it convenient for tourists to come and admire it. |
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| This waterwheel, erected in early 2013, is still functioning well and contributing to bountiful harvests for the local people. |
Ho Phuong
