(Craftsmen make the frames of hundreds of basket boats and coat them with resin and tar for waterproofing.）

In a shipyard in Phu Ninh Province, Vietnam, craftsmen bend over their work, weaving bamboo strips into the frames of boats before coating them with resin and tar to make them seaworthy. Hundreds of basket boats, known as the “floating tumbler”, are taking shape here.

Building one is no simple task. Artisans first weave a round hull from bamboo, then apply layers of coconut oil, tar, or modern fiberglass resin to achieve waterproofing. Each boat takes several days to finish, and with proper maintenance, it can last for decades.

(A fisherman goes out to the sea in a basket boat.)

(A basket boat rests by the shore.)

The basket boat was born of fishermen’s ingenuity. Many poor fishermen, unable to afford taxes on conventional boats, turned to bamboo to create a simple, lightweight alternative. Low cost and high flexibility quickly made basket boats a staple for daily fishing and coastal life.

(Tourists take a ride in basket boats.)

Today, these boats are more than tools of livelihood for fishermen; they are a cultural icon and a tourist favorite in Vietnam. In ports and fishing villages, riding a basket boat has become a must-try activity. Visitors often struggle to keep their balance on the swaying hull, while skilled boatmen steer with arched paddling techniques, gliding gracefully across the waves.

(A Vietnamese fisherman performs for tourists.)

From practical fishing craft to cultural symbol, the basket boat reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of Vietnam’s coastal communities and ensures that this unique tradition continues to thrive in the modern era.