As usual, I wandered through the Seven Mountains region during the dry season. This year, the dry season is predicted to be harsh, testing human endurance. It was just past 9 a.m., but the heat was already scorching in the rice fields of An Cu commune (Tinh Bien town). The sound of combine harvesters still echoed here and there, mingled with the smiles of Khmer farmers as they saw the fruits of their labor after months of hard work.
Mr. Chau Tênl (residing in Ba Xoài hamlet, An Cư commune) said that this year's winter-spring rice crop has low prices, but thanks to sufficient water and fertilizer, it has yielded a good harvest. He is currently preparing the land, waiting for the 3/2 Pumping Station to supply water before starting to sow rice. Because his fields are near the water channel, Chau Tênl is confident in farming during the dry season. For many years now, the 3/2 Pumping Station has helped many Khmer farming families avoid hunger. For fields far from the water channel, farmers grow peanuts, sweet potatoes, etc., which also provide a decent income during the scorching hot months.
Life in the Bay Nui region continues under the sweltering sun of the dry season.
People who have lived almost their entire lives in the Bay Nui region, like Chau Tenl, understand their birthplace very well. They are accustomed to the dry season, so they go through it calmly. Those unfamiliar with it might find the intense heat almost overwhelming. But even in that scorching sun, people still diligently work to make a living because living and production conditions have improved significantly compared to the past. Moreover, the dry season in the Bay Nui region has its own unique characteristics; it's not as harsh as the Central Vietnamese sun, which can be suffocating.
Bidding farewell to the simple Khmer farmers, I leisurely drove along Provincial Road 949 towards Ta Lot. The road was in the final stages of completion, with many sections paved smoothly and beautifully. On both sides of the road, mango orchards were in full bloom. For many years, farmers in Ta Lot hamlet (An Hao commune, Tinh Bien town) have earned income during the dry season from cultivating their orchards, especially mango trees. As if understanding the farmers' expectations, the mango trees clinging to the soil of Bay Nui remained lush and laden with fruit, despite the scorching sun beating down on them.
A view of Nui Dai 2 Lake during the dry season.
Besides the vibrant life of the people in the Seven Mountains region, the main attraction for travelers is the majestic scenery of the mountains and hills. Because it passes through the Ta Lot valley, Provincial Road 949 offers visitors breathtaking views. Along the long stretch, one is overwhelmed by the endless mountain ranges of Mount Cam and Mount Dai. During the dry season, the trees on the mountains gradually turn grayish-brown, revealing the bare, majestic slopes. However, the gardens of the local people still cover the rocky slopes with patches of green, offering a soothing sight.
According to the people of Ta Lot, those hillside orchards may look barren, but when the rain comes, they transform, yielding bountiful harvests. Even in years with unpredictable weather, the people still earn a decent income from their orchards, creating a distinctive way of life in the Ta Lot region.
It was past noon, the sun blazed down. I stopped by to visit the irrigation reservoirs in the Ta Lot area. Here, there are two fairly large irrigation reservoirs that have received investment: Ta Lot Reservoir and Nui Dai 2 Reservoir. Amidst the overwhelming heat, the lakes, like mirrors reflecting the clouds and sky, soothed the feeling of "sunstroke" for visitors from afar. Standing on the shore of Nui Dai 2 Reservoir, you will be delighted by the picturesque scenery of mountains and water. Thanks to rainwater harvesting, the irrigation reservoirs help farmers continue to cultivate their land during the dry season. On the lakeshore, patches of corn tasseling and lush green bean vines are evidence of the aspirations and efforts of the people to use irrigation to transform this land.
As midday approached, the heat intensified. I continued my journey straight to Chau Lang commune (Tri Ton district). Along both sides of the road, people were preparing the land for the new planting season. Upon inquiry, I learned that most of them were plowing the land and letting it dry, ready to start planting as soon as the rain came. At this time, those who had access to water would plant their crops first, creating contrasting green patches against the surrounding landscape. Interestingly, many farmers in Chau Lang haven't finished harvesting their winter-spring rice crop yet, creating an impressive picture of the Bay Nui natural landscape. If photographers saw this, they would surely have captured a stunning moment to satisfy their passion.
For many, the dry season in Bay Nui is considered harsh. However, if you have the chance to experience this region during the dry months, you will discover many interesting things about life and the beauty of the contrasting colors of nature, making you feel that An Giang is an ideal destination worth experiencing at least once.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/bay-nui-mua-vang-con-mua-a418008.html
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