Buffalo herding season in the Southwest of Vietnam

Every year, during the flood season from July to November in the lunar calendar, herds of buffalo migrate from one field to another, seeking higher ground to rest and graze. True to the meaning of the Khmer word "len," which means "freedom," "len buffalo" refers to letting buffalo roam freely, as mentioned in the short story collection "The Buffalo Herding Season" from the collection "Fragrance of the Ca Mau Forest" (published in 1962) by the late writer Son Nam.

The sight of buffaloes moving across the grasslands, seen from an aerial perspective, creates a memorable "buffalo herding season" scene. It is a way for humans to show gratitude to the buffaloes, which work hard all year round and are helpful in farming.

Photo: Ngo Thanh Binh

Heritage Magazine