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Balancing on stilts in a constantly shifting environment requires an intimate understanding of tides, currents, seabed conditions, and the rhythm of the waves. Rather than resisting the force of the sea, fishermen learn to move with it, adjusting their posture and timing each step to the changing water beneath them.

The most striking moments occur when fishermen casts their net. Standing high above the surface, they open their arms and release the net in a sweeping motion while maintaining perfect balance on the stilts. Against the backdrop of the sea, the gesture resembles a carefully choreographed dance, transforming an act of labour into a scene of remarkable visual beauty.

Walking on stilts is difficult on solid ground. Along the coast of Thinh Long, fishermen take the challenge a step further, balancing on tall bamboo stilts above the waves while casting their nets in the shallow sea.

Along the sandy shores of Thinh Long, fishermen use long bamboo stilts to rise above the waves, turning simple bamboo poles into a way of extending their bodies over the sea as they scan the shallow waters for fish.

Today, with the development of modern fishing technology, only a few families still use stilts for fishing at sea.

Economic changes have led to a new transformation. Rather than disappearing, stilt walking has evolved into a form of folk performance, moving from the sea into local festivals.

In the Thinh Long coastal tourism area, stilt walking has developed into a structured form of performance. The performers, often local fishermen, draw on their experience at sea, combining strength and balance in carefully controlled movements.

The shift from life at sea to staged performance brings entirely new technical demands. It requires precise coordination of movement, as former fishermen adapt their skills to the rhythm of the stage.

In Thinh Long, stilt walkers practice a range of demanding performances, including lion dance, drumming, wrestling, and football. The most difficult aspect is group coordination, where performers must move in perfect harmony while balancing on stilts. Their skill and sense of daring define the unique appeal of this tradition.

The presence of stilt walkers there has become a unique attraction for visitors. Watching performances at sunrise or sunset on the beach offers a striking encounter between people and nature, where hard physical labour takes on an unexpected visual beauty.

Dancing on the waves

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