Restoring the “Dragon Vein” of the village

The Cua region, comprising the communes of Cam Chinh and Cam Nghia in Cam Lo District, is known for its centuries-old network of ancient wells. Once vital to local life, many of these historic structures have been lost or forgotten over time due to the impacts of war and rapid urban development.

In recent years, as part of rural development efforts linked with cultural preservation, local authorities and residents in the Cua region have worked to restore many of these ancient wells. The goal is to protect a part of village memory and remind future generations of their roots, where banyan trees, village wells, and communal courtyards once symbolized rural life.

The Bang Son village well, also known as the Phuong well, located in Cam Nghia commune, is among the oldest in the region. According to elders, the well is about 500 years old. After being filled over time, villagers came together to contribute labor and funds for its restoration. For the local community, the village well is a shared cultural symbol.

The village well was restored in 2024 by the residents of Mai Loc 2 and Mai Dan hamlets. Photo: Anh Vu

"Our ancestors used to call this well the village’s dragon vein. It was believed that the prosperity and peace of the community depended on its water," said Nguyen Van Tuyen, a resident of Bang Son village. "So when the well was damaged, everyone came together to restore it, offering both labor and financial support."

Preliminary surveys indicate that around 15 ancient wells still exist in the Cua region. Most follow the Cham style, constructed from laterite and lined with rosewood. Although only about one meter deep, they retain water throughout the year. Strategically built at the base of hills to tap underground streams, some wells feature double rosewood bases that remain intact to this day. Even during extended droughts, the water remains clear, cool in summer and warm in winter.

Nguyen Van Hieu, head of Mai Loc 2 Hamlet in Cam Chinh Commune, noted that a village map dating back to 1900 recorded 11 ancient wells in Cam Chinh alone. Each well typically featured two sections—one for drinking and one for bathing, constructed with laterite and lined with rosewood.

"Before piped water or drilled wells existed, everyone depended on these ancient wells. Today, they are seen as a legacy from our ancestors and a spiritual link to the village," said Hieu.

Local residents recall that in 1885, when King Ham Nghi sought refuge at Tan So Citadel in Mai Dan Village, Cam Chinh Commune, soldiers drew water from the local wells for his daily needs.

Today, most of the ancient wells in the Cua region have been or are being restored to resemble their original form. The restoration efforts have garnered strong community support, with many villages mobilizing donations, including contributions from families who have moved away.

One example is Dinh well in Mai Dan and Mai Loc 2 villages, which had been buried for years before being restored in 2024. The project was funded with nearly VND100 million (around US$3,900) contributed by local residents and officials. Nguyen Van Ha, chairman of Cam Chinh Commune, said the authorities have actively promoted public participation, and the initiative has received strong community backing.

The cost of restoring each well ranges from VND50 to 100 million (approximately $2,000 to $3,900). Many families contribute directly or seek support from relatives. In Mai Loc 1 and Mai Loc 2, four wells - Cay Thi, Cay Bang, Dinh, and Cay Dau - have already been restored, and another is currently being prepared.

The resolution of the Cam Chinh Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term identifies the restoration of ancient wells as a priority task, implemented under the principle of state–people cooperation,” said Nguyen Van Ha. “We plan to link key local attractions such as the Ham Nghi Temple, the ancient wells, tea gardens, and traditional Cua chicken cuisine to develop community-based tourism.

For generations, banyan trees, village wells, and communal spaces have represented the cultural identity of Vietnamese rural life. The restoration of ancient wells in Cua preserves local heritage while laying the groundwork for sustainable community and eco-tourism in the region.

Anh Vu - Tung Lam