Cẩm Kim

Cẩm Kim is an island south west of the Vietnamese city of Hoi An. It can be reached either by boat or by a bridge.

Since the 15th century people on the island create products. The built ships, cabinets, carpets and woodworking products. Back then woodworkers worked amongst others for the former capital Hue and were also great demand for their products beyond that.

There are several temples on the island. A Taoist temple is the “Nhà Thờ Tộc Huỳnh”. It’s right next to a school.

The Unicorn
 
The East Asian version of a unicorn is the qilin. It is, obviously, a mythical creature. The first references to the qilin appear in the 5th century BC in China. In Vietnam, the Qilin is called “Kỳ lân Trung Hoa”, or short as “Kỳ lân”.
 
In this temple on Cẩm Kim there are two statues in front of the entrance. A male and a female figure. The female figure is on the left and can be recognized by the fact that a child is under her foot.

Seating area in the inside of the temple

Making Rice Noodles

The traditional way
 
On Cam Kim there are several family businesses specialising in the production of rice noodles.
They still produce the noodles in the traditional way. It all starts with rice and water. First the rice is soaked in water and then milled. The result is a white milky dough.
 
The white paste is placed on a large skillet and distributed. The preparation reminds a bit of the production of pancakes or crepes. Then the pancake is put aside to dry.

Later it is cut with a knife or a machine.

Cutting the fresh "rice pancakes" into noodles with a knife

Or with a machine

A popular snack is the fresh rice pancakes between two baked ones. Then you can dip it into a spicy fish sauce.

Making Boats

Looking at you
 
Most boats get two eyes painted on. According to the legend and myths, they are supposed to protect the passengers against evil spirits and monsters.

Making Sleeping Mates