13th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Hmong Charcoal Transporter, Vietnam

The Hmong are an ethnic minority group from Northern Vietnam. Amongst the poorest in the country, some transport charcoal to local cities for as little as five dollars a day. This difficult work results in deforestation, but there are few options to enter the cash economy. Despite this material hardship, the Hmong share a rich history and culture, with intimate knowledge of the land they live from.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2015
Date Uploaded: 12.2015
Photo Location: Vietnam
Copyright: © Austin Beahm
Awards
Photo of the Day: 02.07.16