Despite the hot weather of 40 degrees Celsius, people are still working hard on salt fields in Hoa Loc commune, Hau Loc district, in the central province of Thanh Hoa. In return, however, the yield and quality of salt will be higher.

Fifty-seven-year-old Nguyen Thi Hau has been pole-shouldering salt for more than half of her lifetime. She has never thought of quitting, but the poor crop of salt this year has discouraged her a bit.