Making a living between sky and earth under central Vietnam’s scorching heat

“The hotter it gets, the more work we can do,” said Nguyen Van Tan, 40, a high-rise painter currently working in Da Nang City.

“During the rainy season, jobs come to a halt. Yet the sun in central Vietnam is unbelievably harsh."

Having spent more than a year working on construction projects in Da Nang after relocating from Ho Chi Minh City, Tan said his skin has noticeably darkened.

While southern Vietnam has its own dry season, the heat there is far less scorching than the relentless sun in Da Nang.

His four-man team begins work at daybreak in an effort to avoid the worst of the heat while repainting a multi-story building in Cam Le Ward.

Yet even at 7:00 am, the sun is already blazing over the city.

Concrete and grass surfaces reflect the heat, turning the worksite into a sweltering furnace.

After securing ropes from the rooftop and preparing paint, the workers descend the building’s exterior, suspended in front of rows of windows.

Viewed from below, they resemble Spider-Man figures scaling sheer walls.

Against the bright blue sky, their silhouettes appear almost graceful.

However, behind that striking image lies a physically demanding and hazardous profession.

For them, complacency is never an option.

They do not choose to hang in mid-air for the thrill, but because each day's wages help pay rent, cover their children's school fees, and put food on the family table.

Tran Kim Sang, a painting contractor, said the job demands physical endurance, mental resilience, and the ability to work comfortably at heights of several dozen meters every day.

“Safety is always the top priority on high-rise painting projects,” Sang said.

“Before work begins, painting workers must assess weather conditions such as intense sunlight, strong winds, or storms.

“There are mandatory safety procedures, including proper rope systems and protective equipment.

“Workers also have to bring their own sun protection and enough drinking water for long hours aloft.” 

To shield himself from the blazing sun, Nguyen Van Lam, a member of Tan’s team, wears multiple layers of UV-protective clothing.

Even so, the concrete walls and glass panels absorb and radiate heat, enveloping him in the scorching air.

Sweat quickly soaks through his clothes, running beneath his face mask and safety goggles.

“We’re not afraid of heights anymore because we’re used to the job,” Lam said.

“The real challenge is the sun and the wind.

“Working high above the ground, we sweat constantly, so we have to keep drinking water."

Sometimes he forgets or does not carry enough water, he simply has to endure the thirst, as climbing down in the middle of the job is too time-consuming, he added.