Along with the bamboo hedge, a common symbol of the Vietnamese village. Wells are generally lined with brick. A well is called a “giếng khơi”. A “giếng ao” (well-pond) is a deep pond with drinkable water springing from a subterranean source. In highland regions, laterite wells are dug on hill slopes, producing abundant pare and fresh water. The most famous legendary well is the Well of Pearls (Giếng Ngọc) at Cổ Loa, from the story of My Chau and Trong Thuy.
Common sayings: Thân em như giếng giữa dàng, người khôn rủa mặt, người phàm rửa chân (my fate is like a well by the roadside; wise men wash their faces in it, stupid men wash their feet). Giếng đâu ếch đó (each well has its frogs): one is attached to the place where one lives, ếch ngồi đáy giếng (a frog lying at the bottom of a well): a person with a limited outlook.
