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Phan Thiet – a tranquil coastal city in the South Central region of Vietnam – not only captivates tourists with its natural beauty but also offers a haven of peace for weary souls. For Lu Duy Tuong, a 27-year-old from Ho Chi Minh City, Phan Thiet became his home for seven months. This journey not only changed his perspective on life but also left him with profound and unforgettable memories.
The sea is a vast, boundless space, where land and sky merge, a symbol of eternity and infinity.
Growing up amidst the vast rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, Tuong never imagined that the sea would captivate him so deeply. The first day he set foot in Phan Thiet, the endless blue of the ocean and the distinctive salty scent from the fishing villages immediately enchanted him. Even as time has passed, every time he passes by the fishing ports or beaches, those initial feelings return, like a gentle melody reminding him of his first days getting to know this land.
Growing up amidst the vast rice fields of the Mekong Delta, Tuong never imagined that the sea would stir his heart so deeply.
Slow Down to Feel
While life in Saigon is hectic, Phan Thiet is equally gentle and tranquil. For Tuong, seven months there felt like a long vacation, where he learned to slow down and savor every moment. “No traffic jams, no blaring horns, just the sound of the waves and the cool ocean breeze,” he confided. Leisurely afternoons on the embankment, watching the fiery red sun set into the sea, or evenings enjoying the breeze on the sandy beach – all felt like beautiful scenes he never wanted to leave.
While life in Saigon is hectic, Phan Thiet is equally gentle and tranquil.
One time, while driving along the coast, Tuong witnessed a breathtaking sunset: a clear sky, with reddish-orange sunlight stretching across the calm sea. “I had to stop my car right by the rocky shore, gazing at the vast, clear sky, the few beautiful wisps of clouds, the huge, fiery red sun slowly sinking into the sea, the gentle, cool sea breeze – everything blended together to create a scene so captivating. I was so mesmerized by its beauty that I forgot my way home,” he recounted.
For Tuong, seven months here felt like a long vacation, where he learned to slow down and savor each moment.
People with Warm Hearts for the Land and Sea
Working there also helped Tuong become closer to the local people – generous and genuine individuals. He can never forget the affection they showed him. “Knowing I was far from home, eating out for months on end, and getting tired of the food, the staff often cooked delicious local specialties for me, just like my parents or siblings,” he shared emotionally. These small acts, for Tuong, transformed Phan Thiet into a second home, a place where he always felt warmth and a sense of belonging.
Working here also helped Tuong become closer to the land and people of Phan Thiet.
In Tuong's eyes, Phan Thiet is not just about familiar tourist spots like Duc Thanh School, Poshanu Tower, or the Red Sand Dunes... He encourages people to try venturing outside the familiar streets, wandering into local markets or small fishing villages. Places like Phu Hai Market, Phu Hai fishing port, or Hon Rom fishing village offer him everyday stories that are both inspiring and fascinating. He says: "Although they aren't places for beautiful photos, they preserve the stories of the local people's lives, with their boat building, fishing, traditional fish sauce making, and dried fish production... Just wander into the nooks and crannies, and you're sure to find a good story." For Tuong, the image of these small but resilient people facing the vast ocean has become a symbol of willpower and resilience.
The hardworking fishermen contribute to the charm of Phan Thiet fishing village.
When visiting Phan Thiet, the food is a must-try. For Tuong, fresh seafood is always the top choice: "Simply steaming or grilling is enough to appreciate the sweetness and freshness of each shrimp, squid, or oyster. Especially, the locals are very enthusiastic about recommending good seafood places; just ask and you'll get a whole list of reliable locations."
Seven months passed in the blink of an eye, but for Tuong, that time was enough for him to fall even more in love with the land and cherish the values that Phan Thiet offers. “No matter how difficult it is, no matter how many dangers there are at the forefront of the waves, no matter how small humans seem amidst the vast, endless ocean, the fishermen here are determined to cling to the sea and preserve their profession to the very end. This is not simply a way to earn a living and support their families, but also a mission to preserve the traditional profession passed down from their ancestors, to be the children who day and night protect every inch of land and sea of their homeland,” Tuong reflected.
The boats far out at sea
A familiar sight in fishing villages.
For Tuong, Phan Thiet is not just a tourist destination, but also a place that holds stories and experiences that have changed him. It's a place where every visitor can find a part of themselves – amidst the vast blue sea and overflowing with love from the people.
