"Soft border" at Dai Lanh Cape

I recently had the opportunity to visit the place that witnesses the first sunrise on mainland Vietnam: Dai Lanh Cape (also known as Dien Cape). Standing beneath the flagpole, you don't need to look up too high to see the grandeur of the country. Just standing there and gazing at the flag, an indescribable feeling of emotion welled up inside me.

Dai Lanh Cape is located in Phuoc Tan village, Hoa Tam commune, Dong Hoa town, Phu Yen province. In August 2008, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a decision classifying Bai Mon - Dai Lanh Cape (Mui Dien) as a national-level historical site.

This stunning complex of scenic spots is a precious asset of Phu Yen province, an attractive and unmissable destination on any trip along the central coast of Vietnam. The convenient access means that every tour tries to include and highlight as much as possible the lighthouse, Bai Mon beach, and Rang Dong cape.

The Dai Lanh Lighthouse was officially built in 1890 by French architects in the 1890s. After enduring many historical events, more than 100 years later, in 1995, the lighthouse was restored and remains in its current state. This information alone is enough to affirm national sovereignty . It resonates throughout history and culture, and now this seemingly humble lighthouse contributes to tourism development. One thing is certain: anyone who comes here, upon seeing the flag flying atop the flagpole, feels a sacred sense of national sovereignty. And international tourists cherish these cultural values.

The national flag flies atop the flagpole at Dai Lanh Cape.

Pointing to a Styrofoam cooler filled with bottles of soft drinks, a friendly lighthouse keeper invited us to rest. He said, "While fulfilling our duty to protect sovereignty and guard the passing ships, we also contribute to the development of tourism, so that the lives of the local people can change day by day."

My trip and experiences at Dai Lanh Cape left a lasting impression on me. I was particularly impressed by the lighthouse keeper who, while on duty guiding ships, was also very enthusiastic in guiding tourists around the lighthouse. He shared: "Life is still very difficult, but I still want to stay in this job, so that every day I can watch ships go out to sea and bring joy to tourists."

I was impressed by a beautiful tour guide from Phu Yen who always smiled brightly at tourists. "For me, showing visitors the beauty and cultural value of this scenic spot is a source of great pride," the guide confided. It's truly commendable that local people are able to benefit from and directly contribute to this scenic spot.

Tourism today is very different from the past, because even before arriving, visitors already know what their destination has to offer. However, experiencing it firsthand further solidifies the beauty of the country and deepens their love for it. For international tourists, alongside their desire to explore and learn, they also develop an affection for Vietnam's landscapes and culture after each trip. This is not only due to the affordable prices and diverse options, but also the excellent service and the warm, caring hospitality. Vietnam always hopes to show its international friends that not only its nature but also its people are endearing.

From the story at Dai Lanh Cape, I would like to broaden the discussion to include the importance of protecting national sovereignty. The struggle to protect national sovereignty, borders, and territory is a long-term process requiring the collective efforts of everyone. In this process, maintaining the "soft border"—from the culture and mindset of all Vietnamese people, and to some extent, of our international friends—is something we must prioritize. Naval and border guards, and the people living in border and island areas, work tirelessly every day to preserve every inch of land, preventing its erosion in this information age and the softening of everything. Every Vietnamese person, wherever they may be on this S-shaped land, must carry this sacred duty!

Every day, the lighthouse keeper and the tour guide at Dai Lanh Cape diligently perform their duties and enthusiastically serve tourists. Don't think they do this job simply for a living, just to show tourists the beautiful scenery; more importantly, they also want to show the world the patriotism and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

Tourism is a unique industry. It's not only characterized by timeliness, connectivity, and competitiveness, but also by its profound connection to culture. This "smokeless" industry has a long history of development and has achieved considerable success. The COVID-19 pandemic was like a storm sweeping away the achievements of the tourism industry, but we have overcome it and continue to thrive, becoming an attractive destination. This achievement is also how we maintain our "soft borders" and elevate our national standing.