Bicycles on a remote island

Truong Sa – the sacred archipelago full of sunshine and wind, where my unit is stationed – is so beautiful this season. The sea is a deep blue, and what could be more wonderful than immersing yourself in the simple life, cycling on the island's roads, admiring the lush green trees, the long stretches of white sand, and the endless waves crashing against the shore, creating a beautiful natural landscape.

The sight of bicycles rolling along the roads around our island evokes a thousand touching stories. A few years ago, the entire island – where my unit works – only had one or two bicycles, and they were prioritized for work-related use. Although the islands aren't very large, in the past, when urgent matters needed to be resolved during harsh weather, and walking was necessary, cycling proved incredibly efficient.

Thanks to the attention from the mainland, various sectors, localities, philanthropists, and individuals on the island, the green island now has more bicycles, making transportation more convenient. Bicycles are closely associated with the daily life and work of the soldiers and civilians in the Truong Sa Special Zone. After a day of training, patrolling to protect maritime sovereignty , and improving living standards, my comrades, some who play sports, and many others, spend time cycling for a leisurely stroll, visiting local homes, or sometimes just cycling a few laps to exercise and relax.

Bicycles are an integral part of the daily lives and work of the soldiers and civilians in Truong Sa.

Every morning, I enjoy cycling to experience the peaceful, tranquil atmosphere with fresh, cool air, the lingering scent of the Barringtonia flowers that bloomed the night before, and the sound of roosters crowing echoing across the island. Late afternoons are also a wonderful time to explore the island by bicycle. On peaceful evenings by the sea, we cycle along the coast, watching the sunset and the gentle waves caressing the shore.

Amidst the endless waves, the feeling of leisurely cycling and admiring the scenery, sometimes sitting behind a fellow cyclist, chatting and sharing stories about life, dreams, and future plans, is truly delightful. Not only does it improve health, but cycling on tree-lined roads, immersing oneself in the island's green, fresh air, is romantic, dispelling the worries and anxieties of life.

After a day's work, cycling and immersing yourself in the fresh air of Sinh Ton Island is truly delightful.

You may also like

Introducing nearly 200 documents about the Paracel and Spratly Islands.Nearly 200 representative documents, maps, images, and materials were selected for presentation at the exhibition "Hoang Sa, Truong Sa - Sacred Seas and Islands," which opened on June 15th.

Weather forecast for June 25th: Northern Vietnam will experience intense sunshine during the day, with thunderstorms in the evening.On June 25th, the weather will continue to be intensely hot in the North and Central regions during the day, with thunderstorms in the evening providing relief from the heat.

Record-breaking heatwave in France, over 100 years old: A warning for Vietnam about the risks of El Nino and climate change.SKĐS - According to experts, the unprecedented heatwave in France, the worst in hundreds of years, not only reflects the increasingly evident impact of climate change but also serves as a warning to Vietnam about the increased risk of heatwaves, droughts, and water shortages under the influence of El Nino.

Occasionally, amidst the turning of the wheels, there's a cheerful "bing bong… bing bong…" sound of bicycle bells, giving me the feeling of being on the mainland. Suddenly, memories of my school days flood back to me, of cycling to school on sun-drenched roads. Not only me, but everyone on the island, and my comrades in the Truong Sa Special Zone, share the same feeling.

The bicycles are carefully preserved and maintained by the soldiers and civilians of Truong Sa.

Behind every bicycle on our island lies a special story. Having traveled hundreds of nautical miles across stormy seas to reach the island safely, each bicycle is given special care. These bicycles carry the warmth of the mainland, brimming with the affection and kindness of benefactors and loved ones on the mainland who have entrusted their faith to us on this remote island. Therefore, we and the islanders cherish and respect these bicycles, always taking good care of them. Children in the Truong Sa Special Zone are also taught how to ride bicycles by their parents or by us. They enjoy riding to school and around the island with the soldiers.

Whenever delegations from the mainland visit and work on the island, many of the elderly men and women say that: During their short stay on the island, everyone wants to explore as much as possible, learn about the culture and life of the soldiers and islanders, and capture memorable moments during their voyage. Although some islands are equipped with electric vehicles and motorbikes, everyone prefers to spend even just a few minutes experiencing the difference on their beloved bicycles, because it is incredibly fun and memorable on this remote island.

Bicycles – gifts from the mainland to the Truong Sa Special Zone.

Helping us improve our health and contribute to the successful completion of our duties on the front lines, bicycles are now not only a form of physical training competition, but also a contest for decorating, using, and maintaining bikes among the platoons on the island. Bicycles have even found their way into poetry on the unit's wall newspapers.

You may also like

The railway industry reduces ticket prices by 30% for soldiers stationed in the Spratly Islands.From July 1, 2026, military personnel serving in the Spratly Islands will receive a 30% discount on all passenger train tickets managed by the Vietnam Railway Transport Joint Stock Company.

Low-emission urban cyclingBicycles have long been an integral part of Hoi An's identity in the sustainable tourism development process. In the context of green development, Hoi An has even greater potential to become one of Vietnam's "bicycle capitals," linked to a low-emission urban model.

Helicopters transport two fishermen back to shore for emergency medical treatment.

It's a feeling hard to describe... a moving sense of peace amidst the remote islands. Peace – that precious feeling is always present, created by the steadfast and courageous hearts of the soldiers and civilians of Truong Sa – sacred in this place at the forefront of the waves and winds.

When I return to the mainland after completing my mission, I, like all my comrades, will never forget the memories of my time in the military amidst the vast ocean. Among them, the story of the bicycles in Truong Sa is an indelible memory.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/nhung-chiec-xe-dap-noi-dao-xa-1038115