New life in coastal villages.

Modern ports, sturdy breakwaters, smooth concrete roads, and community-based tourism services have given many coastal villages in Dak Lak a distinct vitality.

As the sun rose, Dong Tac fishing port ( Phu Yen ward) was bustling with boats docking. With its well-invested and modern port infrastructure and mooring facilities, hundreds of boats enter and leave daily, bringing in holds full of shrimp, fish, and squid.

Far from the fishing port lies a residential area with sturdy houses and smooth, paved roads. Fisherman Nguyen Van Hoi recalls: “In the old days, we went to sea in small boats, only venturing close to shore. We ate whatever the sea gave us, sometimes we caught fish, sometimes we didn't. When the policy to support fishermen was implemented, the appearance of the fishing village here began to change. A series of sturdy steel-hulled and wooden fishing boats were built, capable of venturing dozens of nautical miles offshore. Now we can go far out to sea and catch many kinds of high-value seafood. The people also form groups and support each other at sea. Thanks to that, life is much more prosperous than before.”

With government support, fishermen can confidently continue their work at sea, creating jobs for many local laborers.

In recent years, many coastal villages in eastern Dak Lak no longer live in constant anxiety whenever high tides and large waves occur. From 2015 to the present, 13 embankment projects to address coastal erosion in the province have been implemented. These embankments have become a solid barrier, protecting the lives and property of thousands of households in coastal villages.

In Tuy An Nam commune, since the An Chan embankment was invested in and put into use, the local residents have been overjoyed. The fishing village is more spacious with new houses and sturdy fences. The road, combined with the embankment, is planted with flowers and kept clean and beautiful by the locals.

After unloading his catch from a fishing trip, Mr. Tran Cu from Tuy An Nam commune happily said: "For about 10 years now, tidal surges have been increasingly encroaching on the coastline, threatening people's homes. Fortunately, the government promptly built a protective seawall. The fierce waves caused by tropical depressions have been stopped by the seawall. Everyone is happy to have a sturdy seawall."

Starting as a simple engineering structure, the breakwater in Xóm Rớ, Phú Yên ward, has become a familiar destination for locals and tourists alike. Constructed from square blocks of stone and concrete, over time, a thick layer of green moss has begun to grow on the surface of the breakwater, half submerged and half exposed to the water. When the tide recedes, the moss is revealed, glistening in the sunlight. In addition, its wave-blocking design has contributed to creating a safe beach for the local people.

Besides its role in protecting against waves and providing a safe haven for residents, the Xóm Rớ seawall has also become a popular check-in spot. Ms. Phạm Thị Tú Anh, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “I am very impressed with the space at the Xóm Rớ seawall area. The concrete wave-breaking blocks of various sizes are covered with soft green moss, resembling decorative patterns on the beach. In the distance, the seawall juts out into the sea. Not only me, but many young people are quite fascinated by this scenery.”

With its surrounding embankment system, the Xóm Rớ beach area has formed a relatively safe swimming spot, attracting many locals and tourists.

With their pristine beauty, the coastal villages in eastern Dak Lak are becoming attractive destinations for experiential tourism. Driven by practical needs, the local people, in addition to their livelihoods from fishing, have boldly invested in trading and developing coastal tourism to improve their income. Traditional fishing festivals, opera performances, and boat races have also been revived, becoming highlights that attract tourists and contribute to preserving the unique maritime culture.

According to Mr. Ngo Duc Hieu, a homestay owner in O Loan commune, recognizing the demand from tourists for experiential activities in the coastal village, he boldly invested in the homestay business. Guests staying here often immerse themselves in the life of the coastal village, experience the early morning fish market, and buy fish and shrimp caught by the locals. Food and beverage services in the surrounding area have also flourished. Some families who previously only knew how to fish with nets now also engage in service businesses, both to supplement their income and to promote the culture of the coastal village. As a result, the lives of the local people are increasingly improving.

The transformation of coastal villages today is a vivid picture of a land that has both preserved its rustic charm and embraced a new, developed appearance. Bouncy catches, modern houses, and tourists seeking unique experiences – all demonstrate the local people's aspiration to venture out to sea, not just for survival, but also a belief in a brighter future.

“The biggest change is not just in infrastructure, but also in mindset. People now not only know how to go to sea but also think about protecting the marine environment, sustainable development, and civilized tourism. We often organize beach cleanup activities, and tourists also enthusiastically participate,” said Mr. Nguyen Xuan Canh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Yen Ward.

The development of the marine economy and tourism has brought a new look to coastal villages. Concrete roads, electricity, schools, health stations... have sprung up one after another. Programs supporting fishermen to stay at sea and protect maritime sovereignty have both provided livelihoods and affirmed the people's determination to remain connected to the sea.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202509/suc-song-moi-o-cac-lang-ven-bien-5462119/