The festive atmosphere of Tet
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the atmosphere of work and production in the coastal countryside is more lively and bustling than ever. Seafood processing facilities focus on preliminary processing and packaging products to ensure timely supply to the market.
Speaking to us, Ms. Hoang Thi Nau from Nhan Quang village, Nam Trach commune, said: “I have been processing fish sauce for almost 26 years now. With the advantage of having a source of fresh seafood, I always choose high-quality ingredients to process into delicious fish sauce and shrimp paste for sale on the market. Tet (Lunar New Year) is a time when consumer demand increases, so during these days, we are always busy packing and shipping goods to customers.”
For people living by the sea, the joy of Tet (Lunar New Year) is only truly complete when the last fishing trips of the year return full of fish and shrimp. Mr. To Hong Phuong, owner of the fishing vessel QB17178 TS in Ha Thon village, Dong Hoi ward, has many years of experience in seafood harvesting. Mr. Phuong said: “In 2025, due to unfavorable weather, the seafood catch was not high. However, in the last months of the year, the sea is calm, so offshore fishing vessels have a fairly stable income. Near Tet, the price of seafood is higher than usual, and the demand is also higher. Taking advantage of the favorable weather, I and other fishermen go out to sea to find some ‘bounty from the sea.’ Only when the boat is full of shrimp and fish can the Tet holiday be truly joyful.” There are currently 550 fishing vessels operating in Dong Hoi ward. In 2025, the ward's seafood catch and production is expected to reach 15,000 tons, an increase of 1,000 tons compared to 2024.
 |
| The appearance of coastal villages in the province is increasingly improving - Photo: Phu Son |
According to Nguyen Khanh, Chairman of the Dong Hoi Ward Farmers' Association: “The Ward Farmers' Association currently has 5,430 members, of which 10% are engaged in the fishing industry. Over the past period, members have demonstrated a spirit of solidarity, determination to overcome difficulties, and hard work, remaining committed to their profession despite numerous challenges. Many members have boldly invested in upgrading their boats, applying advanced techniques in fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing; gradually improving productivity, quality, and economic efficiency. The emulation movement for excellent production and business among members in the fishing villages has been maintained, with many effective models emerging, contributing to stabilizing livelihoods, creating jobs, and increasing income for the people, promoting the socio-economic development of the ward. In addition, members actively participate in propaganda sessions and sign commitments not to violate foreign waters; raising awareness of responsibility in exploiting and protecting aquatic resources and the marine environment.”
A new, modern look
Following the village head of Nhan Quang (Nam Trach commune), Pham Van Khien, we took a tour to see the landscape and the lives of the people here. Under the gentle sunshine of the days leading up to Tet, the multi-story houses with bright red tiled roofs appeared, exuding the modernity and sophistication of the village at the foot of the sea.
Mr. Khien said that the villagers often call this area "Seoul Village." This name comes from the fact that the residents here have become more prosperous thanks to working abroad, mainly in South Korea. "Seoul Village" occupies more than half the area of Nhan Quang hamlet. Modern houses, built close together, resemble a well-planned, rapidly developing new urban area.
The village has 352 households with 1,688 inhabitants, including 290 people working abroad. The village owns 78 boats. Thanks to diligent work and production, the village expects to achieve a seafood catch and aquaculture output of 605 tons in 2025. Total village revenue in 2025 is projected to reach 130 billion VND (exceeding the set target), with 60 billion VND coming from overseas employment.
 |
| Ms. Hoang Thi Nau (Nam Trach commune) inspects fish sauce and shrimp paste products before selling them to customers during Tet - Photo: LM |
Mr. Pham Van Khien enthusiastically shared: “I have been the head of Nhan Quang village for 14 years now. Through monitoring the living conditions of the people, I see that the village's development speed is quite fast, increasing by about 3-4% per year; the average per capita income will reach 78 million VND/person/year in 2025. The number of poor households has decreased from 24 households (in 2012) to only 2 households today. In 2026, the village strives to increase the average per capita income to 79 million VND/person/year; focus on building new rural areas and model residential areas; promote the development of tourism services, creating a boost for economic development in the eastern part of Nam Trach commune.”
Along with the development and changes in Nam Trach commune, other coastal villages in the province have also undergone many changes, and the lives of the people have improved, such as the communes of Hoa Trach, My Thuy, Bac Trach, Cua Viet, Sen Ngu, etc.
According to Tran Hai, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Trach commune: “Bac Trach commune has villages such as Thanh Hai, Thanh Gianh, Thanh Khe, Thanh Xuan… all closely associated with the exploitation and fishing of marine resources. In recent years, in addition to focusing on developing the strengths of the marine economy, individual production and business establishments in the commune have developed strongly, contributing to creating local jobs and increasing income for the people. Notably, labor export has become a large and stable source of income for the people here. Many local workers are working in foreign markets (Australia, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan…), not only improving their family lives but also contributing positively to the socio-economic development of the locality through remittances. As a result, the rural landscape is increasingly improving, many solid houses have been built, village roads and alleys are green, clean and beautiful, and the living conditions of the people have been significantly improved.”
With economic development, the lives of the people in the coastal villages have become more prosperous. As Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, amidst the busy atmosphere of labor, production, fishing, and seafood processing, the people here are also busy preparing traditional rituals, such as erecting the Tet pole, worshiping at the village temple, and tidying up their houses… to celebrate the spring and welcome Tet, praying for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Le Mai
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/xa-hoi/202602/xuan-ve-tren-lang-bien-c2c4a95/
Comment (0)