As the late afternoon sun begins to fade, a small tent is pitched on the sandy shore of Loc Binh Beach (Vinh Loc Commune). Nearby, a group of folding chairs surrounds a glowing mini barbecue grill. Accompanied by the gentle rhythm of waves lapping the shore, Ms Tuyet Loan and Mr Chi Nhan from Phu Xuan Ward are enjoying the meal while soaking in the tranquility that mini camping offers.

Hue is a land that bears the imprint of the southward migration and territorial expansion undertaken more than 700 years ago by the people of ancient Thuan Hoa. Very few documents reveal the timing of these migration waves or the organization and formation of Vietnamese villages in the region. Yet during fieldwork, I gained access to several ancient Han-Nom documents recording the migration, land reclamation, and establishment of villages and communes. Most notably is a cadastral record dating to the 9th year of the Dai Hoa reign (1451) under King Le Nhan Tong, compiled exactly 575 years ago.

The northeast monsoon winds sweep in, bringing rolling, white-capped waves surging over the Ngu Dien coast, signaling that the rough sea season has reached its height. When the sea momentarily calms, it is also the time local fishermen set out on their arduous voyages to earn a living at sea, braving countless lurking dangers behind every wave.

That is the vast green casuarina forest that the people of Thai Duong Thuong village (formerly Hai Duong Commune, now part of Thuan An Ward, Hue City) planted decades ago to shield them from the winds, stop the sand, and protect the village. Amidst the vast sky and land, the casuarina trees grow lush and strong, becoming a sturdy shield, guarding the village from waves and winds, and the harshness of the sea.

Beneath the bright red national flag proudly flying over the skies of Truong Sa (Spratly Islands), we silently call out the names of the heroic martyrs who gave their lives to defend the sacred seas and islands of our homeland, hearing their echoes within the gentle murmur of waves welcoming a new, peaceful day.

I have fully lived through those precious, unforgettable moments - moments where I could touch the echoing sound of waves that bear the names of the DK1 platform soldiers who now rest in the depths of the sea. It was to convey, in the most genuine way, the bravery and steadfastness of these soldiers who have become unshakable fortresses guarding the sea and sky of our homeland.

Although being aware that it was an uphill battle, the emergency response forces, combating the coastal erosion caused by the recent typhoon No. 6 (typhoon Trami), raced against time and fierce waves with the utmost determination to protect the coastline.

Nearly three hours after casting, the net was hauled onto the boat by skilled fishermen. To the rhythm of the waves, the boat pulled ashore, in the basket containing manna from the sea, the eel catfish attracted the attention from buyers.

In mid-August 2024, the Center for Supporting Literary and Artistic Creation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism organized the 2024 Creative Camp for 15 artists from Thua Thien Hue at the Nha Trang Art Creation House.

The second Quang Dien Half Marathon 2024 offers athletes the experience of running through paths surrounded by the golden expanse of ripe rice fields and the rolling waves of the Tam Giang Lagoon.

Being around 30km away from Hue City to the southeast, Vinh Thanh beach (Vinh Thanh commune, Phu Vang district), is a beautiful beach and famous for its fresh and cheap seafood.