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.

Regardless of day or night, Vientiane (Laos) is not noisy and bustling but strangely quiet. There, thousands of Vietnamese people, many of whom view Vientiane as their second homeland, are earning their living.