Spring on this remote outpost is not marked by bustle or noise, but by a deep sense of solidarity between civilians and soldiers, and by a shared bond that transcends geography.

On a spring morning, Bach Long Vi’s harbour lies calm, gentle waves lapping against fishing boats adorned with bright red national flags fluttering proudly against the expansive sky, a vivid symbol of Vietnam’s presence at the country’s maritime frontier. The road leading from the harbour to residential areas seems shorter under the warm spring sunshine and festive atmosphere. Kumquat trees and peach blossoms brighten doorsteps, bringing mainland traditions of Tet to this far-flung island.

Inside her modest home in Residential Area No. 2, Tran Thi Lan busies herself preparing a reunion meal. Originally from Hoa Binh ward in Hai Phong, she and her husband, Hoang Van Binh, have lived on Bach Long Vi for more than 25 years.

“Our family enjoys celebrating Tet here,” Lan says. “It’s peaceful, but warm. Soldiers join civilians for Tet meals, and civilians visit the military units. We may be far from the mainland, but we lack nothing now. Supplies arrive regularly by ship.”

For the couple, Tet on the island is not only a transition between old and new years, but the most heartfelt time of the year. About two weeks before the holiday, the entire island begins to hum with anticipation. Delegations from the mainland bring gifts, necessities and community programmes such as “Zero-Cost Tet Market” and “Tet Reunion.” In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, supply vessels brave the waves carrying peach branches, kumquat trees, sticky rice, green leaves for traditional cakes and sweets.

What Binh treasures most is the warmth of togetherness. Residents gather for year-end meals, exchanging greetings and encouragement between households and with military personnel stationed on the island.

“Even though each of us comes from different hometowns, we feel like one family here,” he says. “I consider Bach Long Vi my second homeland and hope to stay for many more years.”

Soldiers at the frontline of sovereignty

Among the officers celebrating the New Year alongside residents this year is Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Binh of Radar Station 490, Regiment 151, Naval Region 1. Originally from northern Vietnam, he has spent more than two decades serving on Bach Long Vi, and two additional Tet holidays in the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

When he first arrived, living conditions were far more difficult. Transport from the mainland depended heavily on weather conditions; in some years, supply ships could not depart until just days before Tet due to rough seas. Occasionally, specialised maritime vessels were required to deliver essential goods.

Today, Bach Long Vi has changed markedly. Alongside Vietnam’s broader development, living standards on the island have improved steadily. Infrastructure, including transportation, electricity, freshwater systems, schools and healthcare facilities, has been gradually upgraded, better serving both residents and military personnel.

“During Tet, our unit arranges schedules so officers and soldiers can enjoy cultural and sports activities outside their duty hours,” he says. “Local authorities also organise community events so civilians and soldiers can celebrate together.”

A strategic island moving forward

As the farthest offshore island in the Gulf of Tonkin, Bach Long Vi holds special importance in economic development and national defence. The island is steadily transforming, strengthening its role as a strategic outpost at sea.

According to Nguyen Van Hau, Vice Chairman of the Bach Long Vi Special Administrative Zone People’s Committee, 2026 will see continued implementation of development planning aligned with the vision of building Bach Long Vi into an economic-defence centre of the Gulf of Tonkin. The island’s development strategy focuses on three pillars: marine tourism, high-value aquaculture, and marine ecosystem conservation.

Alongside economic and social goals, safeguarding sovereignty and ensuring maritime and airspace security remain top priorities so that every spring on the island is one of peace and stability.

“On behalf of the officers and soldiers stationed on Bach Long Vi, we send our best wishes to people on the mainland for a joyful and peaceful Lunar New Year,” Hau says. “We will continue working closely with armed forces to ensure absolute safety in the skies and waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.”

Amid the sound of waves and the sight of the national flag flying over open waters, Bach Long Vi welcomes the New Year with renewed confidence. Here at the maritime frontier, every resident stands as a living marker of sovereignty, every soldier a steadfast guardian - together forming a resilient bond between people and nation, safeguarding Vietnam’s seas while building a stronger future for this island outpost.

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