People who have been born and raised in Viet Nam certainly aim to visit the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago - an integral part of our nation’s territory - at least once in their lifetime. 

Despite the harsh natural characteristics and difficult living conditions, the local residents, military officers and men on the islands have a rich spiritual life and a close relationship with each other.

Here are some photos which reflect the normal daily lives of local residents in this sacred land.  They were taken by the Da Nang Newspaper Editor-in-Chief, Mr Mai Duc Loc, during his trip to this island many years ago.

Some islanders welcoming a delegation from the mainland

Laying wreaths near Gac Ma Island in memory of the admirable bravery and heroic sacrifice of the martyrs who laid down their lives in battle in the Truong Sa archipelago

Phan Vinh Wharf

A musical exchange between Gia Lai Province’s Dam San Troupe and Phan Vinh Island’s men and officers

Some reporters from the mainland taking photos of the island

A peaceful afternoon in the islands

A papaya tree weighed down with fruit

Mr Loc in a photo with a soldier who caught a grouper weighing nearly 10 kg