Residents, military officers and men on the Truong Sa archipelago often celebrate the Tet Festival earlier than in other parts of the country.  Despite the harsh natural characteristics and difficult living conditions, they always enjoy a warm and happy Tet.

Here are some photos which reflect the celebrations and the cheerful atmosphere of Tet in this sacred land.  They were taken by our reporter Dang No during his recent visit to the archipelago.

Tet gifts being unloaded for the soldiers on the Truong Sa archipelago

Naval soldiers joyfully receiving Tet gifts

Mr Nguyen Thanh Hung from the Truong Sa Islands District decorating the altar of President Ho Chi Minh in his house

Local ladies decorating a yellow apricot tree

A porcelain flower tree brought from the mainland

Barringtonia Asiatica, an especially charming flower from the archipelago

Naval soldiers cooking ‘Banh Chung’ (square glutinous rice cake), a traditional cake of the Vietnamese people at Tet

Naval soldier Tran Minh Quang from Binh Dinh Province’s Hoai Nhon District celebrating Tet on the archipelago for the first time

A naval soldier on duty safeguarding the archipelago

A flag-raising ceremony and military parade for Lunar New Year

A tug-of-war competition

Local residents and children on their way to the Truong Sa Pagoda