The sea has always been beautiful, vast, and gentle for generations. Every time I stand before it, my heart, like that of anyone who loves the ocean, is overwhelmed with indescribable emotions. I imagine that perhaps the sea is one of nature’s most precious gifts to humankind. Then, those who are drawn to the ocean find themselves returning and seeking the endless blue waves, the soft white sands, and the golden sunlight. They immerse themselves in the rhythmic sounds of waves and wind, letting the sea wash away their worries, ease their burdens, or simply fulfil a deep longing for water, heal the soul, and restore energy.

The sea helps wash away worries and anxieties, fuels a passion for water and waves, or simply serves as a source of healing for the soul and rejuvenation for the body. Photo: X.S

A priceless gift

As a child born and raised by the sea, my home was just a ten-minute walk from the shore. In the innocent memories of my childhood, the sea was simply a playground—an endless stretch of sand and water where I could play without a care. In my immature memories, the sea at that time was still wild, deserted and had not yet been fully exploited, only showing cacti, blooming beach morning glories and temporary houses of fishermen in the fishing village.

Now, as I stand before the sea, I feel as if it has donned a new cloak, leaving behind its past. Towering buildings rise along the coast, gleaming roads stretch endlessly, shaded by rows of lush green trees. Yet, the most striking change is on the beach itself—where no barriers of skin color or language exist. Here, people from all over the world, come with their love for the sea, and immerse themselves in its crystal-clear waters, embracing it as joyfully as one would a close friend. Thanks to this transformation, the lives of those who call the coast home have improved significantly. It is undeniable that the sea brings immense material benefits while also soothing the spirit of both locals and visitors alike.

For Mr. Phung Van Phuc (41 years old, from Man Thai Ward, Son Tra District), the sea has been a lifelong companion—from the moment he was born to this stage of life. It is thanks to the sea that his family takes pride in inheriting the renowned art of “hat ba trao”, a traditional chant deeply rooted in this coastal region. More than that, he holds a quiet gratitude for the sea, which has always nurtured and protected the fishing journeys that return with heavy nets and abundant catches. For over a decade, it has allowed him and his fellow villagers to build dreams of a more prosperous life.

Not only is he attached to the sea thanks to “hat ba trao” and economic development, but the sea also holds countless childhood memories for him. He recalls warm summer nights, laughing and chatting with friends on the vast shore, and even in the biting cold of winter, he would still make his way to the beach, inhaling the sharp, salty scent. More than anything, the sea has been a companion—one that heals, soothes, and helps him navigate the challenges of daily life. Without it, he admits, his spirit might not have been as vibrant and fulfilled as it is today.

“As a habit, whenever I’m not out on long fishing trips, I go to the sea twice a day—once in the early morning and again at sunset,” Mr. Phung Van Phuc shared. “In the morning, I take a walk, swim, and recharge for the day ahead. In the evening, I sit by the shore, reflecting on the passing day—what I have accomplished and what I have yet to do. What brings me the most joy is simply lying on the sand, letting my soul drift with the clouds, counting rays of sunlight, and watching people go by. And just like that, through the endless stretch of time, despite the ups and downs of life, the sea has never changed. Its shape, its beauty, and the memories it holds remain constant—forever a special place in my heart.”

For Mr. Nguyen Van Phi (68 years old, from Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District), the sea has been a source of strength, helping his wife gradually heal from the struggles of a sudden stroke. “For over 20 years, my wife has lived with the effects of her illness,” he shared. “Every day, I take her to the beach, allowing both her body and spirit to heal—whether by burying herself in the warm sand or feeling the gentle waves beneath her bare feet as she walks along the shore. Each time we come here, I see in her eyes that the pain and fear seem to fade away, replaced by a sense of peace. That, to me, is the most priceless gift I can give her every single day.”

Mr. Kim Jang Won (38 years old), due to the nature of his work, he and his wife left Korea to live in Da Nang city for the past 5 years. He said that he loves the sea, however, in Korea, where he lives is quite far from the sea. Therefore, when he started living here, he chose an apartment near the sea, about a five-minute walk away. That way, he can gaze at the ocean whenever he wants, at any time of the day.

"Every day, after a long and stressful day at work, I head to the beach for a swim. For me, swimming in the sea isn't about proving my ability or conquering distant waves—it’s a way to cleanse both my body and emotions, from my breath to my state of mind. After each swim, I feel my endurance grow, giving me the strength to face whatever life brings. Because of these benefits, I have maintained this habit for the past five years and consider it an endless passion," shared Kim Jang Won.

Preserving and protecting the sea

Indeed, for those who love the sea, it is a sanctuary place to soothe the soul. At times, it is an endless source of inspiration for some songs and poems of musicians and poets. To keep the sea beautiful and everlasting, we must cherish and protect it as we would ourselves.

Mr. Phung Van Phuc shared that as a child born and raised by the sea, he was always reminded by his father to respect and protect it. During long offshore fishing trips, he and his crewmates make a conscious effort to preserve the marine environment by refraining from littering, actively collecting trash to bring back to shore, and maintaining the cleanliness of the open waters to prevent pollution. He expressed that nowadays, most people are more aware of the importance of protecting the sea than in the past. They have come to understand its value, reinforced by ongoing public awareness campaigns and messages promoted through various media channels.

Sharing the same love for the sea, Mr. Nguyen Van Cuong, leader of "Da Nang Xanh" group, established their guiding principle: saying no to litter on beaches and along riverbanks. Mr. Cuong shared that his connection with the sea began during his university days when he participated in tree-planting and beach-cleaning activities organized by the student union. Over time, his love for the ocean and its environment grew stronger. After graduating and entering the workforce, he felt a deep desire to contribute to the community. Driven by this passion, he rallied his friends and 65 like-minded volunteers to form "Da Nang Xanh" group, dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine environment.

For the past two years, the group has operated independently with the goal of cleaning up trash and keeping the beaches and riverbanks pristine. Each week, Mr. Cuong carefully plans cleanup efforts at various locations across the city, with a strong focus on the coastline and surrounding areas. The group hopes that every small action they take will contribute to maintaining the beauty of the sea while inspiring young people, local residents, and visitors alike to cherish and protect the marine environment.

Reporting by TUONG VY – Translating by HONG VAN