Buzz
Escaping the urban hustle, a local lad from Phu Quy (Binh Thuan) embarked on a journey to showcase his homeland's splendor through his lens, inviting more souls to discover the island's charm.
Echoes of Vietnamese hometowns, as seen through the enamored gaze of a wanderer.
Upon completing high school, Thanh Long (born in 1998, Ngu Phung commune, Phu Quy district) ventured to Ho Chi Minh City, where he dabbled in various trades – from cooking and delivery to ticket vending at the local cinema – before eventually returning home to serve as a police officer.
Just as he settled into his job, the Covid-19 outbreak struck, prompting Long's retreat to his hometown to evade the pandemic. During his downtime over the course of nearly six months, the young man roamed the neighboring islands to pass the time.
Upon returning home amidst a period of unemployment, I unexpectedly unearthed the unparalleled beauty of my homeland. Previously tethered to books and screens, I was suddenly awakened to the splendor of Phu Quy. It was akin to a revelation when the island district opened its doors to tourism on the second day of the Lunar New Year in 2022. With the support of a few friends, I pivoted towards the service industry,' Long revealed.
The figure behind numerous captivating photographs of Phu Quy Island has garnered immense adoration across social media platforms.
Despite initial familial resistance, Long swiftly gained recognition among the locals, leveraging his intimate knowledge of the island and the fervor of youth.
In addition to organizing tours, Long's primary and cherished occupation revolves around capturing memorable moments for tourists on each excursion.
Throughout the tourist peak seasons—spanning the initial three months of the year and the balmy summer months—Long diligently snaps photographs for approximately 80 to 100 visitors per month.
Despite the island's relentless sun and winds, Long emerges from each expedition brimming with vitality, having forged new friendships and camaraderie along the way.
The island's allure is ineffable, its charm encapsulated perfectly through the eyes of a native lad.
During his leisure hours, Long strolls through the island, capturing snapshots of its natural beauty and inhabitants. He then shares these enchanting moments on travel forums across social media platforms, aiming to introduce more people to the wonders of Phu Quy.
Although most of his photographs are captured with a smartphone, each moment is imbued with immense affection and allure.
'Yearning for a deeper understanding of my beloved Phu Quy,' Long expressed.
As his passion for photography deepens, so does Long's affection for his hometown. 'During the initial stages of my career transition, I experienced moments of uncertainty. However, conversing with tourists who share my admiration for Phu Quy reinforces my conviction. My commitment to this profession stems from my desire to showcase the essence of Phu Quy to the world,' Long revealed.
A glimpse into the captivating moments captured by Long for tourists on the mesmerizing island of Phu Quy.
Throughout each excursion, he takes the opportunity to acquaint visitors with the island's enchanting tales and natural splendor, fondly referred to as the Vietnamese rendition of 'Hometown Cha Cha Cha.'
In his endeavor to preserve Phu Quy's pristine allure, Long diligently educates visitors on the importance of environmental conservation, urging them to refrain from littering and excessive waste. He also emphasizes the prohibition of drone usage for photography on the island.
Looking ahead, Long envisions expanding his skills to include bartending, thereby enhancing the evening experiences of tourists during their visits to the island.
Image Source: Internet
Posted by: Phạm Bảo Duy
Keywords: Seeking refuge from the epidemic, 9X opted to reside on Phu Quy Island to capture the essence of its fishing village. Nearly a hundred guests visit every month.
