Located close to Thuan An Beach in Thua Thien-Hue Province lies a small but bustling fishing village, supplied by the freshest catch each morning. 

A panorama of Phu Hai fishing village shot by two Hue-based photographers Nguyen Phong and Kelvin Long.

Phu Hai Commune, covering ​​about 3.33 square kilometers, is about 20 kilometers from downtown Hue, a former imperial capital and famed tourist destination in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam.

The commune has an anchorage, shelter from storms and Phu Hai fishing village, creating favorable conditions for local fishermen to eke out a living. 

Offshore fishing vessels are anchored in Phu Hai lock. 

During the rainy season, the area hosts hundreds of boats from Phu Hai, Phu Thuan and Phu Dien communes, Thuan An Town and neighboring waters of Phu Vang District. 

About 300 meters from the lock lies Phu Hai fishing village, with small boats serving inshore fishing. 

Fishing is the main vocation of residents in Phu Hai, with these boats serving as their lifelines.

A woman burns incense to pray for a safe fishing trip. 

Among locals, fishing since an early age, burning incense to the Lord of the Sea is an indispensable ritual to pray for luckly sailing and a bumper harvest. 

Fishermen use a shoulder pole to push a boat into the sea. Another method that is more convenient and less tiresome involves using a trailer. However, not many households can afford such an extravagance.

High waves can make setting out to sea a challenge. 

Photographer Nguyen Phong said Phu Hai fishermen, depending on the season and tide, set out at different times. Inshore fishing trips usually occur between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m. or from early morning to 2 p.m.

Excited fishermen display a big fish they caught. 

After each trip, Phu Hai fishermen could earn VND2-4 million ($87-173) from their catch. 

A batch of squid eggs.

“Fishing vessels are strung with national flags prior to each trip, helping them be identified should they become stranded at sea,” a local fisherman named Tam said.