“Sea Blessings” During the April 30–May 1 Holiday in Phan Ri Cua
Kieu Hang - Huynh Hien•02/05/2026 07:21
During the April 30–May 1 holiday, divers in Phan Ri Cua continued working at sea despite lower catches, as rising seafood prices helped them maintain stable incomes.
Basket boats carry divers back to shore after a fishing trip.
Divers Work Through the Holiday
These days, divers in Phan Ri Cua Commune continue heading offshore to harvest fresh shellfish and sea snails. While yields are lower than usual, higher prices have helped offset the decline, providing additional income for local fishermen.
At around 11 a.m. on April 30, Ha Thuy Shellfish Wharf in Phan Ri Cua was bustling with activity. As the midday sun peaked, round basket boats carrying divers returned one after another, loaded with seafood that was immediately sorted and sold right at the dock.
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We go to sea throughout the holiday to earn extra income. Our trips start at 4 a.m. and we return to shore around 1 p.m.
Nguyen Hung, a diver in Phan Ri Cua Commune
According to Hung, each fishing trip brings varying results. During the holiday period, catches have been smaller, but rising prices have kept spirits high among fishermen.
Another diver, Van Tung, said that after daily trips about 7–8 nautical miles offshore, each fisherman usually earns over VND 1 million per day.
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Over the past few days, catches have been smaller, so daily income is around VND 700,000–800,000, plus a share of shellfish and sea snails provided by the boat owner for us to bring home
Van Tung, a local diver
Seafood Prices Rise During the Holiday
Onshore, seafood traders were already waiting to purchase fresh catches ordered in advance by regular customers. The normally busy atmosphere at Chi Cong Shellfish Wharf became even more vibrant during the holiday.
Freshly landed seafood is weighed and sold on the spot.
Fresh seafood was weighed and sold immediately upon arrival at the wharf. According to Nguyen Thanh, another seafood vendor, prices increased noticeably during the holiday due to strong consumption demand from tourists and local residents.
Pen shells — a specialty seafood from the waters of Phan Ri Cua.
With Phan Ri Cua’s strength in diving-based fishing, the area is well known for fresh shellfish and sea snails harvested daily, prized for their freshness, firm texture and flavor. This reputation has helped local seafood remain highly sought after despite higher prices.
After being brought ashore, the seafood is transported for distribution and sale.
Among the main seafood products harvested by divers and sold at the wharf during this period are paper snails priced at VND 30,000 per kilogram, flying scallops at VND 120,000 per kilogram, sweet clams at VND 350,000 per kilogram, lime snails at VND 270,000 per kilogram, blood cockles at VND 40,000 per kilogram, and red razor clams at VND 90,000 per kilogram. Prices have increased by an average of VND 5,000–50,000 per kilogram compared to normal days.
A seafood vendor sells fresh seafood at Ha Thuy 2 Shellfish Wharf.
Amid the busy holiday season, local divers continue quietly making their living at sea, bringing the ocean’s bounty back to shore. For them, each successful diving trip represents not only daily income, but also hope for more prosperous fishing seasons ahead.
Red razor clams see prices rise during the holiday.
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