Lighthouse Keepers Battle Boredom and Hardships
By Sue Clark on Jul 28, 2007 in Lighthouse Keeper 
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Lighthouses in Vietnam are still manned by Lighthouse Guards and Vietnam News has a nice story about their keepers. The lighthouses in Vietnam were all built during the French colonization of the country, from the mid 1800s to 1941, and although a few have been replaces, most are now kept up by the government as historical monuments. Lighthouses were not seen as targets during the Vietnam War, and were thus spared major damage. On Hon Dau Island, fourteen lightkeepers take turns guarding the tower, and making sure the light operates rain or shine.
Besides battling boredom and homesickness, the guards face such hardships as malaria, a lack of fresh water and being away from loved ones for long periods of time. During the rainy season, water can be collected and used, but during the dry season, being surrounded by ocean means water has to be purchased, at a cost of VND 180,000 to VND 200,000 (US $11.00 - 12.50) for a cubic meter.
The island is infested with mosquitoes, one soldier Bui Duc Lap says. “We have to be careful to wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers so we don’t get bitten,” adding “one other way we protect ourselves from malaria is by eating chilli with our meals.”
During the year, the keepers are allowed to return home three times, and most look forward to every March when the island hosts the Dau festival. And of course, there are always tourists in the summer.
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