In 2017, while exploring the waters around the Co To archipelago, Hanh discovered Bay Sao – a cluster of seven small islands covering about one hectare and situated more than 40 km from the mainland. The untouched scenery and quiet immediately captured his imagination, prompting him to consider a permanent stay.

After receiving official permission, he left his family and business in early 2018, sold his car, bought a motorboat and loaded essential supplies such as clothes, tools and water containers. He first slept under a tarp, fished, cleared beach trash and fashioned tables and chairs from driftwood and bamboo.

During the following year he introduced chickens, puppies and seedlings, and eventually erected a sturdy hut. In 2020 he transported construction materials from the mainland and invested hundreds of millions of dong in a solar‑power system, learning to repair every piece of equipment himself.

Fresh water proved the toughest challenge. Spotting a crack in a cliff where vegetation thrived, he dug a well and began storing well water and rainwater in 200‑liter containers. He also cultivated lemongrass, taro, pineapple, cassava and bananas, enriching the nutrient‑poor soil with dead shore crabs as natural fertilizer.

To sustain himself, Hanh secured a permit to farm sea snails and sea cucumbers and supplements his diet with regular fishing. His hundreds of chickens forage freely, while his more than 30 dogs help catch fish and eat rice scraps. He says, "I live alone, but I’m not afraid or sad. I simply enjoy it."

After eight years, the 51‑year‑old reports feeling healthier, more relaxed and happier, yet he warns that this lifestyle is not for everyone. "Everyone has their own definition of happiness and different living circumstances," he explains.

He still returns to the mainland every month or two, especially after severe weather such as Super Typhoon Yagi in 2024, which toppled trees, tore his roof and scattered his animals. These trips let him repair damage and rest before heading back to Bay Sao.

Senior Lt. Tran Quang Thanh, the police officer responsible for Dong Tien Hamlet in the Co To Special Administrative Zone, notes that Hanh moved to Bay Sao after winning a tender to develop a marine business there, and that permanent residents on outlying islands help maintain security and protect national sovereignty.