Ride a boat to watch mini boat racing in An Giang

The open mini-boat race in Chau Thanh commune (An Giang) not only celebrates the Ok-om-bok festival (moon worshiping festival) but also represents the unique culture of the Khmer people in the South. Locals and tourists come to watch.

The organizing committee awarded first prize in the mini-ngo boat race to the old Xa Xiem boat team - Photo: THAI PHI

On October 22, the People's Committee of Chau Thanh commune, An Giang province organized the opening ceremony of the first mini-ngo boat racing tournament in 2025, to celebrate the traditional Ok-om-bok festival (moon worshiping festival) of the Khmer ethnic group in the South.

Mr. Luu Hong Cung - Vice Chairman of Chau Thanh Commune People's Committee - said this is a unique cultural and sports activity, imbued with national identity and attracting many tourists to watch and cheer.

Ok-om-bok festival is one of the three biggest traditional festivals of the Khmer people in the South. On this occasion, people express their gratitude to the Moon God - the god who brought favorable weather, good crops, a prosperous and happy life.

On the Chung Bau River (Binh Loi Hamlet), the boat teams competed fiercely - Photo: THAI PHI

The Ngo boat is not only a means of transportation on the river, but also a symbol of culture and solidarity in the lives of the Khmer people.

Each ngo boat represents the faith and solidarity of the whole village and is a product of sculptural art.

"Mini boat racing is not only a playground, but the locality also wants to honor the spirit of national solidarity, contributing to promoting the image of the land and people of the gentle and hospitable South," said Mr. Cung.

Ngo boat teams in Chau Thanh commune gather to prepare for the race - Photo: THAI PHI

Chau Thanh Commune People's Committee informed that this year's mini boat race has 26 teams from pagodas in Chau Thanh, Binh An and Thanh Loc communes.

On the Chung Bau River (Binh Loi Hamlet), the boat teams competed fiercely, along with the sound of drums and the cheers of the people, making the rural picture even more vivid.

At the end of the tournament, the organizing committee awarded first prize to the old Xa Xiem boat team; Khlang Muong 1 boat team won second prize and third prize went to Khlang Muong 2 team.

Locals and tourists ride sampans anchored along both sides of the river to cheer on the dragon boat racing teams - Photo: THAI PHI

CHI CONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/chay-vo-lai-xem-dua-ghe-ngo-mini-o-an-giang-20251022164450261.htm