Held as part of the traditional Ooc Om Boc Festival of the Khmer community, the race took place on the Maspéro River in Phu Loi and Soc Trang wards.
Among the 61 teams, 53 were male and 8 female. The host city contributed 48 teams (45 male, 3 female), while Ca Mau Province sent 13 teams (8 male, 5 female).
Competitors, many of whom are local farmers, trained for more than a month, practising on weekends or after finishing their field work.
The boats, 27-30 metres long, were ornately carved with serpent motifs and other mythical creatures such as elephants and tigers.
Each boat has three key coxswains: one at the bow to lead spiritual rites, direct the team and steer; two others mid- and rear-ship to blow the whistle, urge the rowers and keep rhythm.
Boat racing demands strength, skill and high levels of teamwork.
Despite the midday heat, thousands of spectators lined both banks of the Maspéro to cheer, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere. A local, Nguyen Quang Minh, 25, said: “Every year at Ooc Om Boc I come with family and friends. Boat racing is meaningful, it is the pride of the Khmer and the people of the southwestern delta.”
Many spectators waded into the water to watch up close, producing a distinctive and enthusiastic scene.
The organisers awarded each participating team a commemorative flag and a support grant of VND 30 million (approximately USD 1,266) per team.
Prizes for first through fourth place in the male and female categories were VND 200 million (approximately USD 8,440), VND 150 million (approximately USD 6,330), VND 100 million (approximately USD 4,220) and VND 80 million (approximately USD 3,380) respectively.
The two-day competition ran from November 4 to November 5.
