The event attracted residents and tourists from across Vietnam to the forested wetlands of southern Ca Mau Province for a series of cultural, tourism and sporting activities.
Held in U Minh Ha National Park, the festival showcased distinctive traditions of the U Minh region, including cross-forest running and walking races, three-plank boat competitions and the popular “monkey bridge” challenge.
Hundreds of participants attempted to cross a roughly 5m-long bamboo bridge spanning a narrow canal in the forest.
Contestants who successfully crossed the bridge without falling into the water received a prize of VND 500,000 (approximately USD 19). Despite the large number of participants, only a handful managed to complete the challenge.
Crowds gathered along the canal, cheering loudly as contestants tried to maintain balance on the narrow bamboo bridge.
Bui Be Truc, a resident of Khanh An Commune in Ca Mau Province, said she was pleased the province had organised activities in U Minh Ha forest, helping create more entertainment opportunities for residents while boosting local tourism.
Le Van Su, vice-chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, said the event was more than a festival and reflected the aspirations of Vietnam’s southernmost region.
The programme also introduced visitors to the distinctive beauty of U Minh’s melaleuca forests, wetland ecosystems and southern river culture through demonstrations of traditional livelihoods such as wild honey harvesting and freshwater fishing.
Organisers also recreated the daily life of forest residents with rustic local cuisine, traditional “don ca tai tu” folk music performances and other cultural activities unique to the Mekong Delta region.
