For many years, the traditional boat race on the Ca Ty River has become an indispensable activity in the spiritual life of Phan Thiet people every Tet and spring.
At noon on the 2nd day of Tet, the Ca Ty River becomes bustling again with cheers from thousands of people and tourists. This is a playground gathering healthy and experienced rowers from coastal communes and wards.
Previously, this race was organized by Phan Thiet City People's Committee. However, from July 1, 2025, when the two-level government model officially went into operation, and the city level was no longer there, many people expressed concern whether the traditional boat racing race would continue to be maintained or not. Because for Phan Thiet fishermen, boat racing is not simply a sport, but a cultural activity associated with marine life for generations.
On January 7, Mr. Huynh Ngoc Tam - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lam Dong province said that the unit has agreed in principle on maintaining and organizing the Traditional Boat Race at noon on the 2nd day of Tet Nguyen Dan in Phan Thiet ward.
This is a cultural and sports activity of special significance, contributing to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of coastal residents.
According to Mr. Huynh Ngoc Tam, the Binh Ngo Spring Boat Race 2026 is proposed to be organized by Phan Thiet Ward People's Committee. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is ready to provide professional support, and at the same time send a force of referees to participate in organizing the race when the locality has a need.
Boat racing is formed from the daily labor of fishermen themselves. The athletes participating are all true fishermen, familiar with storms, attached to rowboats and water.
Besides cultural values, the traditional boat race also contributes to creating a bustling atmosphere in the early days of the new year, attracting a large number of tourists to Phan Thiet.
Continuing to maintain the traditional boat race not only meets the expectations of fishermen in the coastal region, but also shows the concern of local authorities in preserving a healthy cultural playground, continuing the values that have been deeply ingrained in the lives of fishermen.
