On the morning of May 1, thousands of people and tourists gathered on both sides of the Nhat Le River (Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province) to watch the Traditional Boat Racing Festival - unique cultural activities during the Quang Binh Culture - Tourism Week 2025.
The area of Nhat Le River section through the city center has become bustling, full of locals, tourists inside and outside the province. Along the roads leading to festivals, motorbikes and cars. On the shore, the drums, cheering cheering to bustle the whole river.
This year's festival has the participation of 8 racing teams from coastal communes and wards such as Bao Ninh, Quang Phu, Phu Hai, Hai Thanh... The teams compete in a distance of 6.8km with two rounds: qualifying round and final round.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (residing in Hai Thanh ward) was moved: "I have watched this festival for many years. The atmosphere is very sacred but also very joyful and bustling".
Mr. Tran Van Nam, a tourist from Da Nang, shared: I have heard about the boat racing festival in Quang Binh, but this is the first time I have seen it with my own eyes. The teams competed fiercely, the audience cheered enthusiastically. Not only a sport but also a very unique cultural feature.
According to the Organizing Committee, the boat racing festival on the Nhat Le River is a cultural and sports activity that has existed for hundreds of years, associated with the spiritual life and martial arts of the residents of the coastal area. In 2022, this festival was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
A representative of Dong Hoi City said that the festival is an opportunity to promote unique cultural identity, arouse the spirit of solidarity, cheer on the sports training movement among the people, and at the same time create a highlight to attract tourists to Quang Binh during the holiday.
The festival also received support from businesses and close coordination between functional units, contributing to ensuring safety and success for the boat racing festival of Dong Hoi people.
