On the morning of April 23, Ngo boat racing festival took place on Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal (section from Cong Ly bridge to Le Van Sy bridge) with the participation of 9 teams from Ho Chi Minh City, Kien Giang, Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong and Tay Ninh.

This was the first-ever Ngo boat race - a typical festival of the Khmer people in the southwestern provinces - held in Ho Chi Minh City. The festival was part of a series of events celebrating the Southern Liberation Day and national unification (April 30), Chol Chnam Thmay featival of the Khmer people and the Cultural Day of Vietnamese Ethnic Groups (April 19).

From early morning, people and tourists flocked to both sides of the Nhieu Loc - Thi Nghe canal to watch and cheer rowers. At around 7:00 a.m., participating teams warmed up, then rowed their boats to the starting line to prepare for the competition.

After the referee's whistle, in the audience’s warm cheers, rowers quickly paddled, gliding quickly on the track, skillfully passing the first turn.

Rowers of 9 teams demonstrated their endurance and competition techniques, bringing exciting and satisfying competitions.

A large number of people standing on both sides of the canal attentively watched and cheered for 9 team.

From the early morning, the outside temperature was 37 degrees Celsius, many people stood under shady trees to watch the race for hours. Some people passing by also stopped their vehicles to watch the race.

The 9 teams were divided into pairs to compete for the first, second, and third prizes. Between each competition, rowers were provided with water as the weather was very hot.

The race took place excitingly. By 9:30 a.m., the champion was found.

The first prize went to Khlang Muong team from Chau Thanh district of Kien Giang province, the second prize belonged to Thon Don team from the city of Rach Gia, Kien Giang province, and Xa Xiem Moi team from Chau Thanh district, also of Kien Giang, ranked third.

The Ngo boat racing festival not only contributed to creating attachment and solidarity for the great unity of ethnic groups, but also promoted Ho Chi Minh City tourism, preserving the Ngo boat racing culture of the Khmer people in southern region.