Le Thuy Boat Racing Festival – Where Hundreds of Years of Tradition Live On Along the Kien Giang River

The Le Thuy boat racing festival is held on the peaceful Kien Giang River, located in Le Thuy Commune (formerly Le Thuy District, Quang Binh Province, now belonging to Quang Tri Province). Not only the venue for an exciting competition, this river is also the lifeblood nourishing the life, culture, and soul of generations of locals in the "doubly heroic" countryside. The starting point of the festival is the Mui Viet three-way river junction (Thuong Phong)—a place rich in historical value, preserving many memories and pride of the local people.

Every festival season, boats cut through the waves on a challenging journey. The men's teams compete over a distance of about 24 km, while the women's teams conquer a distance of 18 km. From Mui Viet, the boats travel upstream to near Hoang Phuc Pagoda (My Thuy), turn around downstream to the lower marker at Thui Market (An Thuy), before crossing the finish line at the foot of Phong Giang Bridge—where tens of thousands of eyes watch every stroke and every moment of breaking ahead.

What is most special is that the Kien Giang River is likened by locals to a "reverse river," a rare river in Central Vietnam that flows northeast, contrary to most rivers in the region. On the day of the festival, both riverbanks are packed with spectators. The urging drumbeats and resounding cheers blend with the tunes of Le Thuy Ho Khoan chanting, creating a heroic and bustling atmosphere that anyone who has witnessed it once can hardly forget. This is also the hometown of General Vo Nguyen Giap, making the festival not only culturally significant but also evoking pride in a land rich in patriotic and revolutionary traditions.

The Le Thuy boat racing festival has a history spanning hundreds of years, originating from the rain-praying beliefs of agricultural residents along the Kien Giang River. According to "O Chau Can Luc" by Doctor Duong Van An (16th century), the festival appeared before the second half of the 15th century, when spring boat races became an indispensable cultural tradition for the people of Le Thuy.

Initially, the festival was meant to pray for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and to practice physical fitness. The boats were considered sacred items of the village, used only during ceremonies and major festivals, demonstrating respect for the waters—the lifeline of local residents. After the August Revolution in 1945, the festival has been held on National Day, September 2nd, becoming a symbol of solidarity, patriotism, and national pride. Despite enduring years of war, the festival drumbeats on the Kien Giang River have never ceased to echo. In 2019, the festival was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, affirming the enduring value of a heritage that has lived alongside the Le Thuy homeland for centuries.

What makes the Le Thuy boat racing festival so captivating is not only the dramatic competitions but also the cultural values preserved almost intact over centuries. Traditional boats are the "soul" of the festival. Crafted from precious woods such as huynh and doi, the boats feature long, lightweight hulls to glide swiftly along the Kien Giang River. Each boat gathers the strongest and most experienced rowers from the village. Every paddle stroke is rhythmically coordinated with the beats of drums and wooden clappers, requiring endurance, technique, and absolute teamwork.

Before the race begins, villages perform traditional rituals such as the launching ceremony, offerings to the Tutelary God and ancestors, and praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests. These rituals not only open the festival but also demonstrate respect for ancestors and the spiritual beauty of the riverland residents.

On the day of the festival, the entire Kien Giang River wakes up. Urging drums and cheering blend with Le Thuy Ho Khoan folk songs echoing across the water. Both banks are packed with locals and visitors, with vibrant red flags with yellow stars creating a scene that is both lively and sacred, rich in homeland identity. The festival is also a symbol of martial spirit, solidarity, and village pride. The racing teams train tirelessly for weeks before the event, as victory brings not only honor but also expresses hopes for a prosperous, peaceful, and happy year ahead.

To have a complete journey immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Le Thuy boat racing festival, travelers should keep the following tips in mind:

• Ideal time: Usually takes place on September 1-2 (may vary slightly depending on the year). Prepare early due to large crowds. The men's qualifying rounds are usually held a few days prior.

• Transportation and accommodation: Travel to Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) or locations near Quang Tri, then head to Le Thuy. You can rent a motorbike or car. Stay at homestays or local houses along the riverbanks for convenient viewing.

• Good viewing spots: Priority locations include the Mui Viet area (start line and opening ceremony), the foot of Phong Giang Bridge (finish line), or along the riverbanks in An Thuy and My Thuy communes. Arrive early to get a good spot, and bring a hat, drinking water, and sunscreen.

• Food and activities: Enjoy Le Thuy specialties such as pure white rice, river fish, banh khoai (crispy pancake)... Participate in boat parades, take photos with flags and flowers, and listen to Ho Khoan chanting. Combine your trip with a visit to the hometown of General Vo Nguyen Giap and nearby historical sites.

• Notes: Respect local rituals, do not litter, and maintain order. If cheering, support all teams with fair play. Follow official updates from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism for schedule changes.

If you have the opportunity to visit Quang Binh right during the festival season, especially around National Day on September 2nd, don't forget to stop by the Nhat Le River and listen to the call of the festival amidst warm-hearted hospitality. Immersing yourself in the festival atmosphere on the waters of Le Thuy, you will feel a Quang Binh that is both rustic and proud, where heritage does not sit in a museum, but lives vibrantly in every rhythm of daily life.