Teams compete in the Xuan Hoa Open boat race on the Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe Canal in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
The race, held along a section of the canal between Chantarangsay Pagoda and Cong Ly Bridge, was part of the 2025 Xuan Hoa Cup, which the city said aims to preserve elements of southern Khmer culture and promote community activities.
Nguyen Hung Hau, chairman of Xuan Hoa Ward, said the event sought to maintain cultural traditions while ensuring safety for participants.
A performance opens the Xuan Hoa Open boat race festival in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
Spectators gathered early along both banks of the canal as teams paddled in close competition.
Among them was Thi Tay, 38, from Ca Mau Province, who said she had traveled to Ho Chi Minh City a day earlier to support the Dau Sau team from her hometown.
Nguyen Thanh Xuan, Party secretary of Xuan Hoa Ward, presents commemorative flags to 18 competing teams at the Xuan Hoa Open boat race in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
“I came here at 4:00 am thinking only a few people would arrive early, but it was already crowded,” she said.
“The atmosphere is lively, and every time my hometown’s boat moves ahead my heart races.
“Seeing everyone’s spirit here makes me very happy and proud.”
The Vongsa Sousdei Thu Nam team won first place, followed by the Southern Khmer Buddhist Academy and Khlang Ong.
Members of the Vongsa Sousdei Thu Nam team celebrate after crossing the finish line to win the final race in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Thuong
Teams compete in the Xuan Hoa Open boat race on the Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe Canal in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
Teams compete in the Xuan Hoa Open boat race on the Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe Canal in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
A foreign visitor films the boat race on the Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe Canal in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huynh Anh
The Vongsa Sousdei Thu Nam team (in young green) and the Southern Khmer Buddhist Academy team shake hands after the final race in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Ngoc Thuong
Teams compete in the Xuan Hoa Open boat race on the Nhieu Loc–Thi Nghe Canal in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
The Vongsa Sousdei Thu Nam team receives the winners’ trophy at the Xuan Hoa Open boat race in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
The Southern Khmer Buddhist Academy team receives the second-place award at the Xuan Hoa Open boat race in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
The Khlang Ong team receives the third-place award at the Xuan Hoa Open boat race in Ho Chi Minh City, November 30, 2025. Photo: Huu Duy
