Travelog - A travel guide to Vietnam

In Soc Trang Province as well as surrounding areas in the delta, there is the Ooc Om Bok festival, which usually falls in November. The Khmer people prepare an offering feast to the moon comprised of farm produce like ripe bananas, freshly peeled coconuts, mangos and green rice paper – a specialty of the local people.

The traditional ceremony is usually carried out as the moon rises with all attendees sitting on the ground, clasping their hands and listening to an elderly man express the people’s gratitude to the moon and saying prayers for continuous good crops and good health.

This year, the Ooc Om Bok, also called the moon-worshipping festival, is held on the fourteenth and fifteenth day of the 10th lunar month, to give thanks for plentiful harvests and abundant food.

The festival is composed of two major parts, including a moon-worshipping ritual and a boat race. The former, held on the festival’s first day, includes grilled rice made from young sticky rice grains for the Moon God, fruits, sweet potatoes, cassava and much more.

One of the elderly males intones prayers of gratitude to the gods, asking them to accept the offerings and grant a continuation of good fortune.

Then, the elderly men guide small children to sit in straight lines and put grilled rice into their mouths while asking them what they wish for this year. If the children answer without hesitating, it is a good omen for everyone for the coming year.

Ghe Ngo (Long boat) racing is one of the most attractive activities of the Khmers on the occasion of Ooc Om Bok. Khmer people are strong in traditional boat races, especially women’s races, in Vietnam.

This year, the race for women will fall on November 4 and for men one day after. The races have traditionally attracted many interested people along Sung Dinh River Bank with an exciting atmosphere. It is expected to attract more than 50 racing teams in Soc Trang and neighbouring provinces.

A Ngo boat, called tuk ngo in the Khmer language, is like a pirogue. It can hold up to 50 people thanks to its length of 20-30 meters. The timber boat, which has a pointed bow and elevated stern, has blue, red and yellow stripes decorating the hull, while the boat’s sides are black.

The experienced master stands midway along the boat and encourages his team-mates with a light gong. As the first boat crosses the finish line, the crowds on both riverbanks cheer loudly and enthusiastically. The excitement is infectious.

On the occasion, the province will organize an Ooc Om Bok fair at Ho Nuoc Ngot Tourist Site in Soc Trang from October 30 to November 11. The fair attracts 1123 units with nearly 234 booths ranging from shoes, clothes, pottery to motorbikes, automobiles and agro products

Thanks to the cohabitation of Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer people, there are many specific and unique festivals held in the area, of which Chol Chnam Thmay, Dolta, and Ook Om Bok of Khmer people are the most colourful festivals.