The race, held by Hanoi People’s Committee and the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines for the second time after the first edition in February last year, aims to promote the city's culture and history, as well as creating a highlight to attract tourists and forming a playground for those who are passionate about boat racing.
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The teams are both professional and amateur groups, as well as some from the relevant embassies, organisations and businesses.
With a larger scale than 2018, this year's tournament attracted the participation of four international delegations, from Malaysia, Hong Kong (China), Singapore and Laos.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam presented flowers and souvenir flags to the participating teams before the start of the race.
Chairman of Hanoi City People's Committee Nguyen Duc Chung beat the drum to open the festival.
At 9:30 am, the racers officially began the competition with two categories for professional and amateur teams.
The standard dragon boat race with 12 people, on a distance of 600m.
Each race has three teams participating on a 300 metres track long with two turns, requiring the teams to stay focused especially in the turn at the end of the track.
The team from Quang Tri province sailing to the finishing line.
Vibrant drumming cheering on the race.
Thousands of Hanoians and visitors cheer on the race along West Lake.
Special cultural activities have brought about a festive atmosphere to the capital city in the early spring days.
