Soc Trang boat racing attracts thousands of spectators

The annual boat race of the Khmer people in the southern province of Soc Trang kicked off on November 21, attracting thousands of spectators from Soc Trang and neighbouring provinces.

The race is participated by more than 4,000 racers.
The race is participated by more than 4,000 racers.

The race, as part of the Ooc Om Boc Festival, sees the participation of 51 teams from Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau and Soc Trang. More than 4,000 racers of 43 men’s teams and eight women’s teams compete in the 1,200m and 1,000m events respectively.

The semi-final and final rounds are scheduled for November 22.

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A dance performance to cheer on boat racers.

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Thousands of spectators crowded the two banks of the Maspero River to cheer on the racers.

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Two men’s teams striving hard to reach the finish line.

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A similar boat race also took place on the Long Binh River in Tra Vinh province.

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The race in Tra Vinh has two distances of 800 metres and 500 metres.