Strolling around the field, many took the opportunity to jump into the water to bathe and play. In early August of the lunar calendar, floodwaters rose about one meter. Though not yet at their peak, this water level was sufficient for everyone to enjoy themselves freely in the fields.

The floating season experience event took place in Binh Hoa residential area, Hong Ngu ward, on 13/9.

Residents and tourists experienced driving motorized sampans across vast flooded fields, enjoyed rustic dishes such as snails, crabs, various rice flour cakes, and participated in folk games.

{"caption_all":"From early morning, people gathered by boat to the event's second venue in Hong Ngu.nnMr. Le Van Phuoc, whose house is near the venue, quickly drove his boat to join the fun and offer rides to tourists wanting to experience cruising through the flooded fields. Each trip, he carried about 4-5 guests, charging 20,000 VND per person. "This year's event is so lively. Local residents also earn extra income," Mr. Phuoc said.","caption_items":"[null,null]"}

{"caption_all":"Around 9 a.m., the organizing committee opened the 150-meter boat race, featuring teams representing 15 residential areas, the ward People's Committee, and various organizations.","caption_items":"[null,null]"}

Closer to noon, the organizers released ducks into the fields for everyone to participate in catching them and collecting eggs.

{"caption_all":"The joy of the participants in the game. The competition had no limit on the number of players.","caption_items":"[null,null]"}

The border floating market displayed goods on boats, decorated with familiar items like coconut leaves, banana trees, and fishing tools. Food included rustic dishes such as crabs, snails, rice flour cakes, and sweet soup.

According to the Hong Ngu Ward People's Committee, the program aims to recreate the culture, lifestyle, and cuisine of the floating season, while promoting the local image and developing green, sustainable tourism products.

Ms. Huynh Thi Lam, a teacher from Huong Duong Kindergarten, along with her colleagues, sold lotus products and various cakes to tourists. This was their second year participating, and the school's teacher group carefully prepared their products, arriving at the market early.

"This morning, there was a light rain, but residents and tourists came in large numbers. It felt like meeting all of Hong Ngu here," Ms. Lam said.

{"caption_all":"Ms. Nguyen Thanh Thuy and her friends participated in rowing boats, enjoying the floating season scenery. "Seeing the floating season again brings back many memories. These are all familiar images from my childhood," she said.","caption_items":"[null,null]"}

The floating season is a familiar part of life in the Mekong Delta. When water from the upper Mekong flows down, many fields in the headwater region gradually flood, bringing alluvium, fish, shrimp, and various wild vegetables.

Residents take advantage of the floating season to fish, set nets, pick dien dien flowers (sesbania grandiflora), and harvest natural products. The rising water also changes daily life, travel, and work.

Ngoc Tai - Ngoc Han