The three-plank boat race, a prominent activity of the 2026 "Huong Rung U Minh" (Scent of U Minh Forest) event, took place on the morning of 10/5 at U Minh Ha National Park, Vo Doi Hamlet, Da Bac Commune.

U Minh Ha National Park, spanning over 8,000 ha, is a significant cajuput forest region situated on peatland in the Mekong Delta.

This year's three-plank boat race drew over 100 athletes. The competition unfolded on a straight canal, 5-7 m wide and several hundred meters long, bordered by lush cajuput forest. Teams of two competed in a 100 m race. As the signal blared, boats swiftly propelled forward.

Athletes exerted maximum effort in the final strokes. The race intensified as evenly matched teams competed for every meter, fueled by cheers from the banks.

Beyond speed, synchronized coordination between the two paddlers was crucial for success. A slight misalignment could cause the boat to wobble or lose significant speed.

Minor collisions occurred, yet teams competed in a spirit of camaraderie and enjoyment. Nguyen Thi Phi and Nguyen Thi Hong Diep (inner boat), teachers from Nguyen Thai Binh Secondary School in Tan Thanh Ward, expressed their joy in participating despite not winning. "The fatigue seemed to vanish as we immersed ourselves in the race atmosphere," Diep shared. Numerous instances of boats losing rhythm and hitting the canal banks elicited refreshing laughter.

Beyond the lane races, organizers also featured a head-to-head boat paddling competition.

In this event, two teams, each with two paddlers in one boat, propelled their vessel forward with combined effort. The first boat to fully cross the designated finish line secured victory.

This challenging event demanded strength, agility, and balance within the narrow boat, creating many dramatic moments.

In addition to boat racing, hundreds of athletes joined a 4,000 m cross-country run beneath the cajuput canopy. Others opted for a 2,000 m walk, exploring the forest ecosystem and enjoying the fresh air.

Nguyen Trong Nguyen (far left), a cross-country runner from Bac Lieu Ward, expressed his admiration for U Minh Ha National Park's wild, peaceful beauty, noting it was his first visit.

"After this trip, I hope everyone visits U Minh to experience the sincerity and warmth of the local people," Nguyen stated.

The monkey bridge challenge, a familiar sight in the Mekong Delta, also drew many participants. Several individuals wobbled, eliciting laughter and cheers.

This year's "Huong Rung U Minh" event attracted nearly 1,000 participants in its various competitions, alongside thousands of spectators and tourists.

According to Tran Cong Hoang, Director of U Minh Ha National Park, these activities aimed to offer an authentic experience of the cajuput forest region's life, culture, and people. Additionally, the event sought to raise awareness about natural resource protection and the preservation of this valuable ecosystem for future generations.

Chuc Ly