The Khmer people who live in the Bay Nui (Seven Mountain) region of the province organise the annual the race early in the ninth moon ( the 9th month of the lunar calendar) to celebrate the Dolta Festival, between August 29 and September 1.

Since 1992, Tinh Bien and Tri Ton Districts of An Giang have taken turns planning this unique race. This year, it will take place on October 9 in Vinh Trung Commune of Tinh Bien District.

For the special occasion, HCMC-based Ben Thanh Tourist has launched the only tour to the province to see the traditional race. The two-day tour will start on October 8 and includes information about the history and natural sites of the Mekong Delta province.

On the first day of the tour, tourists will explore attractions in the province’s Chau Doc Town including the Tay An Co Tu pagoda. Built in 1820 by a mandarin of the Nguyen Dynasty, the old pagoda has 11,200 wood statues and resembles an Indian pagoda. Another attraction is the Thoai Ngoc Hau temple of the meritorious official of the Nguyen Dynasty, known for his construction works in the region including the Thoai Ha Canal, 30 kilometres long and 50 meters wide linking Thoai Son District in An Giang and Rach Gia town in Ha Tien, which he built 1818, and the Vinh Te Canal, 97 kilometres long and 50 meters wide, linking Chau Doc and Ha Tien.

The tour leaves very early on the second day, at around 6:00 a.m., to reach Tinh Bien District in time for the Bull Races which take place at 8:00 a.m. on October 9.

Ben Thanh Tourist’s tour guides will inform visitors about terms and regulations of the race.

Each race involves two pairs of oxen controlled by two men, called nai. The competition is in a muddy and slippery paddy field on a race course that is 60 metres wide and 100 metres long. All bulls in the race have been carefully selected and trained.

During recent years the race has not only included participants from An Giang Province, but also many competitors from other provinces and cities.

The tour will start on October 8 in Ho Chi Minh City and costs VND 960,000 per foreigner (for group of 10-12 people). VND 870,000 per foreigner (for group of 21-31 people).