As the harvest season comes to an end, the full moon of the tenth lunar month lights up Khmer villages across Southern Vietnam, marking the arrival of the Ok Om Bok Festival – one of the community’s most important and distinctive traditional celebrations. Also known as the Moon Worship Festival, it is an occasion for the Khmer people to express gratitude to the Moon and pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and a peaceful, prosperous life.
In 2026, the festival’s main activities are expected to take place from November 22 to 24 in the former Soc Trang area, now part of Can Tho City. Highlights include the traditional Moon Worship ceremony and the exciting Ngo boat races.
The Moon Worship ceremony is usually held on the full-moon night of the tenth lunar month at a pagoda or an open space in the village. Offerings include local agricultural products such as flattened green rice flakes, bananas, coconuts, and other fruits. In a solemn atmosphere, people offer prayers for peace, good fortune, and prosperity. A particularly charming tradition is feeding flattened green rice flakes to children, symbolizing wishes for their health, growth, and happiness.
Another highlight of the festival is the Ngo boat race, a lively event that attracts large crowds of locals and visitors. Decorated with vibrant colors and traditional motifs, the boats represent local pagodas and Khmer communities as they compete along the river amid the rhythmic beat of drums and enthusiastic cheers. The synchronized paddling not only creates thrilling races but also reflects the community’s unity and cultural pride.
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Beyond these main activities, visitors can enjoy traditional folk performances, graceful dances, and the distinctive sounds of Khmer five-tone music. They can also sample local specialties such as flattened green rice flakes and sticky rice cakes filled with flattened green rice. The region’s Khmer pagodas, known for their distinctive architecture, multi-tiered curved roofs, and intricate decorations, are also worth exploring.
More than a religious celebration, Ok Om Bok plays an important role in preserving and promoting Khmer cultural heritage, strengthening community bonds, and showcasing the beauty of Southern Vietnam. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant riverside festivities while discovering the spiritual traditions and rich cultural identity of the Khmer people.