During the flood season from August to October, fields in the Binh Hoa Thuong residential area in Thuong Lac ward become crowded and lively in the late afternoon. As the sun grows less intense, adults and children head into the fields to cool off by playing in the water. Laughter and chatter fill the air.
Nguyen Tai Phu told us: “I used to go swimming in the fields further upstream. This year, the flooded field here is cleaner and cooler. The scenery is beautiful, and it’s closer to my home. The other day, I even saw a group of people from Ho Chi Minh City who had come here to swim.”
“I came here with some friends. The swimming spot is crowded and lively. After a day of hard work, this is a great place to relieve stress and meet some friends,” Le Lam Son said.
What used to be a pastime of local residents only is now drawing people from other places. Nguyen Thi Kim Yen, Vice Chairwoman of the Hong Ngu ward People’s Committee, said the locality is working with relevant agencies to organize the second edition of a program called “Flood Season Experience”, themed “Hong Ngu – Colours of the Border Waters”. The program will include a Border Floating Market, a performance of traditional music called “Sounds of the Flood Season”, a Team Boat Race, and a contest called “Rural Charm in the Flood Season”. The organizers are preparing 100 ducks and 500 eggs for duck-catching and egg-hunt games that will generate some extra excitement.
Ms. Yen said: “These activities will showcase the beauty of Hong Ngu’s river landscape and traditional culture, and promote green and eco-tourism. We plan to develop green tourism in Hong Ngu around its riverine culture, local heritage, and unique border activities.”
Cultural, sports, and other activities will entertain the community and tell the story of Hong Ngu through its most familiar elements – flooded fields, boats, traditional food, traditional music, and the local lifestyle.
