The boat racing competition within the “Old Scent of the Ancient Village” festival featured a competitive showdown between 10 male boat teams and 9 female boat teams from various villages in the area of Phong Hoa commune.

The boats competed in 10 races, including 1 Cung race, 1 Pha race, and 8 Tien races; of which, there are 6 races for men and 2 races for women.

Immediately after the opening ceremony, the athletes and tens of thousands of spectators headed to the starting point to enter in the Cung race. The athletes from all teams gave their best efforts from the first rounds, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere with attractive boat races.

On both banks of the O Lau River, tens of thousands of spectators stood under the blazing sunlight, cheering on all boat racing teams. The cheers and shouts echoed across the water surface and throughout the river.

In the middle of the river, each racing team had its own unique technique and strategy. The teams competed fiercely, competing for every meter of water on the river. The race was exciting and lively, with each team's rowers rhythmically and powerfully dipping their oars in time with their teammates' calls, propelling their boats moving swiftly over the water. 

The boat racing competition not only contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, but also creates a highlight for tourism in the series of events of the “Old Scent of the Ancient Village” festival in Phong Dien district in 2024.