In Hung Hoi commune, Cai Gia Giua Pagoda is becoming an increasingly popular destination thanks to its creative cultural activities. A major highlight is the ghe ngo (Khmer boat) race, held during traditional festivals and known for its lively atmosphere and strong Khmer identity. To turn the event into a tourism product, the pagoda has renovated its lake, added service areas, improved the landscape, and promoted the races through livestreams on digital platforms. As a result, the festival now reaches visitors from both near and far.
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The "ghe ngo" race at Cai Gia Giua Pagoda in Hung Hoi commune, Ca Mau province attracts large numbers of visitors. |
Venerable Ly Quang Long, abbot of Cai Gia Giua Pagoda, said the "ghe ngo" race is a long-standing traditional sport closely tied to Khmer cultural life. He noted that during festivals, especially Ok Om Bok, the race not only helps preserve cultural heritage, but also offers strong tourism potential.
Among Ca Mau’s Khmer pagodas, Xiem Can Pagoda in Hiep Thanh ward is the first and currently the only one recognized by the Mekong Delta Tourism Association as an outstanding tourist destination. In recent years, the Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has invited domestic travel companies to visit the pagoda and provide input on improving tourism products and expanding regional tour connections.
In 2025, Xiem Can Pagoda also received support under Project 6, titled “Preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of ethnic minorities in connection with tourism development,” part of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for 2021–2025. Through the project, the pagoda was provided with a stage, performance equipment, and other resources to improve its cultural programs.
With this support, the pagoda’s art groups have been equipped with a traditional five-tone orchestra, performance costumes, and rehearsal funding, allowing them to present programs rich in Khmer identity for visitors. Nguyen Le Mai Phuong, a visitor from Hue City, said she was impressed as soon as she entered the pagoda by its unique architecture and spacious grounds. She added that the contrast with pagodas in Hue, along with the story of local residents and monks helping build the site, made it especially memorable. According to her, the costumes, music, and dances vividly reflected the rich spiritual life of the Khmer people.
Most Venerable Duong Quan, abbot of Xiem Can Pagoda, said the support from the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has helped the pagoda maintain its five-tone orchestra and “Ro bam” and “Chhay-dam” dance groups for festivals and visiting tours. These efforts have helped introduce Khmer culture to more people from other localities while bringing new energy to local tourism.
Through the combined efforts of local authorities and the community, many Khmer pagodas in Ca Mau are preserving their cultural identity while creating new opportunities for sustainable tourism and contributing to the development of Vietnam’s southernmost region.
Translated by Tran Hoai