Ok Om Bok Festival: Tra Vinh’s Vibrant Moon Worship Celebration in Vinh Long

A UNESCO-Recognized Cultural Gem

Tra Vinh, now a vibrant ward of Vinh Long Province following Vietnam’s administrative reform on July 1, 2025, is a Mekong Delta treasure nestled between the Tien and Hau Rivers with a 65 km coastline along the East Sea. Renowned for its rich Khmer heritage, Tra Vinh hosts the Ok Om Bok festival, a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage event celebrating the Moon deity for bountiful harvests. Attracting 10,000 visitors annually, this festival, with activities costing $1–$35 (25,000–875,000 VND), features traditional boat races, lantern ceremonies, and Khmer cuisine, set against a tropical monsoon climate (dry season: November–April, 24–32°C or 75.2–89.6°F; rainy season: May–October, 26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F). Celebrated by Tra Vinh’s Khmer community (30% of 1 million residents), Ok Om Bok is a vibrant showcase of cultural pride and spirituality.

Legend Travel Group, a sustainable tourism leader since 2008, offers eco-friendly cultural tours to Ok Om Bok in Tra Vinh, using electric boats, bicycles, and local guides to highlight its heritage while supporting conservation. Contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com to book your festival adventure.

Administrative Note

Use “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” for navigation. Tra Vinh remains a key cultural and tourism hub within Vinh Long, ideal for international travelers seeking an authentic Mekong Delta experience.

With 17 years of expertise, Legend Travel Group serves 15,000 travelers annually across Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, prioritizing sustainable tourism. Our Tra Vinh festival tours feature eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides sharing cultural insights, and partnerships with local communities to preserve traditions and ecosystems. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours prior, and 24/7 support. Book through this guide for an immersive, responsible experience aligned with Vietnam’s green tourism vision.

Ok Om Bok, the Khmer Moon Worshipping Festival, is held on the full moon day of the 10th lunar month (typically October or November), marking the end of the harvest cycle and the moon’s orbit around the Earth in Khmer cosmology. This 2–3 day festival expresses gratitude to the Moon deity for protecting crops and ensuring prosperity, while praying for future bountiful harvests. Key rituals include offerings of new sticky rice, yams, coconuts, and bananas, accompanied by tea ceremonies and vibrant lantern displays. The festival’s highlight, the Ghe Ngo boat race, embodies community spirit and sacred traditions, making Ok Om Bok a cornerstone of Khmer cultural identity.

1. Ghe Ngo Boat Races

• Description: The Ghe Ngo race, a traditional Khmer sport, features long, 25–30 meter boats shaped like Naga snakes, rowed by 40–60 boatmen led by a guide. Held on Tra Vinh’s canals, the races are accompanied by drums, trumpets, and cheering crowds, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

• Location: Tra Vinh’s canals, near Ba Om Pond (5 km from city center).

• Cost: Free to watch; electric boat tours to view races $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND, fits 4–6).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use electric boats to minimize emissions; avoid littering along canal banks.

• Tip: Arrive by 2:00 PM for prime viewing spots; included in Legend Travel Group’s Festival & Eco-Cruise ($70–$100).

• Best Time: Afternoon races (2:00–5:00 PM) during the festival.

2. Lantern Ceremonies at Ba Om Pond

• Description: At night, locals and visitors release colorful lanterns onto Ba Om Pond and into the sky, symbolizing the banishment of bad luck and prayers for prosperity. The sparkling display, set against traditional music, creates a romantic and solemn ambiance.

• Location: Ba Om Pond (5 km from city center, free entry).

• Cost: Lanterns $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND); boat rides $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose biodegradable lanterns; support waste-free initiatives by keeping the pond clean.

• Tip: Join the ceremony at 6:00–8:00 PM for the best views; included in Legend Travel Group’s Festival & Eco-Cruise ($70–$100).

• Best Time: Evening (6:00–9:00 PM) for lantern displays.

3. Traditional Offerings and Rituals

• Description: Participate in or observe offerings of new sticky rice, yams, coconuts, and bananas, placed on tables with a central pot of tea. Locals bow after each tea pour to express gratitude to the Moon deity, a sacred ritual at pagodas like Ang Pagoda.

• Location: Ang Pagoda (5 km from city center, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND donation).

• Cost: Free; donations welcome ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND); offerings $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Use biodegradable offerings; dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).

• Tip: Visit at 7:00–9:00 PM for rituals; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

• Best Time: Evening of the full moon day.

4. Savor Khmer Festival Foods

• Description: Feast on traditional dishes like Banh Tet Tra Cuon (glutinous rice cake, $2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), Chao Am fish congee ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND), and Makapuno Coconut desserts ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) at festival stalls.

• Location: Tra Vinh Night Market (Ward 2, city center); Ang Pagoda grounds.

• Cost: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND) per dish.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Choose vendors with reusable cutlery; bring a reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND).

• Tip: Try Banh Tet with Nuoc Mam Ruoi (clam worm sauce, $1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); included in Legend Travel Group’s Foodie Tour ($70–$100).

• Best Time: 5:00–8:00 PM for vibrant food stalls.

5. Cultural Performances and Music

• Description: Enjoy Khmer music, Apsara dances, and drumming performances, showcasing the community’s rich traditions and vibrant spirit.

• Location: Ang Pagoda; Tra Vinh Night Market.

• Cost: Free; donations welcome ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid single-use plastics during events; support local artisans.

• Tip: Attend performances at 6:00–8:00 PM; included in Legend Travel Group’s Cultural Tour ($65–$95).

• Best Time: Evening for the liveliest shows.

• When: Full moon day of the 10th lunar month (October/November), typically lasting 2–3 days.

• Crowds: Draws 200+ visitors daily, especially at Ba Om Pond and Ang Pagoda.

• Weather: Rainy season (26–36°C or 78.8–96.8°F) with lush greenery; expect occasional showers, requiring rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND).

• Tip: Book festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead via Legend Travel Group; evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) offer the best festival atmosphere.

Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province, is 125 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 45 km from Vinh Long Ward, and 80 km from Can Tho:

• From Ho Chi Minh City (2.5–3.5 hours): Bus ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND) + taxi ($12–$18 or 300,000–450,000 VND); private car ($60–$80 or 1,500,000–2,000,000 VND); Xanh SM electric taxi ($90–$120 or 2,250,000–3,000,000 VND, eco-friendly).

• From Hanoi (4.5–5 hours): Flight to Can Tho ($65–$130 or 1,625,000–3,250,000 VND) + taxi ($50–$60 or 1,250,000–1,500,000 VND).

• From Vinh Long Ward (45–60 minutes): Taxi ($15–$20 or 375,000–500,000 VND); motorbike rental ($7–$12/day or 175,000–300,000 VND, Vietnamese license required).

• Navigation Tip: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps (Maps.me). Parking: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Eco-Friendly Note: Opt for buses or Xanh SM taxis; book through Legend Travel Group for sustainable transport.

• Walking: Free, ideal for city center sites (1–2 km radius).

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND), eco-friendly, perfect for short trips.

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND), sustainable, great for festival sites.

• Taxi/Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND), best for longer trips.

• Eco-Friendly Note: Prioritize cyclos or bicycles; book through Legend Travel Group for eco-transport.

• Tip: Confirm fares upfront; rent bikes near Tra Vinh Market.

Pack these essentials for a sustainable festival experience:

• Clothing: Lightweight, breathable attire, sturdy sandals, hat; waterproof poncho ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) for rainy season; modest clothing for pagodas.

• Gear: Reusable water bottle ($0.80 or 20,000 VND), reusable tote ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND), biodegradable sunscreen.

• Essentials: Compact umbrella ($3–$6), hand sanitizer, mosquito repellent ($0.80 or 20,000 VND).

• Tech: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($6–$12 or 150,000–300,000 VND).

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).

Festival Costs

• Food (e.g., Banh Tet Tra Cuon, Chao Am): $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Drinks (e.g., Xuan Thanh Wine, coconut water): $1–$4 (25,000–100,000 VND).

• Lanterns/Activities: $1–$20 (25,000–500,000 VND).

• Pagoda Donations: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

Activity Costs

• Pagoda/Museum Entry: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Boat Tours (Ba Om Pond): $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Guided Festival Tour: $20–$35 (500,000–875,000 VND).

• Homestay: $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND).

Transport Costs (Local)

• Cyclo: $1–$3/hour (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).

• Taxi/Xanh SM: $0.50–$1/km (12,500–25,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost (Per Person)

• Budget: $10–$20 (walking, street food, homestay).

• Mid-range: $25–$40 (cyclo, guided tour, local dining).

• Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, premium dining, homestay).

• Timing: Visit evenings (5:00–8:00 PM) for lantern ceremonies and boat races; mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) for quieter pagoda rituals. October/November brings lush scenery but occasional showers.

• Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s festival tours 2–4 weeks ahead; book homestays 1–2 weeks ahead for Ok Om Bok.

• Sustainability: Use biodegradable lanterns; join canal cleanups. Choose eco-transport like bicycles or Xanh SM taxis.

• Navigation: Save “Tra Vinh Ward, Vinh Long Province” in offline maps; festival sites are within 1–5 km of the city center.

• Safety: Secure valuables; respect festival customs. Confirm prices before purchasing.

• Cultural Respect: Greet locals with “xin chào”; ask about rituals or boat races for a cultural exchange.

Experience Ok Om Bok with our eco-friendly tours:

• Tra Vinh Festival & Eco-Cruise ($70–$100/person, 1 day): Join Ghe Ngo boat races, cruise Ba Om Pond, savor Khmer dishes. Includes guide, electric boat, meals.

• Tra Vinh Cultural & Culinary Adventure ($140–$190/person, 2 days): Experience festival events, visit Ang Pagoda, homestay. Includes meals, guide, bicycle transport.

• Mekong Delta Explorer ($340–$480/person, 4 days): Discover Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Can Tho, with festival visits and eco-stays. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

• Prices include guides, eco-transport, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book via this guide.

Ok Om Bok Festival in Tra Vinh Regional, Vinh Long Province, a vibrant celebration of Khmer heritage located 120 km from Ho Chi Minh City, captivates with Ngo boat races, lantern ceremonies, and delicious Khmer cuisine ($1–$5, 25,000–125,000 VND), drawing thousands each November. Held near cultural sites like Ba Om Pond, this festival offers an authentic cultural experience with free access to public events. Legend Travel Group’s Tra Vinh Tours ensure a sustainable Tra Vinh Travel experience, supporting local communities through eco-friendly practices like low-impact tours and visits to Hang Pagoda and Tra Vinh Night Market. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to celebrate Ok Om Bok in Tra Vinh? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on a vibrant, unforgettable Mekong Delta journey!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources:

• Ok Om Bok Festival Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group