Thousands of locals and tourists join the Traditional Raft Race Festival in Con Dao

Attending the event were Mr. Le Anh Tu, Secretary of the District Party Committee; Mr. Phan Thanh Bien, Standing Deputy Secretary and Chairman of the District People’s Council; Mr. Phan Trong Hien, Deputy Secretary and Chairman of the District People’s Committee; along with representatives of the People's Council, People's Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee, local authorities, residents, and visitors.
In his opening speech, Mr. Phan Trong Hien, Chairman of the Con Dao District People's Committee, emphasized:
"On May 1, 1975, Con Dao was fully liberated, ending 113 years as a 'hell on earth.' Today, Con Dao stands as a 'sacred landmark' in the hearts of visitors across Vietnam, a place to remember our roots and educate future generations on the revolutionary spirit. The reenactment of the 'Raft Escapes' through this sport of raft racing is embraced by the people as a traditional local sport, honoring the unyielding spirit and bravery of former prisoners. It has become a meaningful cultural product and a tourist attraction each year during the Liberation celebrations."
 


This year’s 2025 raft race featured 19 teams, including 6 women’s teams. Each team consisted of 7 participants from local residential communities, businesses, and armed forces units in Con Dao.
 

 

Following a solemn opening ceremony that included a moment of silence and a wreath-laying ceremony at sea in memory of fallen heroes, the race officially began.
 

The race took place in Con Son Bay, starting from the historic 914 Pier, heading toward Cape Dugong, and returning to the starting point. The total race distance was 2,000 meters for men’s teams and 1,200 meters for women’s teams.

Throughout the race, the competition was intense, with teams neck-and-neck and spectators cheering enthusiastically from the shore, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
 


The rafts, built from simple materials like bamboo, wood, and foam, were handcrafted by team members. Each raft carried the determination and spirit of resilience of its team, reflecting the unbroken will and desire for victory of the Vietnamese people.


 


 At the end of the competition:

• First prize (men’s race) was awarded to the team from Residential Area No. 1

• First prize (women’s race) went to the team from Residential Area No. 3

• First prize for raft construction was awarded to Residential Area No. 7

Other prizes included second and third place, encouragement awards, and movement awards for the remaining teams.
The 2025 Con Dao Traditional Raft Race Festival concluded in an atmosphere of joy and unity. Every raft that crossed the finish line carried not just victory, but also the indomitable spirit of a nation, and the aspiration of an island rising with pride and purpose into the future.


The 2025 Con Dao Traditional Raft Race Festival concluded in an atmosphere of joy and unity. Every raft that crossed the finish line carried not just victory, but also the indomitable spirit of a nation, and the aspiration of an island rising with pride and purpose into the future.