Boat Races
The tradition has been handed down since ancient times. It is held annually, on the 13th – 15th days of the waxing moon of the 11th lunar month, in the Mekong River to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. Tourists can witness the races at the embankment on Samran Chai Khong Road.
There are 2 major categories; namely, speed racing for small, medium and large boats. All participating boats are dug to have a round hull and will compete on a 3-km. long distance on the Mekong River. Another category is the fantasy boat contest in which the racing boats will be
decorated, particularly at the figureheads.Each year, numerous boats join the competition in both categories while people from Mukdahan and nearby provinces as well as Lao PDR. pack the venue. Boats from Savannakhet also join the races every year.
