Floating season turns fields in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta into swimming destination

The August-November period in the delta, when water levels rise and rivers and canals flood low-lying areas, is known as the ‘floating season.’

Over the past two weeks, large numbers of residents and visitors have been making their way to the embankment areas in Thuong Phuoc Commune, Hong Ngu Ward and Thuong Lac Ward to experience bathing in the seasonal floodwaters.

At weekends, the busiest sections are along an embankment stretching more than one kilometer as people gather to bathe and play, bringing a lively atmosphere to the vast expanse of flooded fields.

The flooded fields around Embankment Area No. 1 in Hong Ngu Ward were crowded with people enjoying the seasonal waters on Sunday afternoon.

Amid the vast flooded fields, adults swam freely, young people played enthusiastically, and children were brought by relatives to learn how to swim.

Laughter rang out across the fields, creating a vibrant scene that was both bustling and distinctly characteristic of the delta’s riverine lifestyle.

For many, bathing in the flooded fields is more than a way to cool off.

It is an opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in the scent of the countryside, feel the seasonal breezes as the floodwaters rise, and relive childhood memories associated with the annual flood season.

Nguyen Thanh Tuan, a resident of Hong Ngu Ward, said that for about two weeks, since the floodwaters rose significantly across the fields, he had been bringing his children and nieces and nephews to swim and teaching his six-year-old son how to swim.

“The appeal of swimming in the fields lies in the sense of freedom in such a vast space, with the surrounding embankments resembling the walls of a swimming pool,” Tuan said.

“The shimmering water reflects the golden afternoon sunlight, creating a childhood experience for the children.”

The annual floating season has long been regarded by residents in upstream Dong Thap as a ‘gift from nature.’

Water flowing down from the upper Mekong River brings alluvial soil, shrimp and fish.

Swimming is only one of the experiences available to visitors.

Tourists can also take small boats or motorized boats across the flooded fields.

Accompanied by local residents, they can weave through the waterways to learn how to cast fishing nets, use traditional fish traps and catch fish, or experience harvesting sesbania flowers and water lilies.

The influx of visitors is also creating additional income opportunities for local residents.

Some have taken the opportunity to sell soft drinks and snacks, while others offer life jackets and swimming floats as demand rises during busy periods.

Green experience with safety first

The People’s Committee of Hong Ngu Ward has warned that safety must remain the top priority if swimming in the flooded fields is to become a memorable experience.

Water levels in some areas range from 1.3 to 1.5 meters, while depths can vary considerably depending on location.

Visitors are advised to choose suitable swimming areas, avoid going too far from shore, and refrain from pushing or engaging in dangerous activities in the water.

Children must be directly supervised by adults and should wear life jackets when necessary.

People who have consumed alcohol or beer, or whose health is not suitable for swimming, should not participate in water activities.

Tourists are also advised to avoid bringing large amounts of cash, mobile phones or other valuables, and to take responsibility for their vehicles and personal belongings.

Residents and visitors are asked to keep the area clean, take their rubbish with them after eating and drinking, and help preserve the landscape during the flood season.

According to the Hong Ngu Ward People’s Committee, a floating-season festival will take place in Binh Hoa Quarter on September 13.

The event will feature a variety of activities, including a floating market, performances of southern Vietnamese traditional music, a team boat race, a rural beauty contest themed around the flood season, duck-catching and egg-finding contests, and a ‘Beauty of Hong Ngu Land’ competition.