The An Giang Cow Racing Festival takes place in Tri Ton or Tinh Bien district, An Giang province, from the 29th day of the eighth lunar month to1st day of the ninth lunar month (or to the 2nd day of the ninth lunar month in case of the eighth lunar month without the 30th day).

The An Giang cow racing is held in a large ground 60m wide and 170m long, which is surrounded by a high earthen rampart where spectators can stand. The racing lane is 100m long and 4m wide. Its two ends are marked with departure and destination poles.

Each racing tournament involves 38 pairs of oxen selected from competition at the commune level. Most of the oxen have a strong posture: big heads, straight backs, solid bones, long tails, small ears, round necks, and gentle eyes. The closer the competition gets, the more boisterous the atmosphere becomes.

When the competition starts, each pair of oxen is yoked to a harrow, which is made of a plank of wood 30cm wide and 90cm long with teeth underneath. Each round of the competition includes two pairs of oxen. The controller stands on the harrow, waving his whip. He must stand firm; otherwise, he will lose due to a violation of regulations.

The competition consists of two rounds: hu and tha. It can be considered that hu is the selection round, and tha the real contest, which displays the strength of the oxen and the skill of their handlers. In the hu round, each pair of oxen has to go around the competition ground two times for warming up and performance. If any pair steps on the harrow of another pair, they will lose.

However, in the 120m-long tha round, those stepping on the harrow of others will win. The departure and destination points are marked with two green and red poles 5m away from each other. The oxen in the lane of green poles must reach the destination marked by poles of the same color.

In the race, the handlers hold a rattan whip or a round stick called xa lu. After the signal of the referee, the handler shoves the xa lu into the oxen’s buttock to make them rush forward amidst the resounding cry of the spectators.

The final round is always the most lively time. The oxen appear as horses and their handlers as experienced jockeys. The racing oxen become the pride of the entire village. Therefore, the handlers, the owners of the oxen, and the oxen themselves all endeavor to showcase their skills and strength. The prize-winning oxen are deeply adored for their efforts in bringing honor to their owners.

The cow racing festival in An Giang has an age-old tradition. The men in the village take this community event as an opportunity to show their courage and dexterity.