An art kite festival, held for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City tonight, May 24, and tomorrow, will feature dazzling kite competitions and performances.

The festival, to take place at Tieng Song Marine Ecotourism Complex in Long Hoa Commune in HCMC’s suburban district of Can Gio, some 50km from downtown HCMC, will gather artisans from 18 kite clubs throughout the country.

The artisans will showcase their skills in making, flying artistic kites and compete in Japanese “rokkaku” kites (a traditional six-sided Japanese fighter kite which, traditionally, is made with bamboo spars and “washi” paper).

Other highlights include activities in free-styled and artistic kite flying, flying kites with flutes attached to them, and one-line kites with/without spars, as well as teaching visitors how to make and maneuver kites.

LED-attached kites will also soar over Can Gio beach tonight, with the participation of artisans and tourists.

One of the ways to get to Can Gio is to take the bus numbered 75 from 23/9 Park Bus Station in HCMC’s district 1 to Can Thanh Bus Station in Can Gio.

You can take another bus to get to the Can Gio Beach or get picked up for free at the Long Hoa T-junction by the Tieng Song Ecotourism Complex’s “xe om” (motorbike taxi) team.

Visitors can also ride their own bikes to Can Gio. From Nguyen Van Linh Highway in District 7, turn right into Huynh Tan Phat street, at the end of which is Binh Khanh ferry station.

A ferry ride will take visitors right to Can Gio. Just go straight and you will reach Can Gio Beach.

Tourists can also join 1-day tours with local tour providers to Can Gio, which cost some VND800,000 (US$40).

The tours will offer tourists trips to Can Gio mangrove forests, wild animal reserves, crocodile farms, Sac Forest military base, stunning beaches, pagodas and temples and Can Gio market to shop for seafood.  

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