The event is expected to draw 400 athletes from 27 teams from Hanoi and neighbouring provinces of Hai Duong, Hung Yen and Thai Nguyen.
They will compete in different men’s, women’s and mixed categories in the capital city’s West Lake.
Director of the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports To Van Dong said boat racing is growing popular in many ASEAN member countries, so the city plans to invite their athletes to take part in the next festivals if the first is held successfully.
Hanoi is striving to build the West Lake to into a key tourism area with the dragon boat racing festival as one of the most attractive activities, he added.
A music show will be held on the sidelines of the event to build up excitement.
Before the competition takes place, athletes of the boat racing and some other water sports will join a bike parade along the West Lake.
