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Story: Nguyen Dat
Photos: Vi Ngoc Ha, Nguyen Phuoc Hoai
In recent years there’s been a growing trend for “race-cations” that combine travel and sports. This term describes a vacation to participate in sporting events, especially in coastal areas.
Instead of a typical vacation spent eating, drinking, and “checking in”, tourists enjoying a “race-cation” set goals to either watch a sporting event or challenge themselves in a sports competition at their travel destination. Popular choices include open water swimming, running, triathlons (swimming, running, cycling), windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, jet ski racing, and more.
Coastal running routes
Running enthusiasts can join many large-scale running events organized annually in coastal areas such as Hai Phong, Ha Long, Danang, Quy Nhon, Vung Tau, and more. Among these, the Danang Marathon, which debuted in 2013, was Vietnam’s first international marathon event. This race quickly became one of the most popular marathons in Southeast Asia, drawing thousands of athletes from around the world thanks to its renowned scenic coastal running route. The event includes races of 42.195 km (marathon), 21.0975 km (half marathon), 10 km, and 5 km. The most challenging distance—the marathon—takes you along the coastline. Four famous bridges in Vietnam’s most livable city appear one by one. Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge, and Thuan Phuoc Bridge leave runners full of admiration. From the highest point on Thuan Phuoc Bridge, you can gaze over the city of Danang. Anyone who conquers this beautiful yet challenging route has every right to feel proud of their physical strength and perseverance.
Open sea swims over stunning coral reefs
For an even more unusual and challenging experience, swimmers can participate in the Ly Son Cross Island Open Sea Swimming Competition in Ly Son (Quang Ngai province). This is Vietnam’s first open sea swimming contest. The organizers hope it will become an annual event, unlike any other in the country, making Ly Son Island a must-visit destination for swimming enthusiasts. The event features races of 1 km, 2 km, and 5 km. The longest 5 km distance takes swimmers from Ly Son Island to An Binh Island. This route demands endurance, strong willpower, and the ability to adapt to changing natural conditions.
Through the crystal-clear waters, you can observe the rich marine life down on the seabed. You can admire a coral reef that stretches for almost three nautical miles between Ly Son Island and An Binh Island and swim over the wide craters of two million-year-old underwater volcanoes. After facing and overcoming waves, strong winds, and powerful currents, you will experience the grandeur of Ly Son and your own extraordinary resilience.
The ultimate triathlon challenge
If running a marathon or open sea swimming are not enough to satisfy your passion for sports, the Ironman 70.3 Phu Quoc Triathlon is undoubtedly a much greater challenge.
In Phu Quoc, the organizers have designed a course where athletes will swim 1.9km in the beach area of Con So Square, cycle 90km through the southern half of the island, and run 21.1km along the coastal road. Over some seven hours, you have the opportunity to compete while exploring the pristine beauty of Phu Quoc. The clear, calm sea water, smooth roads for biking, coastal running paths under coconut trees, and the locals’ enthusiastic cheers will undoubtedly leave an unforgettable impression. As well as in Phu Quoc, the Ironman 70.3 triathlon is also held in Danang.
Thrilling professional boat races
If you want to experience even more exhilarating races, head to Binh Dinh to witness world championship jet ski races, international professional powerboat races, sailing competitions, and stand-up paddleboard races. These are relatively new sports in Vietnam. With a water surface area of 5,000 hectares and a width of nearly 4km, Thi Nai Lagoon (Quy Nhon) is an ideal venue for high-speed and precision racing events.
You’ll find it hard to sit still as the excitement builds after each breathtaking lap performed by world-class racers. The roar of engines and splashes of white water from speeding jet skis will keep your eyes glued to the choppy waters. The highest level of jet ski racing is F1, so the competition is intense, demanding professional and safe organization. These races adheres to strict UIM safety and operational standards, ensuring each event runs smoothly and safely.
The participation of top international racing teams and professional support from the organizers have made these races into prominent and captivating water sports events. Held in Binh Dinh, dubbed “the capital of sea sports”, these colorful and entertaining international sporting events help to promote Vietnam as an active, innovative, and attractive destination for international beach tourism.
