Nha Trang attracts runners as a top sports tourism destination

This strategic shift aligns with a growing global trend that combines travel with physical activity. According to market data platform Statista, sports tourism is expected to account for around 10% of global tourism spending in 2025. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projects this could rise to 17.5% by 2030.

With its favorable climate and diverse ecosystem, Nha Trang aims to attract this market, especially for "race-cations"-vacations centered around running events. Several factors contribute to its appeal for runners.

Diverse terrain for varied training

Nha Trang’s geography offers a range of training environments. The city boasts flat coastal roads like Tran Phu and Pham Van Dong, ideal for speed runs. For those seeking more challenging routes, hill passes such as Luong Son and Cu Hin provide inclined terrain suitable for trail running and long-distance endurance training.

Runners stride along Nha Trang’s coastal route at dawn during VnExpress Marathon 2024. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

Favorable weather

By late August, Nha Trang typically enjoys one of its most comfortable weather periods. Mild sun, minimal rainfall, and moderate humidity combine with temperatures between 26–30 degrees Celsius. A steady sea breeze in the mornings and late afternoons creates ideal running conditions. This period also coincides with the last summer weeks before the new school year, making it a good time for family travel.

Cultural landmarks

Many running routes pass significant local sites such as Ponagar Temple, Long Son Pagoda, Stone Church, Hon Chong Promontory, Cau Da Port, and the Institute of Oceanography.

This allows runners to experience the city’s cultural and natural highlights while training

Local cuisine for refueling

After training, runners can enjoy Nha Trang’s rich culinary scene. Local specialties like jellyfish noodle soup (bun sua), thick noodle soup (banh canh), grilled pork rolls (nem nuong), and mini pancakes (banh can) provide delicious refueling options. The city is also famous for fresh seafood available at beachside eateries and local markets.

Nha Trang fish cake noodle soup, a local specialty often eaten for breakfast. Photo by Xuan Phuong

Convenient transport and accommodation

Cam Ranh International Airport serves the region with direct flights from major Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and international connections including South Korea, China, Russia, and Thailand. Within Nha Trang, wide streets, public buses, and ride-hailing services make it easy to travel between training spots and hotels.

Accommodation ranges from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly homestays, suiting various preferences.

Active running community

Visitors can connect with a welcoming local community. The Nha Trang Runners Club regularly hosts group runs in the mornings and on weekends, aiming to improve fitness and foster connections.

"As long as you bring your running shoes, you’ll be welcomed like an old friend," shared Pham Duong, a club member

A professional marathon event

Coinciding with the late-summer travel season, the VnExpress Marathon Nha Trang 2025 is scheduled for Aug. 24. The professionally organized race expects around 13,000 participants and features one of Vietnam’s most scenic seaside courses.

A runner poses with her finisher's medal from the VnExpress Marathon 2024, which features the city's iconic Ponagar Tower. Photo by VnExpress Marathon

Participants receive race kits, medals, and support services along the route—including free photos, electrolyte drinks, and fruit—with enthusiastic backing from local residents. The event acts as a festival that unites the running community from around the world.

Interested runners can register here.

Hai Long