Vietnam Airlines offers 20% discount for VnExpress Marathon runners

Tickets can be purchased from March 29 to April 15 for travel to and from the marathon locations, including Hue, Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ha Long, Hai Phong, and Hanoi. The discounted fares are valid for travel up to five days before and after each event.

For the upcoming VnExpress Marathon Hue on April 21, runners can enjoy the discount on tickets for flights coming to Hue from April 16 and flights leaving Hue until April 26.

The discount will be applied to the base fare at the time of purchase, excluding surcharges and taxes. To receive the discount, runners need to present their confirmation of race participation (email confirming bib purchase) and a valid ID at Vietnam Airlines ticketing offices.

Terminal 2 of Phu Bai Airport in Hue with Hue Citadel architecture. Photo by Vo Thanh

Runners participating in the VnExpress Marathon Hue on April 21 can also take advantage of a 15% discount on train tickets offered by Hanoi Railways and Saigon Railways. This discount is applicable for train journeys to and from Hue station during the event period.

Interested participants can sign up here.

For families and runners traveling from Da Nang, the newly launched Hue - Da Nang tour train presents another attractive option. Dubbed the "Central Heritage Connection," the train departs from Hue and Da Nang stations every morning and afternoon, making a 10-minute stop at Lang Co Station, allowing passengers to admire the beauty of Lang Co Bay, considered one of the world's most beautiful.

During its inaugural month, Vietnam Railways Corporation is offering promotional fares of VND150,000 (US$6.50) per ticket and a monthly pass for VND900,000 (US$39), with additional discounts ranging from 10% to 50% for eligible passengers. After attending the VnExpress Marathon in Hue, runners can choose to continue their journey by train to explore Da Nang.

Hue locals brave the rain to cheer on VnExpress Marathon runners in 2023. Photo by VM

The VnExpress Marathon Hue, scheduled for April 21, will host 8,000 runners and kick off the "The Imperial City Shines" summer festival. During their stay in Hue, runners can explore the city's rich culture, history, attractions, cuisine, and experience the charm of the former imperial capital. Local authorities have urged businesses, hotels, and restaurants to offer discounts and promotions, while entrance fees to Nguyen Dynasty sites will be waived for marathon participants.

VnExpress Marathon is Vietnam's largest running event series. In 2023, the organizers hosted seven marathons and one aquathlon across eight locations, attracting nearly 75,000 runners. Hue was the second destination for the VnExpress Marathon series this year, after Ho Chi Minh City.

Last year, during the three-day event in Hue, the provincial tourism industry welcomed around 32,500 visitors, generating revenue of VND55.5 billion (US$2.3 million). In 2022, the VnExpress Marathon was recognized among the top 10 cultural and sporting events in the province, highlighting its significant impact on the local community.