Trail and Running in Vietnam

Introduction

This phenomenon has not escaped Vietnam, and enthusiasm for running in Vietnam is growing rapidly in the country. Since everything moves faster here (and sometimes a bit in disorder), the number of practitioners and races is continuously and significantly increasing. Furthermore, the growing number of races in magnificent and picturesque locations throughout Vietnam adds excitement to this activity.

Whether you are an experienced athlete or a Sunday runner, you will find our best tips for running in Vietnam!

The Practice of Running in Vietnam

In the recent past, at dawn it was more common to see Vietnamese, traditionally minded, engaging in some tai chi exercises and Chinese gymnastics or practicing some group dance steps…

Today in parks and around lakes, a large number of athletes practice running. The development of gyms also attracts quite a few people.

Everyone has their own pace, everyone their own style – whether running equipped with flip-flops and a tank top or with the latest trendy outfit to impress the neighbors, running enthusiasts are increasingly numerous in Vietnam!

There are numerous groups of runners who organize to motivate each other to practice together.

We know in particular one that has the distinction of being English-speaking, located in Hanoi. Its members meet every week to organize outings into nature or interval training sessions: the Facebook group name is “Red river Hanoi”.

Just like in France, the practice, level, and population are very heterogeneous.

Running in Vietnam is also a socializing element that allows you to meet people who share the same interest, making it easier to exchange!

Training Locations in Hanoi

Being a small group of running enthusiasts located in Hanoi, we can give you our favorite places to run in Hanoi:

Tay Ho

Located in the northwest of the city, Tay Ho Lake, with a circumference of 15 kilometers, offers a route adaptable to all levels. The lake is immense and it is pleasant to run beside it. However, be careful of pollution peaks and traffic during certain periods.

Banana Island

Our favorite spot, not far from Tay Ho Lake: Banana Island offers a route in full nature just a few hundred meters from the city, you run on a dirt path amid exotic plantations, along the Red River: a dream!

Soc Son Mountains

Soc Son is ideal for doing some elevation gain and getting a breath of fresh air in nature, but you need to get away from the city. The province of Soc Son, located 35 km from Hanoi, offers beautiful mountains and numerous hill routes to train in trail running.

Thong Nhat Park

Located near Hanoi station in the city center, it is a pleasant park with lots of trees and a large lake with a circumference of about 3 kilometers.

Hoan Kiem Lake

The most famous lake in Hanoi, it is not necessarily ideal because the place is quite crowded. It remains nonetheless a nice spot for a short run. The perimeter of the lake is closed to traffic on weekends, and many people go there to stroll, play…

Other Places in Hanoi

There are also a multitude of lakes and parks in Hanoi where you can practice running.

Climate Adaptation

Vietnam has a tropical climate, so it is hot and humid often. That is to say practically all the time in the south and from April to October in the north.

You should expect to sweat a lot! It is therefore advisable to hydrate well and adapt the intensity and duration of the effort. Go at it gradually to see how your body reacts.

Vietnamese people generally train very early in the morning, starting from 5 a.m. to take advantage of the morning freshness.

Running Equipment

The revolution for the French athlete arrived in 2019: Decathlon established itself in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. So no worries, you find the same products as in France and at the same price.

Home or office delivery happens particularly well. Everything is fast here, you do not even need to pay in advance, you can give the money directly to the courier.

Of course, there are also a multitude of sporting goods stores where you will find the shoe suited to your foot!

Here are some addresses in Hanoi:

• Mude: 15 Phố Quảng Khánh, Quảng An, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội https://www.mude.vn/
• Active store: số nhà 22, ngõ 358/40/62 Bùi Xương Trạch, Phường Khương Đình, Quận Thanh Xuân, Thành phố Hà Nội, Việt Nam.
• Anta sport: 72A Nguyễn Trãi, Thượng Đình, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội
• Go sport: Số 42 phố Trần Thái Tông, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, 100000
• Tuan Vu Sport: 12 Trịnh Hoài Đức, Cát Linh, Đống Đa, Hà Nội
• GIÀY BÓNG ĐÁ BECK SPORT: 24 Ngõ Giếng Mứt, Bạch Mai, Trương Định, Hai Bà Trưng, Hà Nội

Gyms

In major cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Danang, you will have no difficulty finding a gym. In general, the equipment is new and good quality.

Most facilities offer monthly and annual memberships.

In addition to running, you will find weightlifting equipment, yoga classes, dance classes, and sometimes even a swimming pool.

Trail and Road Running Calendar 2025 in Vietnam

Vietnam offers a multitude of trail and road running competitions, suitable for all levels and all needs! From the mountains of the North to the shores of the Mekong, runners from all over the world come to take on athletic challenges in the heart of spectacular landscapes.

The Most Well-Known Trails

The most emblematic events remain the three races organized by TOPAS, renowned for their challenging routes and breathtaking views:

• Vietnam Trail Marathon at Moc Chau

• Vietnam Jungle Marathon at Pu Luong

• Vietnam Mountain Marathon at Sapa

To these are added other important calendar dates:

• Dalat Ultra Trail

• Lam Dong Trail

The distances offered generally range from 10 km to 160 km, allowing everyone to find a challenge suited to their level.

Road Running Races

The country currently has over a hundred road running events, organized in all major tourist destinations. Here are some of the most popular:

• Quang Binh Discovery Marathon

• Tay Ho Half Marathon (Hanoi)

• Mekong Delta Marathon – Hau Giang

• Hoi An Discovery Marathon

• Hanoi Marathon Techcombank

• Ha Giang Discovery Marathon

• Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon Techcombank

These events are not just athletic challenges, but also a unique opportunity to discover the diversity of Vietnamese landscapes – between mountains, forests, beaches, and historic cities.

Conclusion

Horizon Vietnam Travel hopes you found useful information about running in Vietnam.

If you wish, Horizon Vietnam Travel can organize a tailor-made trip for you. We can include some sporting events in your journey, so do not hesitate to contact us!