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Sport tourism is defined as the active and passive participation in various sports activities; participating spontaneously or organized, for non-commercial or commercial/business reasons that require leaving the place of residence and workplace. In other words, sport tourism is the combination of sports activities and tourism.
Sport tourism is the fusion of sports activities and tourism. Image: danangfantasticity
Currently, sport tourism has two main products: Firstly, tourism with sports participation (tourism for the purpose of participating in sports activities, entertainment, or physical activities); Secondly, tourism combined with watching sports competitions, entertainment.
2. Benefits of sport tourism
The allure of sport tourism lies in its non-restriction by factors such as culture, gender, or skill level, it can cater to all demographics. Sport tourism brings new experiences to travelers, enhances the quality of trips, and importantly, boosts local brand recognition. Through major sporting events, many countries have focused on ensuring the quality of tourism services, promoting marketing, changing the image of their tourism, thereby creating significant leverage for tourism development, short-term, medium-term, and long-term economic growth.
Sport is a significant lever for tourism development. Image: danangfantasticity
Sport tourism events also encourage the use of local people and local products to maximize local benefits. Sport tourism staff are often required to have special skills, especially guides and volunteers. This opens up training opportunities for local people to enhance their service, communication, language skills, as well as business opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises locally.
Sport tourism is an opportunity for local people to develop additional skills. Image: Collected
Additionally, sport tourism brings about cultural cross-pollination between the local community and tourists. Sport tourism events raise awareness and promote interest in sports, healthy lifestyles within the community, enhance human connections, promote peace, and cultural exchange.
Improving health and raising community awareness. Image: Collected
Furthermore, sport tourism not only helps improve health but also enhances the awareness of the community and tourists about protecting natural resources and enhancing environmental quality.
3. Types of sport tourism in Vietnam
3.1. Marathon Running
In Vietnam, the most well-known form of sport tourism is marathon running, with many major events organized professionally every year, satisfying the passion of travel enthusiasts and bringing profits to the local tourism industry. In recent years, the number of marathon races organized in Vietnam has rapidly increased, held in various locations nationwide, from mountainous regions to coastal areas, from urban to rural areas attracting a large number of domestic and international professional and amateur athletes.
Marathon is a beloved sport tourism discipline. Image: Collected
Among them, Vietnam Mountain Marathon stands out as the largest mountain marathon in Vietnam, attracting thousands of participants from both domestic and international locations seeking unique experiences. Participants run through terraced rice fields, traversing villages of ethnic groups such as Tay, Dao Do, Giay, and Hmong. VnExpress International Marathon is held on the most beautiful running routes in Vietnam, passing through famous landmarks in Quy Nhon such as Ky Co, Eo Gio, Hon Kho, Ghenh Rang - Tien Sa, Hue. And many other races like Ha Long Heritage Marathon, Da Lat Ultra Trail, International Marathon Hoi An... are creating a remarkably fresh appeal for each destination.
Vietnam Mountain Marathon. Image: Collected
This summer will be an opportunity for you to participate in races such as Cuc Phuong Jungle Paths on April 4; Hoi An Discovery Marathon on May 1; VnExpress Marathon Quy Nhon on June 6 or Mau Son Jungle Paths on June 27, along with many other exciting races.
VnExpress Marathon. Image: Collected
3.2. Triathlon
Triathlon is the ultimate fusion of three athletic disciplines: running, swimming, and cycling. Athletes dive into the water for the swimming leg, transition to cycling, and then finish with a grueling marathon. With categories tailored to both amateurs and professionals, triathlons offer a challenge for every level of competitor.
Cycling Race. Image: Collection
Running. Image: Collection
Swimming. Image: Collection
Each trekking journey varies in duration, depending on your physical condition. You can opt for a 2-day 1-night trip, a 3-day 2-night trip, or even longer. At the top of the list of the most beautiful trekking routes in Vietnam is none other than the Tà Năng- Phan Dũng trail. This trail spans over 50km, starting from Tà Năng commune, Đức Trọng district, Lâm Đồng province, and ending at Phan Dũng commune, Tuy Phong district, Bình Thuận province, with numerous hills and lush green grasslands.
Trekking Lảo Thần. Image: Collected
Additionally, there are less strenuous trekking routes that are equally scenic, which you can consider for this summer include trekking at Mount Bà Đen, Bidoup National Park, Bạch Mộc Lương Tử, Lảo Thần – Y Tý, and more.
Note that to complete these trekking routes, you need to have excellent physical fitness beforehand and strictly adhere to the guide's instructions as mountainous terrain can be very hazardous.
3.4. Kayaking
Kayaking is an underwater sport, utilizing small boats and paddle blades to move. Kayaks come in various sizes and types, depending on their purpose, but mostly have 1-2 seats and a fully enclosed footwell.
Kayaking. Image: Collected
As a sport that enhances physical fitness and endurance, kayaking has become increasingly popular in Vietnam in recent years, catering to tourism, river excursions, and sea exploration. For adventure seekers, kayaking through rocky rapids and waterfalls provides a challenging and exciting experience. For those seeking leisurely travel, combining kayaking on the sea or lake offers gentle exercise and mental relaxation.
Kayaking is also a beloved sport in Vietnam. Image: Collected
With diverse landscapes and abundant nature spanning across Vietnam, it's not difficult to find attractive and ideal spots for kayaking. Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay (Quang Ninh), Phong Nha - Ke Bang Cave (Quang Binh), Han River (Da Nang), Tuyen Lam Lake (Da Lat), Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa), Dinh Cape (Ninh Thuan), Bai Sao (Phu Quoc - Kien Giang)... will be excellent choices for you this summer.
3.5. Surfing
Vietnam boasts numerous beaches of various shapes and sizes stretching over more than 3,000 km of coastline. Alongside the mild tropical weather, many coastal areas attract a large number of visitors every year. Besides the breathtaking scenery, towering waves pose an enticing challenge for surfing enthusiasts who seek out these destinations. Popular types of surfing in Vietnam include wave surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and canoe surfing.
Surfing is one of the forms of paddleboarding that does not use any support other than the surfboard. This is a technically demanding sport, so surfers are primarily professional athletes. However, if you want to experience riding on top of the waves, Da Nang beach is a fantastic place for first-time surfers.
Surfing. Image: Collected
The most popular form nowadays is paddleboarding. Compared to surfing, paddleboarding is simpler and easier to play. A complete beginner can master paddleboarding within a few hours of practice. You can easily play this sport on rivers, lakes, or the sea.
Paddleboarding. Image: Collected
In windsurfing, players use a board equipped with a sail, harnessing the power of the wind to glide on the sea surface. Mastering the sail requires dedicated practice over time. Windsurfers range from professional to amateur, depending on the waves and wind. Beaches in Binh Thuan, Nha Trang are the most bustling and convenient spots for windsurfing. Additionally, you can also experience wind gliding at Dai Lai Lake, Vinh Phuc, or Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong.
Windsurfing. Image: Collected
Kiteboarding is another wind-driven sport where players ride on top of waves using a specialized kite instead of a sail. The windy shores of Mui Ne with year-round warm sunshine are ideal for kiteboarding enthusiasts.
Kiteboarding. Image: Collected
Lastly, there's canoe wakeboarding. Compared to other surfing sports, wakeboarding with a canoe is much easier. Instead of relying on waves or wind, wakeboarding utilizes the pulling force of the canoe. However, participants still need to attend a basic course to maintain balance on the water. You can participate in this sport at most beaches nationwide.
Canoe Wakeboarding. Image: Collected
Now, quickly choose a suitable sport to get ready to spice up the summer!
