Following the peak summer tourism season, sporting events are injecting fresh energy into Quang Ninh’s autumn tourism, from the forests of Yen Tu and the waters of Van Don to the shores of Ha Long Bay. By creating new experiences and attracting new visitors, these events are helping extend the tourism season.
Kicking off the vibrant autumn season, the Yen Tu Ultra Trail 2026 brought nearly 2,000 athletes to the Yen Tu World Heritage Site in early September. Held from September 4 to 6, the three-day event featured five race distances, ranging from 5 km to 70 km, taking runners along trails, rocky slopes and through pine and bamboo forests. The race attracted athletes from 12 countries and territories.
From the mountains of Yen Tu, the autumn sporting calendar moves to the coast. The Aqua Warriors Van Don 2026, held on September 12 and 13, attracted around 2,500 athletes, including approximately 70 foreign participants, competing in swimming and running events. The competition opens up a new opportunity to promote coastal tourism beyond the peak summer season.
The series will continue through November with the Ha Long Bay Heritage International Marathon, which is expected to draw around 18,000 athletes. Other events, including Yen Tu Heritage and the Amata Run – Bach Dang Heritage Trail, will help maintain the momentum of sports tourism through the end of the year.
Beyond major sporting events, the autumn tourism scene is also being enriched by a wide range of activities at the local level. Luc Hon Commune is organising a challenge to conquer Cao Xiem Peak, which stands at 1,429 metres, combined with activities showcasing the culture of the Dao Thanh Phan ethnic group and the Golden Season Festival. Binh Lieu Commune is hosting a heritage market combining cultural and sporting activities with OCOP products, while Hoanh Mo Commune is holding the “Cao Ly Moon Night.” In Vang Danh Ward, the “Golden Autumn of Phuong Hoang” programme features mountain climbing, cycling, motorcycling and culinary activities.
There are also pickleball tournaments and exchanges in Dam Ha, Mong Cai, Hai Ninh, Hai Lang, Dong Trieu and Hiep Hoa, along with football, badminton, volleyball and various other community sporting activities. While differing in scale, the growing number of events is helping expand sports tourism to destinations beyond Quang Ninh’s traditional tourism hubs.
This diversity of destinations and activities is opening up new opportunities for tourism growth. Each sporting event can serve as a gateway to a broader travel experience. When linked with tourism products, services and promotional offers, sporting events can not only attract visitors but also encourage longer stays and boost visitor spending.
In Yen Tu, this approach has been clearly incorporated into tourism stimulus plans, which call for the development of packages featuring spiritual, ecological, resort and experiential tourism, while encouraging businesses to offer incentives and strengthen linkages among tourism service providers. In Ha Long, marathon events can be combined with visits to the bay, museums, night-time attractions and other coastal tourism experiences.
Notably, at smaller-scale events, the connection between sports and tourism is built directly into the event programmes. The Cao Xiem challenge combines mountain climbing with opportunities to experience the cuisine and culture of the Dao Thanh Phan people. The Binh Lieu heritage market connects sporting activities with OCOP products, while the “Golden Autumn of Phuong Hoang” programme brings together mountain climbing, cycling, motorcycling and culinary experiences. Such integrated experiences are enabling smaller sporting events to attract their own visitors while spreading the benefits of tourism more directly to local communities.
By Ta Quan
