Vietnam, a land of sporting events: yesterday, today, and tomorrow
Vietnam is gradually establishing itself as a must-visit destination for sporting events in Southeast Asia, perfectly combining tradition and modernity in a setting conducive to MICE, team building, and bleisure.
Trang An Marathon, 2023 - Photo Credit : VietnamPlus
Vietnam's sporting heritage
Vietnam, a country where culture and sports harmoniously intertwine, has a rich sporting heritage passed down from generation to generation. Dau Vat, a traditional wrestling imbued with ancestral values, and Vovinam, a martial art that combines grace and power, are eloquent examples of how sports shape the Vietnamese cultural identity.
Đẩy Gậy, another traditional sport popular in the northern mountainous regions, showcases the ingenuity and strength of the Vietnamese. This game, which takes place during festivals and celebrations, features athletes competing with bamboo sticks, demonstrating technique and strategy.
Vietnam's involvement in the international sports scene dates back to 1952, with its first participation in the Olympic Games. The medals won by Trần Hiếu Ngân in taekwondo and Hoàng Anh Tuấn in weightlifting marked an important milestone in the country's sports history, paving the way for future successes.
This unique combination of traditional sports and international achievements makes Vietnam a prime destination for sports enthusiasts and sports tourism professionals.
Vietnam Trail Marathon, 2024 - Photo credit : VietnamPlus
Vietnam's sports scene today
In recent years, Vietnam has undergone a spectacular transformation of its sports landscape, becoming a key player in organizing regional and international sporting events. Hosting the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2003 and 2022, the arrival of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Hanoi (although postponed due to the pandemic), and the rise of international marathons in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang perfectly illustrate this dynamic.
An ideal setting for business tourism and bleisure
Vietnam offers
modern and diverse infrastructure for corporate events, with state-of-the-art
sports complexes, world-class
golf courses, and
water activities in iconic sites such as
Ha Long Bay and
Phu Quoc. The concept of bleisure, which combines business travel and leisure, makes perfect sense in Vietnam, where participants can enjoy unique experiences that blend sports, cultural discovery, and relaxation.
Sports tourism, a booming sector
Sports tourism is a rapidly growing sector in Vietnam, attracting an increasing number of athletes and enthusiasts from around the world. Marathons and half-marathons organized throughout the country, such as Mau Son Mount Paths and the VPBank VnExpress Ho Chi Minh City Midnight Marathon, offer exceptional routes through stunning landscapes while showcasing Vietnamese culture and hospitality.
Motorboats UIM F1H20 World Championship - Photo Credit : VNA
The promising future of sports events in Vietnam
The future looks bright for sports events in Vietnam, with the hosting of the World Beach Games in Da Nang in 2025 and ongoing investments in sports and tourism infrastructure. The country is moving towards sustainable and responsible sports tourism, focusing on eco-tourism, integrating local communities, and promoting cultural values.
Vietnam, a top destination for business tourism professionals
For event organizers, Vietnam now offers a perfect balance of exceptional natural settings, quality infrastructure, and advantageous value for money, all supported by legendary hospitality and globally recognized cuisine.
Vietnam continuously reinvents its sports offerings, transforming every professional event into an opportunity for cultural discovery and memorable experiences, embodying the essence of the bleisure concept.