13,000 runners will descend upon the coastal city of Nha Trang on 24/8 to participate in the VnExpress Marathon. During their 48-hour stay, from check-in to after crossing the finish line, runners can do light exercises to acclimate to the weather and explore the central region's unique cuisine through street food popular with locals.

Getting acquainted with the coastal city on Friday afternoon and evening

After checking in around 2 PM, runners can embark on their culinary journey with light, local favorites. Co Thuy's banh can stall (151 Hoang Van Thu) is a popular choice, known for its banh can with squid and quail eggs, served with a flavorful fish sauce. Less than one kilometer away, Dang Van Quyen nem nuong (16A Lan Ong) offers nem nuong rolls with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a rich dipping sauce—a perfect light meal after traveling.

Banh can - a specialty of Khanh Hoa and the former Ninh Thuan province. Photo: Dong Phong

Banh can - a specialty of Khanh Hoa and the former Ninh Thuan province. Photo: Dong Phong

As the city lights up, runners can explore the seafood stalls on Thap Ba Street. Dishes like stir-fried oc len with coconut milk, grilled oysters with cheese, and blood cockles grilled with scallions cost around 40,000–100,000 VND and are perfect for sharing with a group to savor the fresh, rich flavors of the sea.

Eating just enough to conserve energy for race day on Saturday

Breakfast is crucial for fueling up, especially the day before the race. Dishes like bun sua (jellyfish noodle soup), bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup), and banh canh (thick noodle soup) at Ba Thua (55 Yersin) or Nguyen Loan (123 Ngo Gia Tu) are ideal choices: they are rich in protein, low in fat, and easy to digest.

Nha Trang bun cha ca is a breakfast dish that provides plenty of energy. Photo: Xuan Phuong

Nha Trang bun cha ca is a breakfast dish that provides plenty of energy. Photo: Xuan Phuong

Lunch should prioritize light yet nutritious options, such as seafood mi quang or goi ca mai (raw fish salad)—which can be found at Co Ba (105 Hoang Hoa Tham) or the seaside restaurants along Tran Phu Street.

In the afternoon, runners should rest, collect their race kits, and relax. Dinner suggestions include oyster porridge (number 6 Ngo Si Lien), hot banh mi cha ca at the corner of Tran Phu and Hung Vuong streets, or vegetable soup around Nguyen Thi Minh Khai area. These dishes will help the body prepare for race day.

Enjoying seafood after the race on Sunday

After finishing the race, runners can recover with Minh Thao shrimp noodle soup (14 Phan Chu Trinh), Co Nam's Dien Khanh banh uot (steamed rice cakes) (16 Tran Binh Trong), or mixed bun sua along Hoang Van Thu Street.

Lunchtime is an ideal time to gather with friends at the seaside restaurants along Tran Phu and Pham Van Dong streets, which offer squid hot pot, grilled fish, and stir-fried clams with lemongrass in open-air, oceanfront settings.

Stir-fried oc len with coconut milk is a favorite among diners for its rich, savory flavor. Photo: Huynh Nhi

Stir-fried oc len with coconut milk is a favorite among diners for its rich, savory flavor. Photo: Huynh Nhi

In the late afternoon, before leaving Nha Trang, runners can visit the banh xeo chao (pan-fried savory crepe) stall (85 To Hien Thanh), try banh beo chen (small steamed rice cakes) on Hoang Van Thu Street, or enjoy cha ram tom dat (ground shrimp spring rolls) at the family-run restaurants on Biet Thu Street—a light and satisfying way to conclude their culinary journey.

Tips for experiencing the Nha Trang food tour

To ensure they are in top condition for race day, runners should prioritize restaurants popular with locals that are busy and maintain good hygiene. Avoid trying overly unfamiliar dishes or overeating, especially on Saturday evening, to minimize digestive issues.

Before the race, runners can choose restaurants near the starting area to save travel time and get adequate rest. For flexible travel, runners can rent motorbikes for about 80,000 VND per day. Be sure to thoroughly check the paperwork and condition of the motorbike before using it.

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