The VnExpress Marathon Vung Tau 2026, a large-scale international running event within the VnExpress Marathon system, will take place on 30/8. The race gathers approximately 7.000 local and international athletes to stride along the southern coastal route. Vung Tau, with a coastline of approximately 42 km and a prime geographical location just over an hour's drive from Ho Chi Minh City, has become the 12th destination in the VnExpress Marathon series. In late august, Vung Tau's weather is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 26-30 degrees C. This ideal weather allows family members to cheer and capture runners' vibrant moments on the race course, while also exploring the city's many attractions.

Bai Sau, also known as Thuy Van beach, is Vung Tau's most vibrant tourist hub. Stretching nearly 4 km with a smooth sandy shore, clear blue water, and gentle waves year-round, it features a large coastal park shaded by green coconut trees. The area also hosts numerous luxury resorts, modern hotels, and lively entertainment areas. Bai Sau is conveniently located right next to the race's start and finish lines, making it an ideal choice for families cheering on runners.

An overview of Vung Tau's Bai Sau beach after renovation. *Truong Ha*

From hotels along Thuy Van street, family members are just a few steps from the race course. Here, families can stroll along the beach, capture memorable photos, and choose the best vantage point near Thuy Van street to easily join the bustling atmosphere and provide moral support to runners as the race begins.

In stark contrast to the lively bustle of Bai Sau, Bai Truoc, also known as Tam Duong beach, is nestled peacefully between Nho mountain and Lon mountain. This area offers a poetic, tranquil, and romantic beauty with shaded coconut trees and a vibrant coastal green park adorned with colorful flowers. As part of the race's main route, Bai Truoc offers unobstructed ocean views.

This area features numerous beachfront cafes with open-space designs and wide, airy balconies, making it an ideal stop for family members to relax with a morning coffee, take picturesque photos, and easily watch the race pass by. Notably, Bai Truoc also boasts Vung Tau's most beautiful sunset view over the sea, perfect for families to admire and capture beautiful moments together.

Dubbed the "Heaven's Gate of Vung Tau," Mui Nghinh Phong is a spectacular, majestic, and exceptionally windy landmark along the coastal race route. It features a winding strip of land extending into the ocean, creating a unique "back to the mountain, face to the sea" formation: one side is Vong Nguyet beach with year-round lapping waves, and on the other is Huong Phong beach, nestled peacefully beneath towering cliffs.

Mui Nghinh Phong in southern Vung Tau. *Ba Ria - Vung Tau Provincial Portal*

Mui Nghinh Phong offers a panoramic view of the entire coastal race course from above, allowing family members to easily capture every running moment from afar and choose beautiful photo angles. The most prominent attraction here is "Heaven's Gate" – an ancient brick wall located right at the top of the slope. Stepping through the arched opening, visitors are treated to an expansive view of the vast blue sea and a vibrant sky, truly living up to its name. This is considered one of Vung Tau's most prized photo opportunities, where simply standing for a shot yields impressive souvenir pictures.

Located next to the Mui Nghinh Phong slope on the summit of Nho mountain, the Christ the King Statue, standing 32 m tall with an arm span of 18,3 m, is a masterful spiritual architectural work and a famous tourist symbol not to be missed in Vung Tau. The winding race course directly below the mountain enhances the solemn and majestic scenery of this area.

To fully experience this space, runners and families can climb the stone steps to the statue's base to admire the scenery. Those seeking a greater challenge can continue to ascend the 133 spiral steps inside the statue to emerge onto the Christ's shoulders. From this highest vantage point, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the coastal city, observe the winding white sands of Bai Sau, the bustling streets below, and fully feel the sea breeze.

Christ the King Statue, the city's majestic tourism symbol. *Ba Ria - Vung Tau Tourism Promotion Center*

Standing majestically on the summit of Nho mountain at an altitude of 170 m above sea level, Vung Tau Lighthouse, with its pristine white cylindrical tower rising 18 m, is one of Vietnam's and Southeast Asia's oldest lighthouses, possessing significant historical and architectural value. To reach the lighthouse summit, runners and families will traverse a winding road around the mountain, which is also expected to be part of the race course for runners. This spot offers a place to enjoy the breeze and fresh air, while providing panoramic views of the coastal city from above.

All five locations are situated along the race course or near Bai Sau and Bai Truoc. Therefore, families do not need to travel far to both support runners and explore the city.

Duc Anh

Regular phase tickets for the VnExpress Marathon Vung Tau 2026 are on sale until 12/8 at the most favorable rates; interested runners can register here.