Can Gio, located about 50 km from central Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM), is known for its mangrove ecosystem, long coastline, and pristine natural environment. During the 30/4-1/5 holiday, the VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio will take place here, expected to attract more than 5,000 runners and tourists. According to the organizing committee's representative, the natural landscape not only creates a unique running course but also suits outdoor activities like camping, picnics, beach sports, and ecosystem exploration for families, young people, and runners. Coastal camping is a highlight, allowing runners to extend their post-race relaxation.

To help visitors fully enjoy this experience, the organizing committee prepared a camping area within the Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio urban area. This allows runners to bring their tents, personal items, and arrange them in groups for convenience. The coastal camping space allows participants to watch the sunrise, stroll on the sand, or engage in light activities to recover after the race. Additionally, camping facilitates interaction among runner groups, a factor many seek when participating in races.

Outdoor camping experience simulation. *Minh Tam*

The journey in Can Gio also attracts visitors and runners through a series of experiences exploring the local unique ecosystem. Transitioning from sports to nature experiences ensures the trip remains uninterrupted while maintaining a gentle pace of relaxation. One of Can Gio's highlights is its mangrove ecosystem, recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. From the coastal area, runners can easily visit attractions like Sac Forest, Monkey Island, or take boat tours through the forest.

Walking path on Monkey Island. *Quynh Tran*

This arrangement ensures the trip balances active time with recovery breaks. The pace is not too intense, suiting the growing trend of slow tourism and short-term relaxation. "Healing" activities like boating through mangrove forests, observing birds and crocodiles, or learning about the ecosystem also attract visitors. According to the Can Gio Protection Forest Management Board, this area is home to hundreds of plant and animal species, creating a biodiverse environment typical of a coastal estuary.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Can Gio. *Lee Luong*

Beyond nature, Can Gio also holds many historical marks. The Sac Forest revolutionary base, recognized as a national relic in 2004, was an operational area for commando forces during the resistance period. Visitors can learn about survival conditions in the mangrove forest, the combat tactics of the commandos, and the contributions of this land.

The combination of coastal camping, participating in the race, and exploring mangrove forests creates a multi-experience journey. This blend makes the trip to Can Gio diverse, suiting runners who wish to utilize their holiday for activity, relaxation, and nature experiences near Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM).

Thai Anh

The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio takes place on 1/5, expected to attract 5,000 athletes, combining various festival and culinary activities. Runners can look forward to the greenest course in the VnExpress Marathon system with a route that goes "through forests, alongside the sea." The race is organized by VnExpress newspaper, FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, in collaboration with Vinhomes Green Paradise.

Vinhomes Green Paradise spans 2,870 ha, planned as an international, ecological, smart, multi-functional coastal metropolis, aiming for ESG++ standards. The urban area integrates residential, accommodation, commercial, tourism, healthcare, and educational spaces. It is also an ideal environment for running enthusiasts, expected to become a new tourism icon attracting 40 million visitors annually.