Can Gio, located 50 km from central TP HCM, boasts a unique landscape combining sea, mangrove forests, and a distinct natural ecosystem. This year, for the 30/4-1/5 holiday, Can Gio is set to host a range of cultural and artistic activities, suitable for all ages.

Fireworks in Can Gio during this year's spring flower festival before Tet Nguyen Dan. Photo: Vingroup

Run through Rung Sac

The year 2026 marks the first time the VnExpress Marathon comes to Can Gio. The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio is considered the greenest course in the system, guiding 5,000 runners through areas within the Vinhomes Green Paradise megacity, Duyen Hai road, and the Rung Sac route through the mangrove forest.

Longer distances, such as 21km and 42km, will include about 7km running on Dai lo Thoi Dai within the Vinhomes Green Paradise urban area. Roads here are new, wide, and without slopes. Over 22km will be run on the recently upgraded Rung Sac route. The wide road allows organizers to provide ample space for athletes. A feature of this route is its straight path, with only one turnaround point, making it suitable for runners to maintain high speeds.

Can Gio Biosphere Reserve. Photo: Vingroup

For shorter distances, the course is designed primarily within the Vinhomes Green Paradise project, featuring open coastal areas, abundant greenery, and natural cool breezes for much of the race. Combined with flat terrain, the 5km and 10km distances are suitable for new racers, families seeking to enjoy the event atmosphere, and runners aiming for personal records.

The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio is expected to become a signature event, a prominent sports tourism product for TP HCM during its development expansion phase. The city and organizers aim to elevate the race to international standards in the future, alongside improvements in local infrastructure and amenities.

Pink trumpet trees and bougainvillea blooming on Rung Sac road, 3/2026. Photo: Kha Thien Loc

Enjoy fireworks and a food festival

In addition to the race, organizers have planned many experiences throughout the holiday, creating lasting memories for runners and their families. The night of 30/4 will feature a fireworks display by the sea, lighting up Can Gio. Before this, runners and their families can attend a welcome music night, a series of minigame events, and food stalls.

VinFast will also host a display and test drive area, with "VinFast Green Ambassadors"—car owners who will share their practical experiences, product advantages, and economic considerations when choosing electric vehicles.

Explore the mangrove forest

Forest and river ecosystem in Can Gio. Photo: Vingroup

Beyond sports and cultural activities, runners and their families can combine their trip with ecological tourism at the UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. Several tour operators offer excursions, such as canoe trips along rivers or walks on wooden bridges through the mangrove forest to observe the brackish water environment and characteristic vegetation.

At Vam Sat Tourist Area, visitors can explore the bird sanctuary, crocodile pond, and natural habitats. For children, directly observing animals, learning about their habitats, and moving through the forest helps them visualize nature more easily than through books or images alone.

The VnExpress Marathon Green Paradise Can Gio will take place on 1/5, attracting 5,000 athletes, and combining many festival and culinary activities. Runners can anticipate the greenest course in the VnExpress Marathon system, featuring a "through forest, by sea" route. The race is organized by VnExpress newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company, in collaboration with Vinhomes Green Paradise.

Vinhomes Green Paradise spans 2,870 ha and is planned as an international, ecological, smart, multi-functional coastal megacity, aiming for ESG++ standards. The urban area integrates living, lodging, commercial, tourism, medical, and educational spaces. It is also suitable for running enthusiasts, and is expected to become a new tourism symbol attracting 40 million visitors each year.

Hoang Dan