With a strategy that connects sports and tourism, Da Nang is transforming each sporting event into a complete travel experience, where visitors can not only watch competitions but also discover the city’s culture, cuisine, and distinctive landscapes.
Backed by mountains and facing the sea, Da Nang emerges as a compelling sports and tourism destination where nature’s beauty meets a vibrant urban rhythm. Its long coastline stretching along the East Sea, rivers weaving through the city, scenic coastal roads, and modern infrastructure not only support beach tourism and resort travel but also provide ideal conditions for hosting numerous national and international sporting events throughout 2026.
Sports in Da Nang are not only moments of breaking limits but also a lifestyle that balances movement and renewal. After completing a marathon route or triathlon course, visitors can find another kind of space — a place to slow down, listen, and recover in nature.
Along golden beaches that stretch for kilometres, Da Nang offers inspiring spaces for outdoor activities all year round. The long shoreline, gentle slopes, and steady waves create ideal conditions for water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), coastal kayaking, and sailing.
These coastal spaces are not reserved solely for professional athletes; they also attract travellers seeking active experiences during their holidays. Visitors can join sunrise SUP sessions, cycle along the coastline at sunset, and later unwind at world-class beachfront resorts as night falls — creating a seamless blend of activity and relaxation.
Danang International Marathon – Running Between the City, Sea and Sunrise
On March 22, 2026, the Danang International Marathon will take place along some of the city’s most scenic routes, starting from Bien Dong Park, running along the coastline and crossing iconic bridges such as Dragon Bridge and Han River Bridge. The course is widely considered one of the most beautiful marathon routes in the region. Beyond serving athletes, the event also attracts visitors from around the world who come to participate in the race, enjoy the vibrant running festival atmosphere, and take in the endless views of the blue sea.
Marathon running is not only a test of speed but also an emotional connection with the city — from the first steps taken under sunrise light to the enthusiastic cheers of spectators along the route. In June 2026, the city will further expand its running experiences with events such as the “Journey to the Motherland” Marathon in Quang Phu Ward and the “Journey to the Tunnels” Marathon at March 24 Square in Ban Thach Ward, offering new running experiences connected to nature and cultural landmarks.
International Sporting Events and Competitions
The marathon is one of the major highlights, but Da Nang will also host a series of international sporting events throughout 2026. From April 8 to 11, 2026, the Visit Golf Vietnam Championship – Da Nang 2026 will take place across the city’s coastal golf courses and internationally standard golf clubs, attracting golfers from Vietnam and abroad. The combination of competitive golf and beachfront resort experiences helps expand the city’s high-end tourism market.
On May 10, 2026, Da Nang will host IRONMAN Vietnam — the first full-distance triathlon in Vietnam, expanding from the 70.3 format. The race will include sea swimming, cycling, and running along coastal roads and through the city centre. These routes typically start from the main beach area, extend through major urban roads, and return to the finish line — allowing families, spectators, and visitors to follow the entire race and share the excitement of the event.
Additionally, at the end of March 2026, the World Legends Football Festival at Hoa Xuan Stadium will bring a different sporting atmosphere with friendly matches featuring international football legends, attracting fans and families alike. Later in the year, from late September to early October 2026, the PPA Tour Asia – Vietnam Cup 2026 Pickleball Tournament at Tien Son Sports Palace and Tuyen Son Sports Village will gather top pickleball players in the region, introducing an exciting and emerging sport for both participants and spectators.
National Championships Hosted in Da Nang
Alongside international events, Da Nang also hosts numerous national championships that support the development of youth and professional sports. Competitions such as the National Youth Sailing Championship, the National Youth Stand-Up Paddleboarding Championship and National Club Cup, the National Youth Swimming Championship, the National Youth Diving Championship, and the National Junior Badminton Championship are held regularly at beaches, pools, and sports venues across the city.
These locations have become familiar to athletes nationwide thanks to their professional facilities and the inspiring competition setting within a coastal urban landscape.
The city also hosts the National Strong Teams Bowling Championship, the National Youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship, the National Youth and Junior Table Tennis Championship, the National U16 5×5 Basketball Championship, and the National Youth and Club Beach Handball Championship. In addition, Da Nang will host for the first time the Central Region Youth Pickleball Tournament, further expanding the diversity of sports within the national competition system.
This dynamic calendar of national and international competitions creates an exciting “sports season” for Da Nang while opening new opportunities for deeper tourism development. Each event attracts thousands of athletes, coaches, supporters, and accompanying family members — forming a group of visitors with high spending power and longer stays.
It also creates opportunities for visitors to combine competition with relaxation and exploration — discovering natural landscapes, local culture, unique cuisine, and the vibrant atmosphere of major events.
Within this constant movement, Da Nang reveals itself as a coastal city full of energy, where sports become a bridge connecting people with nature, visitors with destinations, and the city with friends from around the world. It opens a journey to “return to origin”, where healing energy emerges from the blue sea, ocean breezes, and long coastal roads.
Here, every stride, every swim, and every movement within open landscapes is not only a physical challenge but also a way to renew the spirit, refresh emotions, and reconnect deeply with the natural beauty of the coastal city.
Da Nang, therefore, is not only a destination for events and competitions, but also a space where people can reconnect with themselves — stronger, more balanced, and inspired for the journey ahead.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
