Vietnam’s Lam Dong eyes int’l trail race to boost tourism, sustainability

According to Nguyen Tu Anh, director of Nexus Sport Events, the company behind the Vietnam Nexus Marathon Series (VNMS), Lam Dong has 'ideal conditions' to stage a world-class ultra trail running event. 

The province, newly expanded through its administrative merger with Binh Thuan and Dak Nong Provinces, boasts diverse terrains, a cool climate, and globally-recognized ecological sites.

"A well-designed sports event can become a global tourism symbol," said Anh, who recently visited Da Lat to survey the area. 

"The question is no longer whether Lam Dong can host such a race, but whether it wants to establish itself on the international sports-tourism map."

From Langbiang to world stage

Many of the world's most renowned trail races — such as the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in France, or Mount Fuji Ultra-Trail in Japan — are closely tied to iconic landscapes. 

Anh believes Lam Dong's Langbiang Biosphere Reserve, Ta Dung Global Geopark, and coastal zones like Mui Ne offer a rare combination of features within a compact geographical area.

He proposes focusing the race around Langbiang, citing its challenging elevation, cultural richness among local ethnic communities, and logistical readiness thanks to its proximity to Da Lat.

"Langbiang has the DNA of a global trail running destination," he said. 

"And a well-organized annual event could create ripple effects — drawing visitors to satellite destinations and encouraging sustainable tourism."

Socio-economic impact

Nexus Sport Events estimates that a trail race attracting 3,000-5000 runners could bring over 10,000 visitors per edition, generating hundreds of billions of dong in direct and indirect revenue. (VND1 billion = US$38,176)

Local hotels, restaurants, and transport operators would be among the first to benefit.

Longer term, such an event could shift Lam Dong's tourism model toward year-round, experience-based travel, which is less dependent on seasonal traffic and more rooted in local identity and ecology.

"This is about building an ecosystem that connects sport, culture, and sustainability," Anh added.

The race could also create jobs for local residents, not only in event logistics but in guiding, hospitality, and the supply of local food and crafts. 

Thousands of volunteers and contractors would need to be trained each season, adding to local skill development and income.

Environmental commitment, global branding

Sustainability is a central pillar of the proposal. 

Organizers aim to follow international best practices, including minimizing waste and emissions, using reusable materials, and reinvesting a portion of profits into reforestation, conservation, and community education.

"Each athlete can become an ambassador for the environment," Anh said. 

"We plan to build a sustainability code of conduct for the entire event."

To reach global recognition, the organizers plan to develop a compelling brand story, combining Langbiang's sacred mountains, local legends, and Da Lat's colonial heritage with modern digital storytelling, international media partnerships, and outreach to elite athletes.

A long-term vision

Beyond a single event, the goal is to establish Lam Dong as a premier destination for green sports tourism in Asia.

"If we do this right, we won't just organize a race — we'll help redefine Lam Dong's place on the global map, while inspiring a culture of health, pride, and sustainability across Vietnam," Anh said.