Sports Tourism: Unleashing Hanoi’s Untapped Potential

Nguyen Hoang Duong and his family often spend their weekends in Soc Son District, a suburb of Hanoi. They enjoy cycling on the scenic forest roads and taking in the mountain landscape, while Duong indulges in his favorite sport, golf.

Duong believes that Hanoi has immense potential for sports tourism, with its picturesque mountainous regions, abundant rivers and lakes, and charming heritage streets in the city center. However, this potential remains largely untapped.

Unlocking the potential for sports tourism

Soc Son District, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, is known for its diverse terrain and captivating scenery, making it an ideal location for activities like cycling, jogging, and climbing.

Recently, several roads have been constructed specifically for mountain biking, jogging, and races. These include routes such as Dong Quan Lake-Keo Ca Lake-Thanh Giong Monument (11 km long), Soc Temple-Saint Giong Monument (5 km long), and Dong Quan Lake-Soc Temple (8 km long).

West Lake in Hanoi is an ideal place for outdoor sports. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

The district has successfully organized various jogging and off-road racing tournaments that have attracted both locals and tourists alike.

In addition, Soc Son boasts two international standard golf courses: Minh Tri Golf Course and BRG Legendhill Soc Son Golf Course.

The upcoming Soc Son Racecourse Entertainment Complex will be a world-class fitness and sports center in the northern capital.

According to Do Minh Tuan, Deputy Chairman of Soc Son District People’s Committee, Soc Son has tremendous potential and advantages for sports tourism. The local authorities are actively working on developing sports tourism in the region.

Other areas in and around Hanoi, such as Ba Vi, Chuong My, Son Tay districts, and metropolitan areas, also hold great potential for sports tourism development.

Ba Vi District, with its semi-mountainous terrain and Ba Vi National Park, offers great opportunities for mountain climbing and running enthusiasts.

Son Tay, on the other hand, is home to Dong Mo Golf Course, renowned as one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful golf courses, thanks to its harmonious natural landscape.

Dong Mo Lake in Son Tay Town on the outskirts of Hanoi is a tourist draw. Photo: VNA

Downtown Hanoi, with its well-developed infrastructure for various sports activities, hosts major tournaments on a regular basis.

In addition, the city center boasts numerous beautiful streets and a rich heritage system, making it a popular destination for running races that allow participants to discover the beauty of the capital. The expansive West Lake area is particularly suitable for dragon boat racing events.

According to golfer Nguyen Hoang Duong, sports tourism holds a special allure as it not only provides physical exercise but also allows travelers to connect with like-minded individuals, experience local communities, and explore the tourism offerings of the destination.

Major tournaments not only attract participants but also their families and friends.

Many tourism experts believe that in the future, local authorities should be more flexible in granting licenses for sports tournaments to better promote destinations.

Meanwhile, travel companies can collaborate with sports event organizers to develop sports tourism merchandise.

Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, reassures that the department will create favorable conditions and ample opportunities for tourism businesses and sports event organizers to discuss and find mutually beneficial solutions.

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