A surfing demonstration on the hydroelectric reservoir.

Possessing diverse topography with majestic hills, mountains, rivers, plateaus, grasslands, tea plantations, and primeval forests, along with a rich cultural heritage, Son La has significant advantages for developing sports tourism. Notably, the Moc Chau Tourist Area, covering 206,150 hectares across the Moc Chau and Van Ho districts, can cater to the needs of tourists who enjoy adventure sports, eco-sports, and unique experiences.

As an annual event, when the plum blossoms bloom, thousands of domestic and international athletes converge on Moc Chau town to participate in the Vietnam Trail Marathon. This year, the race attracted more than 3,000 athletes from 40 countries and territories. Athletes chose to run 70 km, 42 km, 21 km, 10 km, and 5 km along trails passing through many places with beautiful natural scenery, peaceful villages, grasslands, tea hills, and valleys of plum and apricot blossoms.

Moc Chau is considered one of the most beautiful running routes in Vietnam. In 2025, the Vietnam Trail Marathon will be held for the 7th time in Moc Chau town. Finishing first in the men's 42km race, athlete Stephen Anthony Brakey from the Republic of Ireland shared: "I've participated in many races around the world, but Moc Chau is truly captivating. The scenery is majestic and pristine, the people are friendly and welcoming, and the organization is professional. I will definitely return to Moc Chau with my friends to explore this amazing land."

Athletes compete at the Vietnam Trail Marathon.

In late March, Moc Chau Island Tourist Area - Bach Long Glass Bridge, in collaboration with the Moc Chau Enduro Off-Road Motorcycle Club in Moc Chau town, organized the 2025 Vietnam Off-Road Motorcycle Race, with the participation of over 100 athletes from more than 20 countries and territories. This was the second time the tournament was held at Moc Chau Island, providing a platform for off-road motorcycle racers to showcase their talents; with many exciting and dramatic races and chases, attracting a large audience of spectators, locals, and tourists from within and outside the province to watch and cheer.

In addition, Moc Chau is also an ideal destination for athletes and tourists passionate about paragliding, hot air ballooning, and conquering Pha Luong peak... Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Moc Chau town, shared: Sports events attract a large number of tourists to the venues, creating a significant impact both economically and socially. This is also an opportunity to spread the image of Moc Chau National Tourist Area - a leading natural destination in Asia and the world - closer to domestic and international tourists.

Leveraging its advantageous terrain, natural landscape, and scenery, Van Ho district has coordinated the organization of numerous sporting events such as: the Vietnam Off-Road Motorcycle Championship in 2022 and 2023, and the VTV Cup Mountain Bike Championship in 2024. These are professional competitions on a national scale, attracting foreign athletes residing in Vietnam to participate.

Mr. Vu Thanh Hai, Vice Chairman of the Van Ho District People's Committee, informed: The district is creating the best conditions for units to survey and organize sports events in the district. Through these sports events, the district aims to promote the tourism potential and the rich, diverse, and unique community culture of Van Ho to domestic and international tourists. This will help exploit and develop the potential and advantages, and boost the development of the tourism area in the district.

The VTV Cup mountain bike race is being held in Van Ho district.

In recent years, localities in the province have organized many sports activities associated with tourism exploration and experiences: the mountain climbing competition to conquer the legendary Hai Mountain in Son La city; conquering Ta Tao peak in Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district; conquering Phu Sa Phin peak in Hang Chu commune, Bac Yen district; conquering Khau Pum peak in Chieng Khay commune, Quynh Nhai district; paragliding and surfing demonstrations on the hydroelectric reservoir... These activities attract a large number of people and tourists, contributing to promoting the diverse and unique tourism products of Son La.

Mr. Do The Cong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: Localities have strengthened close coordination with relevant sectors, especially between the tourism industry, the sports industry, sports event organizers, and between tour operators and event organizers to form a chain of quality, well-organized services, creating a good impression for domestic and international tourists when experiencing sports tourism products.

Developing sports tourism is a necessary step that contributes to diversifying tourism types and building Son La province into an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists on their journey through the Northwest region.

Viet Anh