A course with a UNESCO view
This race follows the water. The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon runs along the coast of Halong Bay, which UNESCO lists as a World Heritage Site for its limestone karsts. Roughly two thousand islands and pillars rise out of green water offshore, and the coast road keeps them in sight.
AIMS affiliation is the detail serious runners should notice. It links the race to the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, the worldwide body for road events. AIMS standards cover course measurement, so your finishing time on this course carries real weight.
Date, tickets and the start line
The race date as announced is November 22, 2026. The start and finish venue, the distances on offer and the registration fees are all set by the organisers. Confirm timing, venue and tickets on the official race site, and only buy bibs through that site or its named partners.
Ha Long splits in two across the water:
- Bai Chay, on the west side, holds most of the hotels, the waterfront promenade and the cruise port.
- Hon Gai, on the east side, is the older city centre and administrative district.
- Bai Chay Bridge connects the two over the mouth of Cua Luc Bay.
Look up which side your start line is on before you book a room. A hotel within walking distance saves you a taxi hunt in the dark on race morning.
Getting to Ha Long
Most international runners fly into Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport. The Hanoi to Ha Long expressway brings the drive down to about two and a half hours. Limousine vans, shuttle buses and private transfers all run the route.
Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province sits closer, around an hour from the city, though it handles far fewer flights. Inside Ha Long, the Grab app works for both cars and motorbike taxis. Taxis also wait outside the larger Bai Chay hotels.
Late November falls in northern Vietnam’s dry season. Mornings are cooler than the summer months, and running conditions are usually better than anything you’d get mid-year. Bring a light layer for the wait at the start, plus a cap for the later kilometres once the sun is up.
Race weekend, the Ha Long way
In Vietnam, mass-participation road races usually start very early to beat the heat, often before dawn. Plan your sleep around that. Bib collection at races here is normally held in person before race day, so allow a full day in town beforehand and bring the ID you registered with.
Everyday spending in Ha Long is in Vietnamese dong:
- Cash covers street food, phở stalls and small shops.
- Cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
- Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Along the course, spectators shout “cố lên!”, which roughly means “keep going”. Learn it so you can shout it back. For the day after, book a bay cruise from the Bai Chay side to see the karsts up close, including Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island. Several hours on a boat is easy on tired legs.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon?
The race is announced for November 22, 2026, in Ha Long, Vietnam. Confirm the exact timing on the official race site.
Where does the race start?
The course runs along the Halong Bay coastline. The organisers set the start and finish venue, so check the official site and find out whether it's on the Bai Chay or Hon Gai side before you book a hotel.
How do I get to Ha Long from Hanoi?
The expressway from Hanoi takes about two and a half hours by road, and limousine vans, buses and private transfers run the route. Van Don International Airport is closer, around an hour from the city, but has fewer flights.
Is the course time valid for international records?
The race is AIMS-affiliated, which links it to international standards for road races, including course measurement. That makes it a credible course to chase a time on.
What else can I do in Ha Long after the race?
Take a Halong Bay cruise from the Bai Chay side. Popular stops include Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, and both give you close views of the limestone karsts.
Plan your trip to Ha Long
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