Footsteps crossing forests and scaling slopes are taking visitors on a journey to discover a different Yen Tu during the year-end days. The allure of these challenging journeys opens up further opportunities to develop products, step by step shaping a distinctive sports tourism brand for the heritage region.
In early September, the forest trails, rocky slopes, and streams of Yen Tu echoed with the footsteps of nearly 2,000 athletes from 12 countries and territories participating in the Yen Tu Ultra Trail 2026. Five distances ranging from 5 to 70 km, with the 70 km race debuting for the first time, tested both novices and seasoned runners. The race tracks, named Bo De, Hanh Gia, Truc Lam, Phu Van, and Vien Giac, were integrated into the scoring system of the International Trail Running Association (ITRA). Thus, each leg of the race was also an occasion to appreciate the mountain landscapes and the culture of this Buddhist land.
Evaluating this appeal, Mr. Pham Xuan Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Yen Tu Ward People's Committee, remarked: “The year-end mountain scenery of Yen Tu is an advantage that gives sports tournaments a unique charm, attracting new visitor demographics. In the long run, the locality aims for journeys that combine challenging conquests with the exploration of the landscape and Truc Lam culture, gradually building a signature sports tourism brand for the heritage region.”
Following the trail run, the year-end series of events promises even more diversity. Scheduled for October 31 to November 1, the 1st “Yen Tu Xiangqi King” tournament will feature the “Eight Masters” mind battles, the “8 Chess Kings - 8 Prodigies” exchange, along with Vietnam - China Chinese chess activities. The Nuong Village space promises to become a meeting hub for chess enthusiasts, players, and tourists.
Less than a month later, the 3rd Yen Tu Heritage Marathon is scheduled to take place on November 28-29 with distances of 5, 10, 21, and 42 km; as of October 22, over 1,600 athletes had already registered. The “To the Heritage Land” cycling race is also in preparation for the year-end period, promising to introduce more sporting experiences tied to scenic landscapes and heritage destinations.
This diversity helps Yen Tu reach multiple customer groups: the Ultra Trail attracts conquerors, the marathon appeals to the broader running community, and Chinese chess caters to lovers of intellectual sports. Heading into the 2027 spring festival season, the trekking route past Giai Oan Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, the An Ky Sinh Statue, up to Dong Pagoda also suggests directions for organizing physical activity experiences linked to historical monuments.
These competitions have also begun to bring tangible benefits to local services. According to the Yen Tu Ward People's Committee, revenue at several accommodation, dining, and transportation establishments during major tournaments increased by 20-40% compared to regular days, with rooms fully booked at times. However, long-term effectiveness still depends on the ability to retain visitors after competition days.
Yen Tu already has the foundation to extend that experience through ancient trail trekking tours, the East - West Yen Tu journey, and meditation combined with forest exploration. The "Yen Tu - Autumn Colors of Meditation" program also introduces the "Sunrise on Dong Pagoda Peak" tour, yoga, breath meditation, and Nuong Village experiences. Connecting these activities with sports, sightseeing, and relaxation can create more attractive itineraries and lengthen the duration of stay instead of merely welcoming visitors for individual tournaments.
Looking further ahead, Yen Tu aims to become a signature mountain sports tourism destination, linked with ecology, wellness, and Truc Lam culture. According to the ward's orientation, running and mountaineering tournaments should be maintained annually, improved in quality, and progress toward registration in the national competition system. At the same time, continued surveys of trekking routes through bamboo forests, streams, and waterfalls will connect Yen Trung Lake, Ngoa Van, Am Duoc, and neighboring areas into multi-day, inter-regional journeys.
For that goal to take shape, limitations in infrastructure, support services, and promotion must be overcome. It is necessary to grade route difficulty, complete signposts and rest stops, enhance rescue capabilities, and train local guides. Expanding exploitation must also go hand in hand with protecting the landscape, forest environment, and heritage values that define Yen Tu's appeal.
A tournament may conclude after a few days, but experiences with their own distinct identity are what bring tourists back, helping Yen Tu gradually establish its sports tourism brand.
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