The Ly Son Sea Swimming Race: A Splash of Adventure and Tourism
The annual Ly Son Sea Swimming Race, a national-level sporting event in Vietnam, is more than just a competition. It's a celebration of the island's natural beauty, culture, and people, attracting both local and international athletes and tourists alike. This year, over 800 swimmers, including 40 international participants from 20 countries, competed in three distances: 1km, 2km, and 5km.
What makes this race particularly fascinating is the demanding 5km open-water course, stretching from To Vo Gate, an iconic stone arch on Lon (Big) Island, to Be (Small) Island. Widely regarded as the race's toughest challenge, the course requires swimmers to navigate open-sea conditions and ocean swells before reaching one of Ly Son's most scenic destinations. Personally, I think this course is a true test of endurance and mental fortitude, and it's no wonder it's become a highlight of the event.
The race also showcases the island's natural beauty and local culture. Along the course, local residents and tourists gathered to cheer on participants and provide encouragement throughout the race. This not only adds to the festive atmosphere but also highlights the community's support for the event. In my opinion, this level of community engagement is what makes the Ly Son Sea Swimming Race so special.
The event has become one of Vietnam's most attractive sea sports competitions, while promoting the natural beauty, culture, and people of Ly Son to visitors from the country and around the world. Nguyen Van Huy, chairman of the Ly Son Special Zone administration, said the event has become one of Vietnam’s most attractive sea sports competitions, while promoting the natural beauty, culture, and people of Ly Son to visitors from the country and around the world. This is a testament to the event's ability to bring people together and showcase the island's unique charm.
The race also has a significant impact on the local economy. According to recently released data from digital travel platform Agoda, Ly Son recorded the highest growth in travel-related searches among Vietnam’s emerging destinations during the 2026 summer tourism season. The island topped the list of destinations attracting growing interest from Vietnamese travelers thanks to its unspoiled coastal scenery, coral reef ecosystems, distinctive volcanic landscapes, and unique tourism experiences. This is a clear indication that the race is helping to raise Ly Son's profile among both domestic and international travelers.
In the men’s 5km event, Hoang Van Hai claimed first place with a time of 64 minutes. Le Thi Nhu Huynh won the women’s 5km title. In the 2km race, Vo Tri Trung finished first in the men’s category in 33 minutes, while Ton Nu My Ngoc topped the women’s division in 45 minutes. Luong Ngoc Duy won the men’s 1km race in 23 minutes, while Tran Thi Mai Phuong captured the women’s title after 24 minutes of competition. These results are a testament to the swimmers' dedication and hard work, and they further highlight the event's competitive nature.
In conclusion, the Ly Son Sea Swimming Race is more than just a competition. It's a celebration of the island's natural beauty, culture, and people, attracting both local and international athletes and tourists alike. The race has become a significant event for the local community and economy, and it continues to grow in popularity. From my perspective, the Ly Son Sea Swimming Race is a true testament to the power of sports to bring people together and showcase the beauty of Vietnam's islands.
