The Coastal Gem of Ba Ria–Vung Tau: A Hub for Marine Sports

Coastal Blessings

Ba Ria–Vung Tau, located just a stone’s throw from Ho Chi Minh City, boasts over 100 kilometers of stunning coastline. This region includes 72 kilometers of gently sloping white sandy beaches and calm waves that grace it year-round. Such favorable conditions not only draw countless beachgoers but also create an ideal haven for a variety of beach sports. From the energetic hustle of beach volleyball and beach sepak takraw to the grace of sailing and the excitement of traditional boat racing, Ba Ria–Vung Tau is a water sports paradise.

An Expanding Urban Landscape

Following its merger, Ho Chi Minh City has transformed into a sprawling, dynamic coastal megacity that incorporates Binh Duong and the beach area of Ba Ria–Vung Tau. This unique positioning offers immense potential for various sectors, particularly marine and water sports. The seamless connection between urban growth and natural beauty presents a framework for enhancing recreational and competitive activities by the coast.

Ideal Conditions for Marine Sports

Le Trung Nghia, the Deputy Head of the HCM City Sailing Club, underscores the region’s natural advantages. He notes how the extensive flat beaches and stable climate provide an exceptional setting for various marine sports. Bai Truoc Beach, for instance, is particularly promising as it could evolve into a significant training center for sailing competitions. The surrounding waters are conducive for not only leisure activities but also competitive events, paving the way for a vibrant marine sporting culture.

Untapped Potential in Dinh River Bay

While Dinh River Bay has already hosted several sailing events, it’s the neighboring Bai Truoc and Bai Sau that hold the greatest promise. These areas have been earmarked for annual venues, potentially for national sailing championships, the SEA Games, and even continental tournaments. Such prestigious events could put Ba Ria–Vung Tau firmly on the map as a premier destination for marine sports.

Da Bang Lake: The Jewel for Water Sports

Another gem in this region is Da Bang Lake in Nghia Thanh commune, known for its serene environment and impressive size of nearly 2,500 hectares. Built in 1983, the lake’s calm waters provide the perfect backdrop for rowing, canoeing, and traditional boat races. Its reputation as a “blue gem” in HCM City’s water sports map is well-deserved and shows the area’s commitment to expanding its aquatic offerings.

Building on Success

Tran The Thuan, Director of the HCM City Department of Culture and Sports, emphasizes the immense potential for rowing sports in the region. The integration of expansive lake systems with beautiful beaches provides opportunities not just for recreational activities but for serious training and competition. The intention is to finalize Da Bang Lake as a major training hub and a venue that could attract both domestic and international sporting events.

Becoming a Leading Marine Sports Center

HCM City’s ambition to establish itself as a marine sports hub is already taking shape through recent events. A plethora of national and regional competitions for beach volleyball, handball, sepak takraw, kurash, and beach wrestling have marked the city’s entry into the international sports arena. Notably, the upcoming 2025 Open Sailing Regatta at Bai Sau promises to attract competitors from various countries, further solidifying the city’s status as a marine sports destination.

Cultivating a Marine Sports Brand

The groundwork for establishing HCM City as a recognizable marine sports brand is already in motion. Deputy Director Tran Thi Thu Hien has indicated that these competitions will feed into a broader strategy aimed at integrating marine sports into national, regional, and international competition structures. Such strategic integration will ensure that events not only showcase local talent but also attract athletes from around the world.

A Welcoming Destination

Vung Tau’s vibrant coastal charm has not gone unnoticed by international visitors. Athletes like Michael from Australia have remarked on the allure of Vung Tau—its stunning beaches and convenient services combine for a serene experience that feels less crowded than other tourist hotspots. This favorable impression positions Vung Tau as not just a competitive site but also a thriving destination for leisure and tourism.

Infrastructure Challenges Ahead

Despite the many natural advantages, the road to becoming Southeast Asia’s premier marine sports destination is not without its hurdles. Nguyen Hai Duong, Vice President and Secretary General of the Vietnam Rowing Federation, points out the existing challenges with infrastructure. Although Da Bang Lake offers ideal conditions for rowing, the lack of standardized venues has historically limited the sport’s development in Vietnam.

The Path Forward

Investing in comprehensive infrastructure improvements will be crucial to turning untapped natural advantages into a globally recognized marine sports brand. HCM City must enhance its marinas, training facilities, accommodations, and logistics services, gestures that could pave the way for the region to host not only national championships but potentially even SEA Games and international events. The marriage of natural beauty and enhanced infrastructure could well make HCM City a leader in marine sports, ready to carve out a niche on the world stage.