Running Through Sunrises and Street Food: A Marathon Trip to Da Nang
Some trips come together by accident. This one came together by design.
It started with a dream I’d been carrying for a while: to run a marathon somewhere in Southeast Asia. Da Nang, with its laid-back seaside charm and reputation for being the “Laidback City of Vietnam,” had long been on my travel list. Around the same time, I was also planning a solo trip back home for a few weeks. Too long for Jiao, to travel with me. So we decided on a shorter adventure together afterwards, and Da Nang became the perfect match.
By now, Jiao had started running too, slowly building up distance with me. I managed to talk her into signing up for the 5K “mini marathon.” And it wasn’t just the two of us. My friend Altine, inspired (or maybe tricked) by my enthusiasm, signed up for his first full marathon. The three of us, each with our own goal, arrived separately in Da Nang, meeting up at a simple little hotel near the beach, excitement buzzing in the air.
Beach Days and Pink Churches
Before the race, Jiao and I spent a slow day in the city. We visited a few sights. The standout being the pastel-pink Da Nang Cathedral, and filled our bellies with flavorful vegetarian Vietnamese dishes. But mostly, we rested. Long naps, light walks, and short dips at the beach. The marathon started at 2 a.m., and we wanted to be ready.
The Night Run
The alarm rang in the middle of the night. Me and Altine laced up in the quiet dark and headed to the starting line. Jiao’s race wouldn’t start until sunrise.
By kilometer 15, I knew it wouldn’t be my best performance. My stomach was off. Thanks to the long flight and odd schedule, and then, right at 20K, my IT band started acting up. The pace dropped. Fast. Sub-3:30 was off the table. I walked, shuffled, jogged. Around 35K, Altine passed me, legs still strong, energy high. I crossed the line with the slowest marathon time of my life.
But it was also the most beautiful. Running along the beach as the sun rose over the ocean. Sky painted in Pink and Orange. It made the struggle worth it.
Meanwhile, Jiao ran her first 5K and finished smiling. That was the real victory.
Recovery Mode: Food, Rest, and Coconut Milk Coffee
After the race, we crawled back to the hotel, downed icy milk teas and creamy Vietnamese coffee with coconut milk, and collapsed into well-earned naps.
That evening, Jiao and I treated ourselves to another round of vegetarian heaven. Delicious and fresh, every bite worth the effort of moving sore legs. We wandered the streets slowly, bought durian snacks at a supermarket for her mother, and let the post-run calm settle in.
Hoi An: Lights, Lanterns, and Round Boats
The next day, the three of us took a trip to Hoi An. Our plan was to ride the famous round boats. We did get lost, ended up at the wrong dock, wandering around confused, but eventually found the right spot. The boat ride was short, fun, wildly touristy, but still brought smiles all around.
Afterwards, Altine took a Grab back to Da Nang to give us some space. So Jiao and I wandered the old city into the evening. Yellow colonial houses glowing under strings of lanterns, riverside food stalls, and snack after snack in the soft evening heat. Hoi An really is as beautiful as people say.
The Big Hand in the Mountains
The next day was our final full one. We visited Ba Na Hills, the mountain park famous for its giant stone hand holding up a bridge. We booked online and took a car up the mountain. The place was impressive, sure. A bit like walking through a fantasy castle theme park. But, as expected, the crowds were thick. Beautiful, yes. Peaceful, not so much.
We cooled off with a swim that evening, followed by one last delicious meal near the beach.
One Final Sunrise
On our last morning, we woke up early. Very early, to catch the sunrise. We sat on the beach, barefoot in the sand, sharing breakfast as the sky turned Pink and Orange, which seems to be special for Da Nang. For a moment, it was just the two of us and the sea, quiet and perfect.
Then it was time to pack our bags and head for the airport.
Tired Legs, Full Hearts
Da Nang gave us more than just a race. It gave us a rhythm of movement and stillness, of challenge and reward. We challenged ourselves, we explored, and we got a glimpse of a lifestyle we want to achieve. We got lost, got fed, and found a little magic in early mornings, late-night pain, and streets glowing with lanterns.
And as we boarded the plane back to Guangzhou, one thing was clear: I’d be running more marathons and we will be coming back to Vietnam again.
