Lam Dong Trail 2026: plan your race, pick up your BIB, and find the right place to stay

The 7:00 AM shown on the Lam Dong Trail 25km schedule is the starting time on November 7, not the time you should arrive at the venue. Lam Dong Trail 2026 takes place from November 6 to 8 at TTC World - Valley of Love in Da Lat, with the first day reserved for race kit collection and the following two days for racing. To avoid unnecessary problems, arrange your transportation, accommodation, and BIB pickup around the schedule for your specific distance.

When and where is Lam Dong Trail 2026?

Lam Dong Trail is a trail running event held in Da Lat, Lam Dong Province, organized by GreenHat in collaboration with VietnamJoy. Its courses take runners through the Central Highlands landscape, including pine forests, red-earth trails, rolling hills, and areas where wild sunflowers bloom toward the end of the year.

The 2026 edition, themed Mùa Đổi Mình (A Season of Transformation), is scheduled over three days:

• Friday, November 6, 2026: BIB and race kit collection, the opening ceremony, and activities at the Expo.
• Saturday, November 7, 2026: The 85 km, 55 km, 25 km, and 15 km races.
• Sunday, November 8, 2026: The 5 km and 5 km Kids Trail races, followed by their awards ceremony.

The venue is TTC World - Valley of Love (Thung Lũng Tình Yêu), 03-05-07 Mai Anh Dao Street, Lam Vien - Da Lat Ward, Lam Dong Province, Vietnam.

Valley of Love is also the start and finish venue for the races. However, the entrance for runners, parking areas, and access to the Expo may differ from the normal tourist entrance. Check the final event map rather than assuming every entrance will be open.

Valley of Love is approximately 5-6 km from Da Lat Market. From the city center, the usual route follows Dinh Tien Hoang Street, continues along Phu Dong Thien Vuong Street, and turns onto Mai Anh Dao Street.

Under normal conditions, the drive takes around 15-25 minutes. During race weekend, allow considerably more time for traffic, getting out of your vehicle, walking to the runner area, dropping off your bag, and warming up.

Lam Dong Trail 2026 race schedule and start times

Some event calendars show November 8, 2026, as the main event date. This can be misleading, particularly for runners registered for the 25 km or 55 km distances.

In the distance information and provisional 2026 event schedule, all four longer distances take place on Saturday, November 7.

A cut-off time, often abbreviated as COT, is the maximum time allowed under the rules of each race. The official calculation may be based on the final starting wave.

For the 85 km event, the scheduled start is 3:00 AM, with the course closing at midnight on November 7. That means some runners could still be on the trail late at night.

For the 55 km race, the scheduled finish cut-off is around 9:00 PM. The 25 km race closes at approximately 3:30 PM, while the 15 km race closes at around 3:00 PM.

Longer distances also have cut-off times at selected checkpoints. On the provisional 85 km schedule, these include CP2 at 9:00 AM, CP4 at 2:00 PM, and CP7 at 7:30 PM. For the 55 km race, the checkpoints include CP2 at 11:30 AM and CP7 at 3:30 PM.

You must reach the relevant checkpoints within their time limits. Finishing the total distance before the overall course closure is not enough if you have already missed an intermediate cut-off.

November 6: BIB collection and Expo

You do not need to attend every afternoon and evening activity.

For runners taking part in the 85 km or 55 km events, collecting the race kit and returning to the hotel for an early rest is more important than staying until the Expo closes.

November 7: the 15-85 km races

November 8: 5 km and Kids Trail

Families participating in Kids Trail should arrive early enough for children to use the bathroom, check their clothing, and warm up without rushing.

There is no reason to arrive at 3:00 AM for this race, but arriving just before the 7:30 AM start is not a sensible plan either.

Where and when can you collect your Lam Dong Trail BIB?

The published BIB and race kit collection window for Lam Dong Trail 2026 is 8:00 AM-9:00 PM on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the event venue, TTC World - Valley of Love.

A BIB is your race number, used to identify you during the event. Your race kit normally contains the BIB and other items associated with your registration.

Runner benefits for 2026 include items such as an event bag, race shirt, BIB, on-course nutrition, finisher medal, and electronic race certificate. Certain benefits, including finisher shirts, depend on the distance and whether you meet the completion requirements.

What should you bring to BIB pickup?

Before leaving your hotel, open your registration email and prepare:

1. Your registration confirmation or official runner instructions.
2. Your BIB collection QR code, if issued.
3. An accepted identity document, such as a national ID card or passport.
4. Your registered distance, full name, and registration reference.
5. Any declarations, waivers, or supporting documents required by the organizers.

International runners should bring their passports and make sure the name in their registration matches their identity document.

Check that the spelling of your name is consistent across your passport, registration confirmation, and race profile.

For children, parents or guardians should prepare any required proof of identity, parental consent forms, and other documents specified by the organizers.

The precise document requirements, particularly for children or third-party collection, should be checked against the latest runner instructions.

What should you check when collecting your race kit?

Do not take the bag and leave immediately.

Check your name, registered distance, BIB number, and timing chip according to the organizer's instructions.

If you registered for 25 km but your BIB or collection paperwork shows another distance, report it at the counter.

An error discovered on the afternoon of November 6 is much easier to address than one discovered while thousands of runners are preparing for the start.

Once collected, put your BIB somewhere safe with your race clothing. Avoid leaving it loose among shopping bags, souvenirs, or the luggage of someone traveling with you.

Can someone else collect your BIB?

Do not assume that sending a photo of your passport and QR code to a friend automatically authorizes them to collect your race kit.

Third-party collection depends on the organizers' authorization rules. Additional identification, registration information, or written permission may be required.

Before asking someone to collect your kit, contact the organizers with your name, registered distance, and the details of the person collecting it.

The support email for the race is support@lamdongtrail.vn.

Avoid posting personal documents or BIB collection codes in public running groups.

Can you arrive in Da Lat on race morning?

For the 15-85 km races, this is not recommended.

Even the 25 km event, starting at 7:00 AM, requires enough time for transportation, bag drop, and preparation.

Traveling overnight and going straight to the starting area leaves little room for bus delays, unexpected traffic, or registration problems.

Runners participating in the 5 km race on November 8 should also check their specific collection instructions.

The clearly published race kit pickup window is November 6. Do not assume BIBs will automatically be available on Sunday morning because a similar arrangement existed at another race or in a previous year.

How difficult is the Lam Dong Trail 25km race?

Lam Dong Trail 25km attracts attention because it offers a substantial trail running experience without reaching the ultra-distance territory of the 55 km and 85 km events.

However, running 25 km on forest trails is not the same as running 25 km on a flat road.

On the 2026 elevation map, the 25 km course has the following characteristics:

• Official distance category: 25 km.
• Total positive elevation gain (D+): approximately 1,022 m.
• Scheduled start: 7:00 AM on November 7.
• Time limit: 8 hours 30 minutes.
• Minimum participant age: 16.

D+ refers to the total elevation you climb during the race, not the elevation of the highest hill.

For example, descending into a valley and climbing the next hillside adds more elevation gain. Several climbs across one race can therefore accumulate into a substantial figure.

A 25 km route with more than 1,000 m of positive elevation gain can feel considerably harder than the distance alone suggests.

Who should choose the 25 km distance?

The 25 km race is better suited to people who already run regularly, have completed longer training runs, and have some experience with hills or natural terrain.

If most of your running has been 5-10 km on flat roads, think carefully before registering.

The 8-hour-30-minute time limit may sound generous, but it does not guarantee that everyone can comfortably walk the entire course. Steep climbs, trail conditions, and checkpoint cut-offs still matter.

Even runners who have completed a road half marathon need specific preparation for climbing and descending.

Long downhill sections put different demands on the quadriceps and knees compared with flat road running.

What equipment should you prepare?

Trail running shoes with suitable grip should be a priority. Da Lat's red-earth paths can become slippery when wet, especially after rain.

You should also check your running vest or hydration pack, water containers, familiar energy foods, suitable clothing, phone, and any items listed as mandatory by the organizers.

Do not buy a completely new pair of shoes at the Expo and wear them for the first time during a 25 km trail race.

Instead of trying to maintain one pace from start to finish, divide the route according to elevation changes and checkpoint locations.

You may need to power-hike uphill, run more comfortably on flatter sections, and control your speed on descents.

Use the final official race map and GPX file to understand the actual course.

Which Lam Dong Trail distance should you choose?

Lam Dong Trail 2026 offers 5 km, 15 km, 25 km, 55 km, and 85 km distances, alongside Kids Trail.

Each distance suits a different type of participant.

5 km and Kids Trail

These are the most suitable options for people who want to combine a sporting event with a family trip to Da Lat.

The standard 5 km race is for participants aged 16 and above. Kids Trail 5 km is for children aged 6-15.

The 2026 elevation map lists approximately 163 m of positive elevation gain, so the course is not completely flat.

Families should consider this distance when the main goal is to let children experience outdoor running rather than compete for a fast finishing time.

Parents should confirm the rules for accompanying children and any specific eligibility requirements.

15 km

The 15 km distance is a reasonable step for runners who have built a regular running habit and want to try natural terrain without committing to 25 km.

The 2026 elevation map shows approximately 547 m of positive elevation gain.

That is still a meaningful amount of climbing.

Beginners may need to hike some uphill sections, but they must manage their effort and time to stay within the 6-hour-30-minute limit.

25 km

Choose this distance if you want a more demanding trail experience, have sufficient endurance training, and are comfortable spending much of the morning and early afternoon on the course.

The distance is relatively short compared with an ultramarathon, but more than 1,000 m of climbing makes hill preparation particularly important.

55 km and 85 km

These distances are intended for experienced endurance runners who understand pacing, hydration, nutrition, and managing fatigue over many hours.

The 85 km race starts at 3:00 AM, while the 55 km starts at 4:30 AM.

Both require reaching the venue in darkness.

For longer races, you should fully understand mandatory equipment, checkpoint closing times, withdrawal procedures, and the event's medical assistance arrangements.

If you have no ultratrail experience, choosing 55 km simply to find out whether you can finish is not a sensible approach.

How many days before the race should you arrive in Da Lat?

Plan your trip backward from your race start time rather than choosing the cheapest flight or bus and trying to make everything fit afterward.

Running 25 km or 15 km: two nights are practical

1. November 6

   Arrival and BIB collection

   Aim to arrive in Da Lat in the morning or early afternoon.

   Leave your luggage at the hotel, then travel to Valley of Love to collect your race kit.

   Once everything has been checked, return to your accommodation, have an early dinner, and prepare your clothes.

   This is not a good day to squeeze in several attractions outside the city.

2. November 7

   Race day

   The 25 km starts at 7:00 AM, so plan to arrive at the venue roughly 60-90 minutes earlier, subject to the organizer's actual reporting instructions.

   If you are staying in central Da Lat, allow time for booking a car, traveling approximately 5-6 km, and walking from the drop-off point to the runner area.

   The 15 km starts at 8:30 AM, giving its participants a slightly later morning. Nevertheless, bag drop and warming up still take time.

   After finishing, collect your belongings and return to the hotel. Keep the afternoon flexible.

3. November 8

   Departure

   Have breakfast, check out, and travel home.

   If your legs are sore, choose a bus or flight that allows an unhurried departure rather than forcing yourself to leave very early.

Running 55 km or 85 km: arrive on November 5

For an event beginning at 3:00 AM, 85 km runners may need to leave their hotel around 1:00-2:00 AM, depending on the accommodation location and final reporting requirements.

Getting only a short night's sleep after a long journey makes preparation unnecessarily difficult.

Arriving on November 5 gives you time to settle into your hotel, inspect your equipment, and deal with unexpected problems.

Use November 6 for BIB collection, the final equipment check, and rest.

November 7 is race day.

For the 85 km distance, avoid scheduling your departure for the same evening. The race can continue until midnight.

November 8 should primarily be reserved for recovery. You may want to leave Da Lat on November 9 instead of traveling immediately after a long endurance event.

Families participating in the 5 km race on November 8

A practical arrangement is to arrive on November 6, collect the BIB during the published session, spend November 7 on light activities, and participate in the race on Sunday morning.

If your family can only arrive on November 7, contact the organizers before making that plan to confirm an authorized race kit collection arrangement.

Do not rely on last year's procedures.

How to get to Da Lat for Lam Dong Trail

The two common options are flying into Lien Khuong Airport or traveling by coach from Ho Chi Minh City.

For international runners and visitors coming from Hanoi or other distant cities, flying is often the more convenient choice when suitable services are available.

Flying to Lien Khuong Airport

Lien Khuong Airport serves the Da Lat area.

The airport temporarily closed in 2026 for runway and taxiway repairs and reopened to flights on August 19, 2026.

Travelers attending Lam Dong Trail in November 2026 can therefore check flights to Lien Khuong based on the operating schedules of individual airlines.

The airport is approximately 30 km from central Da Lat. A private car transfer generally takes around 35-50 minutes, depending on traffic and the exact destination.

For reference, one-way car transfers from Lien Khuong to central Da Lat started at the following prices in 2026:

These are starting prices, not fixed fares for every booking.

Your actual quotation may depend on the destination, pickup time, luggage, and surcharges.

Solo travelers can also look into airport bus services, with a reference fare of approximately VND 50,000 per person, although the current route, boarding point, and last departure should be confirmed before relying on this option.

For 85 km runners, arriving on November 5 or early November 6 is preferable. Landing late on November 6 would leave very little time for BIB collection.

Taking a coach from Ho Chi Minh City

Phuong Trang, also known as FUTA Bus Lines, is a familiar option for traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat.

The journey usually takes around 6-8 hours. Actual travel time depends on your boarding point, traffic, and road conditions.

A Phuong Trang ticket to Da Lat costs approximately VND 260,000 per trip in 2026.

The final ticket price depends on the selected departure and vehicle type.

One important location is Da Lat Bus Station, 01 To Hien Thanh Street, a major Phuong Trang terminal in Da Lat.

The operator's hotline is 1900 6067.

Before booking, check exactly where your bus departs from in Ho Chi Minh City, where it arrives in Da Lat, and whether a connecting shuttle service is included.

Do not assume a shuttle will take you to any hotel or homestay. Properties deep inside narrow lanes or outside the central service area may not be covered.

Taking an overnight bus and arriving on the morning of November 6 can save one night's accommodation.

However, if you struggle to sleep on buses, arriving earlier is worth considering, especially before the 55 km or 85 km races.

Where should you stay in Da Lat for Lam Dong Trail?

For a race trip, the best hotel is not necessarily the one with the most facilities.

A convenient location, a quiet room, and reliable late-night access are often more useful.

Three areas are worth considering.

How to organize your race morning

Every distance has a different start time, but the basic preparation is similar.

The night before the race, keep all your equipment in one place.

Attach your BIB according to the instructions, charge your GPS watch, phone, headlamp, and other devices, and check that everything is functioning.

Pack your bag-drop belongings separately from the items you will carry during the race.

Keep dry clothes for after the finish in a clearly identifiable bag.

Do not leave everything in your suitcase and plan to sort it out in the early morning.

Calculate your departure time from your arrival target

Suppose you are running 25 km at 7:00 AM and want to reach the venue by 5:45 AM.

You need to account for the drive, exiting the car, entering the runner area, and dropping off your bag.

If you are staying in central Da Lat and expect the drive to take 20 minutes, add a buffer instead of leaving your room at exactly 5:25 AM.

This is only an example of personal planning, not an official reporting time.

Follow the instructions in your runner email if the organizers specify a particular arrival time.

Arrange your driver the night before

For 85 km and 55 km runners, do this after collecting your BIB.

Give the driver your hotel location, agreed pickup time, and drop-off destination. Confirm how you will communicate if a phone call or message does not go through.

International visitors should save the venue's Vietnamese name:

TTC World - Thung Lũng Tình Yêu, 03-05-07 Mai Anh Đào, Đà Lạt.

Choosing a clear pickup point on the main road is often easier than asking a driver to locate a small property deep inside a residential lane.

Food and hydration

Your pre-race dinner should contain familiar, easily digestible food that fits your usual preparation for a long run.

Avoid testing several new energy gels, electrolyte products, or supplements on race day just because other runners use them.

During the race, follow a hydration and fueling plan you have practiced in training, adjusting it for actual conditions and the organizer's guidance.

What should friends and family do during the race?

Lam Dong Trail is not only attended by runners. Many participants travel to Da Lat with partners, friends, or family members, particularly for shorter races and Kids Trail.

For the 55 km and 85 km distances, supporters do not need to wait at the finish line from early morning until late evening.

Agree beforehand on a main contact person, approximate times for checking messages, and a meeting point after the race.

Actual finishing times can differ significantly from estimates, particularly when trails are wet, conditions are difficult, or runners spend longer at checkpoints.

Do not drive into trail sections or checkpoint areas unless access is explicitly permitted by the organizers.

Some locations may not be accessible by ordinary vehicles, and others may have restrictions during the event.

If family members want to visit Valley of Love while waiting, check the attraction's admission policy and the event's permitted access areas.

A runner's BIB does not automatically provide free tourist admission for everyone accompanying them.

Families with young children should make sure one adult is responsible for supervising them rather than expecting children to remain in crowded areas for hours.

After the runner finishes, allow enough time for collecting belongings, changing clothes, and recovering before arranging transportation.

Where can you check Lam Dong Trail results?

People usually search for Lam Dong Trail results using the event name, race year, distance, or BIB number.

Final results for the 2026 edition are published only after the main races have taken place.

After the race, look them up on the official channels designated by the organizers and the authorized timing results service, using your BIB number or name.

Once results become available, you may be able to search or filter using:

• BIB number.
• Registered full name.
• Race distance.
• Finishing time.
• Overall, gender, or age-group ranking, where provided.
• Finish status, DNF, or other classifications under the event rules.

Do not confuse preliminary timing data displayed immediately after finishing with fully confirmed results.

The final standings may require verification of timing chips, checkpoint records, and compliance with race rules.

What if your result is missing?

First, make sure you have selected the correct year and distance.

Runners who have participated in several editions can easily open an older results page.

If searching by name produces no result, try your BIB number. Also check whether the system recognizes Vietnamese accents or displays names without them.

If your result remains missing or appears incorrect, keep your BIB photo and registration confirmation and contact the organizers.

The 2026 participant benefits include an electronic race certificate. Its release date and access instructions should follow the organizers' post-race announcements.

Lam Dong Trail 2024 and 2025 results

Older results may be found through archived event records and international trail running platforms.

For example, UTMB Index has a Lam Dong Trail 2024 results record for the 75 km distance, held on November 9, 2024.

The 2025 edition of Lam Dong Trail was postponed due to the effects of Typhoon No. 13.

Therefore, the existence of a 2025 registration page, runner list, or event announcement does not mean that a completed 2025 race results table exists.

Anyone whose 2025 registration was transferred to 2026 should check the latest confirmation email, registered name, and distance rather than relying on their old registration details.

How much does a Lam Dong Trail 2026 BIB cost?

Registration fees vary according to the distance and the registration period.

Individual BIBs for 2026 were offered during Early Bird, Regular, and Late registration periods.

For the 25 km distance, the fees were:

These are the registration fees for the 2026 event, not prices at which an entry is still available.

Registration for 2026 has closed on ticketing channels including iRace and EnjoySport, with October 5, 2026, as the final day.

When will Lam Dong Trail 2027 take place?

No official Lam Dong Trail 2027 race calendar has been announced yet.

Do not simply take the dates of the 2026 event and assume the 2027 race will happen on the equivalent weekend.

Even annual events can change their dates, distances, start location, course design, or organizational arrangements.

It is especially important to distinguish Lam Dong Trail from Vietnam Highlands Trail - Lam Dong 2027.

Vietnam Highlands Trail - Lam Dong 2027 is expected to take place in January 2027.

Its announced distances include 10 km, 20 km, 50 km, and 100 km.

Despite the similar names and the shared province, this is a separate event.

Its January schedule should not be used as evidence that Lam Dong Trail 2027 will take place in the same month or feature the same distances.

If you are planning to join the next Lam Dong Trail edition, wait for official confirmation of the race dates, organizers, venue, and registration opening.

Meanwhile, you can prepare the things that are less likely to change: choose an appropriate distance, build your endurance, train on hills, understand race requirements, and estimate the cost of traveling to Da Lat.

Lam Dong Trail preparation checklist

A few small oversights can create unnecessary problems on race day. Check the following items at each stage of your trip.

Seven days before traveling

• Read the latest runner email and official announcements.
• Confirm your race distance, personal details, start time, and BIB pickup location.
• Download the final course map or GPX file if available.
• Check the mandatory equipment list for your distance.
• Confirm your arrival in Da Lat, accommodation, and transport to the start.
• Review your hotel and transport cancellation conditions.

One day before racing

• Collect your BIB during the authorized pickup period.
• Check your race number, timing chip, and race kit.
• Confirm your pickup time with your driver.
• Charge your electronic devices.
• Prepare familiar clothing, shoes, and race nutrition.
• Separate your bag-drop belongings from your race equipment.
• Have dinner and rest according to your usual pre-race routine.

On race day

• Leave your accommodation early enough to reach the designated reporting area.
• Follow the signs for runner access and bag drop.
• Respect start times, course markings, and staff instructions.
• Monitor the cut-off times at each checkpoint.
• Do not take shortcuts, exchange BIBs, or accept assistance that violates the race rules.
• Inform event staff if you experience a medical problem or need to withdraw.

After finishing

• Complete any required procedures in the finish area.
• Collect your checked belongings.
• Rest, eat, drink, and change into dry clothes.
• Check official results when they are published.
• Arrange your transport after you are ready to leave.
• Avoid scheduling a long journey too close to your estimated finish time.

The same planning approach works for Lam Dong Trail and many other trail running events: confirm your start time first, arrange BIB pickup next, and only then choose your transport and accommodation. Once you are familiar with cut-off times, course maps, and runner briefings, planning future trail races in Da Lat or other mountainous regions of Vietnam becomes much easier.