5 most beautiful trail runs in Asia, according to a marathon runner

This route is one of the most unique in Asia, offering a diverse range of trails and landscapes, and taking runners through remote areas rarely explored by anyone but locals. Set in Moc Chau, a 3-4 hour drive from Hanoi, the race winds through orchards filled with blossoms, scenic wild nature, tea plantations, and incredibly welcoming locals. Don’t be surprised if village children run alongside you—and some might even keep pace! A standout feature of this race is its finish at the top of a tea plantation, where runners can enjoy snacks and drinks while taking in breathtaking views of the sunny fields below.

The Angkor Ultra Trail takes place at the Angkor archaeological site in Siem Reap, northern Cambodia. The race begins at sunrise, offering a mystical yet powerful atmosphere as it overlooks one of the Angkor Wat temples. Runners can choose from various distances, with most routes passing through rice fields and stunning nature, while also crossing several small villages with the Angkor Temples in the backdrop. Along the way, you'll encounter herds of water buffalo and receive cheers from local children in the villages. It’s an incredibly scenic and well-organised race!

This route is set in Malaysia’s northernmost state, near the border with Southern Thailand. The trail offers stunning natural beauty, with some steep ascents, but once you reach the summit, it feels like running in the clouds, with breathtaking views stretching for kilometres. Monkeys can be seen playfully jumping around at the start line, and the race takes place in a very raw, untouched environment. 

This route takes you to the highest peak in Selangor, Malaysia, located just 50 to 60 km from Kuala Lumpur City Centre. The trail is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, primarily running through dense jungle with steep inclines. Along the way, you'll encounter waterfalls and a variety of wildlife, including snakes, squirrels (which you can feed at the summit), and even tigers! While there have been reports of tigers spotted near the route, they tend to shy away from large groups of runners.

This race takes place centrally in Hong Kong, at Victoria Peak, and is very accessible – just a 10 to 15 minute drive from Central Hong Kong to the start line. The course offers stunning views of the city throughout, and is very well organized with water stops along the way, which is rare for trail runs. Runners follow narrow forest paths with occasional wood stubs, making the route more challenging compared to others, as you need to watch your footing. However, with the race starting at a high elevation, there’s not much climbing, making it suitable for beginners as well.