Whether it is survival under the French colonization during the war or having a sense of community, sports have always played a key role in Vietnam. Among all other historical and cultural celebrations: the Vietnamese sports craze has remained constant, making it a part of their culture.
Even the Vietnam government promotes sports and encourages its people to participate in tournaments by providing large sports complexes like stadiums, training facilities, and local playing communities. This effort reveals the reason why Vietnamese have a high frequency of participating in sports.
According to a survey done in May 2021, football is the most played sport by the Vietnamese. They also play volleyball, badminton, swimming, and the list goes on.
While on this subject, let us talk about the best sports complexes in Vietnam! Sports complexes in Vietnam tend to be stadiums and playgrounds where multiple facilities are available.
1. Cần Thơ Stadium
Having a capacity of almost 60,000 seats, Cần Thơ Stadium is considered one of the largest stadiums in Vietnam located in the Ninh Kieu district on the banks of that river. It consists of 85 VIP seats and 5000 standing seats. In case more than 60,000 people need to be accommodated. The pitch is about 120m x 90m covered with grass which works best for matches even if it rains. The stadium is famous for football matches as well as motorcycle racing tournaments. The stadium also has running tracks for motorbikes and television stations. This sports complex has the latest technology of digital scoreboards and stadium lights for the events during nighttime.
Interesting Facts:
- Located in Ninh Kiều District, Cần Thơ, Vietnam.
- The largest stadium in Vietnam, holding over 30,000 people.
- Primarily used for football matches and motorcycle racing.
- Home stadium of XSKT Can Tho F.C.
- Originally built during the French colonial era in 1950.
- Officially opened on 26 September 1953.
- Underwent significant renovation on 25 March 1998.
- The stadium cost approximately 80 billion VND to build.
- Features a grass surface and modern facilities including electronic scoreboards and lighting for evening events.
- Capacity was reduced from 50,000+ to 30,000 during 2017–19 reconstruction for the installation of individual bucket seats.
2. My Dinh National Stadium – Hanoi
(pictured above)
My Dinh National Stadium, located in Hanoi, is the second-largest sports complex stadium in Vietnam, with 41,000 seats. However, unlike the largest stadium (Cần Thơ), my Dinh has a higher capacity of 450 VIP seats and a separate section of 160 seats dedicated to reporters. The highlights of this complex include:
- 105m x 65m football field
- Eight laps of 400 meters
- Ten straight tracks
- Two high jump laths
- Two pith javelin and weight throw
- Two double pole vaults
- Two long jump zones
My Dinh is one of the greatest sports stadiums in Vietnam!
Interesting Facts:
- Officially opened in 2003.
- Hosted the 2003 Southeast Asian Games.
- Capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators.
- Designed by Gerkan, Marg and Partners, a German architectural firm.
- Features a running track around the football pitch.
- Used for various events including football matches and athletic competitions.
- Serves as the home venue for the Vietnam national football team.
- Has hosted significant international football matches, including World Cup qualifiers.
- Considered a symbol of Vietnam’s modernity and development in sports infrastructure.
3. The Lach Tray
Located in hai Phong city, Vietnam, the Lach Tray is a complex with 30,000 seats. It is the home ground for Hai Phong Football Club, making it the most famous traditional football club in Vietnam. This stadium sports complex has witnessed numerous sports and cultural events. It had the honor of hosting Women’s football for the Sea Games in 2003. This stadium also has a modern two-story seating stand.
Interesting Facts:
- Primarily used for football matches.
- Home stadium of Hải Phòng of the V.League 1.
- Built in 1957 from a horse farm.
- First international football match held on January 1, 1958.
- Stands were replaced by cement and covered roofs in 1959.
- Renamed to Central Stadium in 1977 after renovation.
- Has undergone multiple renovations, with the latest in 2021.
- Features Bermuda grass surface.
4. Thong Nhat Sports Complex
Previously known as Cong Hoa in Ho Chi Minh city, the Thong Nhat sports complex in a stadium was designed by a Japanese engineer to hold events in Vietnam. Without a doubt, it is the busiest one in Vietnam. It hosts not only domestic but also international sports events.
The complex regularly receives updates with modern technology and better fields. It initially accommodated 25,000 people. Due to its popularity, it got upgraded to accommodate 40,000 spectators.
5. Hang Day Stadium
Another one in honor, Vietnam The Hang Day Sports Complex, has almost 30,000 spectators capacity, up from 22,000. The most intriguing thing about hang day is that before my Dinh Stadium, this stadium hosted the national football matches for women and the Olympics. This stadium is almost 60 years old and updated quite a few times to keep up with modern technological advancements. After being updated in 2018, this stadium now has basements and double floors to facilitate cultural and sports events. Its roof is re-built according to FIFA standards.
6. Quan Khu 7 Stadium
Previously known as the military stadium, Quan khu seven nestles in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Over the years, this sports complex in Vietnam has witnessed huge events. It can easily hold up to 18,000 people. In the 2003 South Asian Games, the tournament between Cambodia and Singapore took place in this stadium. The 2007 AFC Asian Cup also took place here between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Other than sports events, this stadium is also famous for having concerts by the Backstreet Boys, David Archuleta, and more.
7. Phu Tho Indoor Sports Stadium
This stadium is also located in Ho Chi Minh City: This venue is crucial for indoor sports and events, including badminton, basketball, and volleyball. It has been a part of various national and regional competitions, providing facilities for both athletes and spectators. Renowned for its historical significance, it was constructed to facilitate the 2003 Southeast Asian Games. It typically serves as the home for the Vietnam national futsal team.
The Takeaway
Sport is an essential part of Vietnamese culture and lifestyle. There are several best sports complexes in Vietnam to visit. Most of these tend to be stadiums with trainers involved. They have witnessed some great historical matches and are booked for more. Curious to know what sports are popular there? Check our guide on the famous sports played in Vietnam! There are also natural landscapes and local grounds that they use to play. If you are into water sports, here’s a guide on the destinations to scuba dive and snorkel!