Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
Vietnam may not seem like an obvious hotbed for professional football, but it is undoubtedly home to some of the most impressive stadiums in the world.
For people who want to follow the latest Asian football news updates, particularly in Vietnamese, these stadiums are often highlighted for their significance in regional tournaments and matches.
Football was first introduced to Vietnam by the French in 1896, and the sport soon increased in popularity across the provinces.
However, Vietnam's well-documented divided history prevented it from fulfilling its potential in football. The landscape has changed significantly during the 21st century.
Hosting the 2007 AFC Asian Cup was a noteworthy landmark for Vietnam after they became the only Southeast Asian team to advance to the quarter-finals.
Their impressive progression was the catalyst for the sport to truly take off in Vietnam and the country is now viewed as a place where football is flourishing.
While Vietnam remains outside the top 100 in the FIFA rankings, it would be no surprise to see the nation set a new benchmark over the next few years.
With that in mind, read on as we take a look at some of the best football stadiums in Vietnam, starting with one which is home to the national team.
My Dinh National Stadium is the centrepiece of the national sports complex in Hanoi and is widely regarded as the heart of Vietnamese football.
The venue was commissioned in 2003 and boasts a seating capacity of over 40,000, making it the largest football stadium in the country.
It was one of several grounds that hosted the Southeast Asian Games just a few weeks after it opened.
The $52.9 million stadium is home to the national team and has also served as the backdrop for several major football games, including World Cup qualifiers.
My Dinh epitomises the development of Vietnam's sports infrastructure. It is a modern, versatile ground that has hosted athletic events and concerts, but football remains its primary sport.
Can Tho Stadium is the second-largest ground in Vietnam. It underwent a renovation between 2017 and 2019 that reduced its capacity from over 50,000 seats to around 30,000 to accommodate the installation of individual bucket seats.
The stadium is crucial to football development, especially in the southern regions of the country, which are often overlooked when selecting venues for key footballing events.
Perched in the Mekong Delta region, Can Tho was originally built in 1950 during the French colonial era but did not open until three years later.
The first renovation of the stadium took place in 1998, but the most recent upgrades included numerous modern facilities that improved the fan experience.
The stadium is home to Vietnamese League 2 side Can Tho FC but occasionally hosts bigger events when required.
Hang Day is one of Hanoi's smaller stadiums, with its 22,500-seat capacity dwarfed by My Dinh.
It is the home ground of six-time Vietnamese top-flight champions Hanoi FC and has been a key part of the footballing landscape in northern Vietnam since its inauguration.
Hang Day has hosted some of the most memorable football games in recent memory, including international fixtures, league title deciders and cup finals.
The stadium is considered one of the most intense grounds in the country, and Hanoi FC's success over the years has only strengthened its reputation.
In addition to their six league titles, they have also won three Vietnamese Cups and a record five Super Cup titles, turning Hang Day into a formidable fortress.
The club's owners plan to renovate the stadium, increase its capacity and upgrade its facilities over the next few years.
The Thong Nhat Stadium was inaugurated in 1929 and has a 15,000 capacity. While it may seem modest compared to other major stadiums in Vietnam, its rich history makes it an iconic venue.
The inauguration of the stadium predates the country's unification. It has witnessed football evolve over the years, from colonial times to the development of a unified Vietnamese football league.
Thong Nhat is the home ground of two of the city's prominent clubs - Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon FC.
The stadium has gone through various renovations over the years to maintain its relevance in Vietnamese football, and it continues to be a hub for local fans.
It also holds a special place in the hearts of older football supporters who have seen the ups and downs of Vietnamese football, making it a key symbol of perseverance and history.
All good things have to come to an end, and the same unfortunately has to be said for football stadiums too. This article looks at the grounds which are soon to host their last match, the stadiums whose days are numbered and where fans will be watching their football from next.
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