Top 10 Spots to Watch Football Like a Local in Vietnam

Vietnam is a football-loving nation where the beautiful game is more than just a sport—it's a shared cultural experience. Whether you're in bustling Ho Chi Minh City or the peaceful streets of Hoi An, you'll find locals glued to the screen, passionately cheering for their favorite teams. But if you're visiting Vietnam and want to soak up the local vibe while watching a match, you're in for a treat! Here’s a list of the top 10 spots to watch football like a local in Vietnam, where energy, food, and fanfare collide for an unforgettable experience.

1. Bia Hoi Junction – Hanoi 🍻⚽

Located in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Bia Hoi Junction is a legendary street corner packed with plastic stools, cold draft beer, and small local eateries. During a football match, the area transforms into a mini stadium filled with passionate fans and energetic chants.

Why locals love it:

• Affordable fresh beer (as cheap as 5,000 VND!)
• Lively street atmosphere
• Communal viewing experience on big screens

2. Cộng Cà Phê – Nationwide 🇻🇳📺

This Vietnamese coffee chain offers vintage aesthetics and cozy settings. It might not be your typical sports bar, but when football season rolls around, many branches set up TVs to cater to the crowd.

Pro tip: Try their signature coconut coffee while catching the game.

3. The View Rooftop Bar – Ho Chi Minh City 🌆⚽

Located atop the Duc Vuong Hotel in District 1, this bar offers a panoramic view of the city skyline. The open-air vibe is perfect for enjoying football with a side of breeze and beer.

Why go:

• Stunning views
• Good mix of locals and travelers
• Large TV screens

4. Stadium Café – Ho Chi Minh City 🏟️🍔

A true sports bar in the heart of Saigon. Stadium Café is a haven for football fans looking for a more Western-style sports experience, with burgers, beers, and big screens.

What’s hot:

• Multiple screens showing different matches
• Comfortable seating
• Late-night crowd

5. Cakhiatv – Online Platform 📱💻

If you want to watch from the comfort of your hotel or even while traveling, cakhiatv is the go-to online platform for streaming football matches in Vietnam. Locals often use it to stay connected with live sports wherever they are.

Why it rocks:

• Free and easy access
• Mobile-friendly
• Streams international and local matches

6. Pasteur Street Brewing Co. – Multiple Cities 🍺⚽

Known for its craft beer, this spot is a favorite among expats and football fans alike. With outlets in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you’re never too far from a screen and a pint.

7. Hanoi Rock City – Hanoi 🎸⚽

While this venue is more famous for live music, it transforms into a football frenzy during big matches. The crowd here is young, vibrant, and always game for a good time.

8. Cafe Bet – Saigon’s Sidewalk Cafés 🪑☕

In Saigon, you’ll often see groups gathered around a small TV placed on the sidewalk, watching football. These spots are the epitome of watching like a local.

What to expect:

• Plastic stools
• Local snacks
• Intimate fan culture

9. Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House – District 1 🧑‍🎓⚽

During major tournaments, this location often hosts public screenings on massive outdoor screens. A sea of red and yellow shirts fills the square, creating an electric atmosphere.

10. Local Betting Cafés – Nationwide 🧾📺

Yes, they exist. These places are small cafés where people gather to watch games and sometimes even place friendly bets. It’s local, raw, and full of drama.

Comparison Table of Football-Watching Spots in Vietnam

Final Thoughts

Watching football in Vietnam isn’t just about catching a match—it’s about feeling the pulse of a nation that lives and breathes football. Whether you’re chugging beer with strangers at Bia Hoi Junction or relaxing on your phone with cakhiatv, the experience is bound to be memorable. The Vietnamese football culture is passionate, vibrant, and incredibly infectious. So next time you’re in town during match season, blend in, cheer loud, and feel the magic!