When Vietnam beat Thailand to take home the SEA Games gold medal in men’s football, Ho Chi Minh City lit up like a festival. From District 1 to the outskirts of Thu Duc, streets were filled with motorbikes waving red and yellow flags, people shouting with joy, and fireworks lighting up the sky.
But scenes like this aren’t anything new in Ho Chi Minh City. Watching football here is part of everyday life. Whether it’s a big international match or a local league game, people find a way to gather at their go-to cafe, a local bia hoi, or packed sports bars with giant screens and cheap beer. It’s noisy, chaotic, and full of energy, just like the city itself.
Why Football Matters In Ho Chi Minh City?
Football is a universal language in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re a local who grew up watching every game or a foreigner just passing through, it doesn’t matter, you’re pulled into the same excitement. In these bars, language barriers crumble as soon as the match kicks off. Everyone from students to expats, from young couples to older locals, becomes a part of the collective experience. It’s not about who you are; it's about who you're rooting for, and how that shared passion brings everyone together.
The culture here is full of celebration, camaraderie, and raw emotion. Bars are the go-to spots, packed with fans watching the game over a drink. These places become a microcosm of Ho Chi Minh City itself.
Where To Watch Football In Ho Chi Minh City?
1. The Evita Sports Bar
Located in District 1, the Evita Sports Bar is run by an Australian and a Vietnamese couple. It is perfect for locals and expats, offering massive screens, cold drinks, and a welcoming vibe.
2. The Lost Aussie Saigon Bar
The Lost Aussie Sports Bar began 25 years ago, founded by an Australian with a passion for sports, good food, and community. With locations in Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Saigon, it was built as a welcoming space where expats, locals, and travellers feel like family, whether cheering for their team or winding down with a cold beer.
3. The Rabbit Hole Irish Bar
The Rabbit Hole Irish Bar is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys a great pint and football. This traditional Irish pub has a genuine, local feel, with big screens showing all the major games.
4. Phatty’s Sports Restaurant
Phatty’s Sports Restaurant is a Saigon staple for live sports, offering non-stop action across all major leagues, from football and UFC to NBA and MotoGP, 7 days a week. With big screens, a buzzing atmosphere, and a full menu of Western and Asian dishes, it’s the perfect spot to catch the game with a cold drink and great service.
5. The Nexus Square
The Nexus Square offers premium open-air football screenings right in the heart of Saigon. Known for its lively game nights, it’s a great spot to catch major matches under the city sky. For just VND 400,000K, fans can enjoy a free flow of beer and a vibrant crowd experience. With music, lights, and communal energy, it feels more like a festival than just a football screening.
What To Expect Watching Football
On game day, don't expect to have a quiet evening at any of these bars. Here, watching football is an intense experience where every pass, every shot, and every call made by the referee elicits a response. Fans will often wear their team's colours, wave flags, and even paint their faces to reflect the spirit of the game.
And after the game is finished, whether they win or lose, you'll witness people connecting, celebrating a hard-fought victory or commiserating over a close setback. In Ho Chi Minh City, watching football is about more than the game.
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