Is watching football at Lach Tray Stadium difficult? From tickets to the ride home
Watching football at Lach Tray Stadium is a chance to experience Hai Phong's passionate supporter culture, but the liveliest stands also mean loud drums, big crowds, and less personal space. Choose the match and the right ticket in advance, and you'll spend the evening watching the game, not getting lost outside the stadium.
15 min read
Lach Tray after its upgrade, looking across the pitch to a red-seated stand spelling out LACH TRAY.
Have one evening in Hai Phong and wondering whether you can catch a real V.League match at Lach Tray Stadium? You can, and the next home game is Hai Phong FC against Song Lam Nghe An at 6:00 PM on November 7, 2026. All you need to do is check the fixtures, buy a ticket through an officially announced sales channel, and arrive about an hour before kickoff.
1. Who are Hai Phong FC, and why is Lach Tray called a "cauldron"?
Hai Phong FC are the professional football club representing Hai Phong, a major port city in northern Vietnam. The team compete in V.League 1, the highest division of Vietnamese football.
You’ll often hear the club called Hoa Phuong Do (Red Flamboyant Flowers) or Thuy Trieu Do (Red Tide). Both nicknames reflect the city’s identity and the red shirts that fill the stands on matchdays.
Although Hai Phong have never won the V.League title, they have an impressive football history. The club won the Vietnamese National Cup in 1995 and 2014 and finished runners-up in the national league in 2010, 2016, and 2022.
In the 2026/27 season, former Vietnam international Dang Van Thanh is in charge of the team. He took over from Chu Dinh Nghiem in May 2026 after previously serving as his assistant.
The coaching staff also includes South Korean fitness coach Lee Gi Nam, who previously worked with Hanoi FC.
Among the notable players in Hai Phong’s 2026/27 squad are Vietnamese midfielder Nguyen Cong Phuong, Serbian striker Milan Makaric, and Cameroonian forward Joel Tagueu.
Still, for travelers, the biggest attraction might not be any individual player.
It’s the atmosphere.
Lach Tray has earned its reputation as one of Vietnam’s football "cauldrons" because of the drums, coordinated chants, red shirts, and passionate reactions from home supporters.
Before some important matches, groups of Hai Phong fans gather in the surrounding streets and march toward the stadium together. It’s a lively part of local football culture, and you may notice the excitement building long before kickoff.
The stadium has also hosted memorable matches beyond men’s club football.
On August 12, 2025, around 25,000 spectators attended Vietnam’s women’s national team match against Thailand during the ASEAN Women’s Championship, a crowd rarely seen for a women’s match in Southeast Asia.
Of course, not every Hai Phong FC game attracts a full house. But even with fewer people in the stands, there’s usually enough energy to give you a real sense of the city’s relationship with football.
2. Hai Phong FC 2026/27 fixtures: when can you watch a home match?
The 2026/27 V.League 1 season features 14 clubs playing each other twice, once at home and once away.
The season runs from September 4, 2026, to May 22, 2027, with 26 rounds of matches. Each club has 13 home games throughout the campaign.
Half of Hai Phong FC’s fixtures are away games, so not every match takes place at Lach Tray Stadium. Make sure the match you’re interested in is listed as a home game before arranging your evening.
Remaining Hai Phong FC home matches in 2026
All times are Vietnam local time (UTC+7).
| Date | Kickoff | Fixture | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Hai Phong vs Song Lam Nghe An | 7 |
| Sunday, November 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Hai Phong vs The Cong - Viettel | 9 |
| Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Hai Phong vs Bac Ninh | 11 |
| Monday, December 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM | Hai Phong vs Ho Chi Minh City Police | 13 |
All four fixtures are scheduled to take place at Lach Tray Stadium.
With just one free evening, the easiest matches to fit in are the November 7 game against Song Lam Nghe An and the November 29 game against The Cong - Viettel.
Both fall on weekends, making them easier to combine with sightseeing, dinner, or a night out in Hai Phong.
The Cong - Viettel are one of Vietnam’s most established football teams, so their visit should be an interesting occasion. Meanwhile, Hai Phong and Song Lam Nghe An have a history of competitive meetings that can make for an entertaining matchday atmosphere.
Are there more home matches in 2027?
Yes. After Round 13 in December 2026, V.League takes a break before the scheduled return of Round 14 between February 19 and 21, 2027.
Some home fixtures in the second half of the season already have provisional date windows:
- Round 15 against Hoang Anh Gia Lai: February 26-28, 2027.
- Round 17 against SHB Da Nang: March 12-14, 2027.
These are provisional match windows, not confirmed kickoff dates and times. Other second-half home fixtures will also need to be checked against the updated official schedule.
To find the latest Hai Phong FC fixtures, visit the Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) website and open the V.League 1 section. Search for Hai Phong, then check the date, opponent, venue, and kickoff time.
A few days before your visit, check the club’s official announcements as well.
Fixtures can change because of broadcasting arrangements, organizational requirements, or league scheduling adjustments. Avoid booking a long-distance journey based solely on an old screenshot of the fixture list.
Are Hai Phong FC playing in the AFC Champions League in 2026/27?
No. Hai Phong FC are not participating in an Asian continental club competition during the 2026/27 season.
Vietnam’s representatives in the two AFC Champions League competitions are Cong An Ha Noi in the AFC Champions League Elite and The Cong - Viettel in the AFC Champions League Two.
Hai Phong have also been eliminated from the 2026/27 Vietnamese National Cup following their defeat against Thep Can Tho on September 20, 2026.
As a result, their remaining home fixtures this season are V.League 1 matches rather than domestic cup or Asian continental games.
3. Where can you buy Hai Phong FC tickets, and how much do they cost?
Sort the ticket out first, especially when your visit to Hai Phong lasts only a day or two.
Where to buy official tickets
Your safest starting point is Hai Phong FC’s official website or official Facebook page, where the club announces ticket sales for individual matches.
Tickets have previously been sold in person near Gate A1 at Lach Tray Stadium, although the location, opening hours, and purchasing methods can vary from game to game.
- Choose a home match from the VPF fixture list and note the date, kickoff time, and opponent.
- Look for the club’s official ticket announcement for that particular game.
- Check whether tickets are sold online, in person, or through both methods.
- Purchase through the announced channel and keep your printed ticket or electronic code.
- Recheck the kickoff time and stadium entry instructions on matchday.
Foreign visitors can ask their hotel reception team to help contact the club or explain the ticket-buying process.
A simple Vietnamese phrase can also be useful:
"Cho mình mua hai vé trận Hải Phòng gặp Sông Lam Nghệ An, khán đài A."
It means you’d like to buy two tickets for Hai Phong versus Song Lam Nghe An in Stand A.
Bring some Vietnamese dong in cash, too. Some physical ticket counters may not accept international bank cards.
How much are tickets at Lach Tray Stadium?
Ticket prices for the 2026/27 season are announced match by match.
To help with budgeting, here’s roughly what tickets cost at the stadium in 2025:
| Seating area | Reference ticket price |
|---|---|
| Stand A VIP | VND 150,000-250,000 |
| Stand A regular | Around VND 100,000 |
| Stand B | Around VND 100,000 |
| Stands C and D | Around VND 50,000-70,000 |
Single-match tickets are also different from season tickets.
Season tickets are sold through a separate section of Hai Phong FC’s website.
When visiting only once, a regular match ticket is the more practical choice.
Keep an eye on official announcements several days before your chosen match and buy as soon as tickets become available; on some days there are none left at the stadium just before kickoff.
4. Should you choose Stand A or Stand B at Lach Tray?
Lach Tray Stadium has a capacity of around 30,000 spectators. Built in the late 1950s, it has undergone several renovations, including a major upgrade beginning in 2021.
The stadium is divided into four main areas: Stands A, B, C, and D.
Each offers a noticeably different experience.
| Stand | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| A | Two levels, covered seating, and a sideline view | First-time visitors, families, and travelers who want a clear view |
| B | The liveliest home-supporter area, with drums and chanting | Fans looking for an intense football atmosphere |
| C and D | Behind the goals, basic facilities, no roof | Experienced spectators when these sections are open |
Stand A
The easiest choice for first-time visitors
On a first visit to Lach Tray, Stand A is the comfortable choice.
You get a proper seat, much of the stand is covered, and the sideline perspective makes it easier to follow the match.
A seat near the halfway line, preferably not too close to pitch level, usually provides a better view of passing movements, team formations, and the overall flow of play.
Stand A is also a good option for families, older travelers, and international visitors who aren’t familiar with Vietnamese supporter culture.
Wind-driven rain still reaches some covered rows. When buying tickets, ask about the level, row, and designated entrance where possible.
Stand B
Experience the famous Lach Tray atmosphere
For drums, nonstop singing, and a closer connection with Hai Phong’s most passionate supporters, Stand B is where much of the action happens.
This is traditionally the area where energetic fan groups gather. Supporters may stand, chant, wave flags, and react loudly to every major moment.
The trade-off is that you won’t get a quiet evening. Someone standing in front of you may block your view, and it can be difficult to hear conversations during the game.
Stand B suits a group of friends who already enjoy live football and genuinely want to join the excitement.
Stands C and D
What about Stands C and D?
Stands C and D are located behind the goals and offer a simpler viewing experience, without a roof.
They are generally opened when additional capacity is needed, so tickets may not be available for every fixture.
With only one evening in Hai Phong, the few tens of thousands of dong saved in these areas aren’t worth hunting for.
Stands A and B usually offer a clearer choice between comfort and atmosphere.
Whichever ticket you buy, check the stand, level, entrance gate, and seat number printed on it.
The gate where you buy your ticket may not be the entrance printed on it.
5. How to get to Lach Tray Stadium and when to arrive
Lach Tray Stadium is located on Lach Tray Street in Gia Vien Ward, Hai Phong.
It’s relatively close to the city center, making it convenient for travelers staying around the main downtown area.
The stadium is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Hai Phong Opera House square. Depending on the weather and where you’re staying, walking, taking a taxi, or booking a ride through an app are all reasonable options.
From Cat Bi International Airport, the distance is approximately 6.7 kilometers.
A taxi or app-based ride is usually the easiest option if you’re arriving directly from the airport. Just allow enough time for traffic, ticket checks, and finding your seat.
Should you drive your own car?
Not on matchday, unless you already know where you can park legally.
Parking space around the stadium is limited, particularly when a popular fixture attracts large crowds.
Nearby public facilities, including areas around the Children’s Cultural Palace, can fill up quickly during major events.
Since mid-2026, local authorities have also strengthened enforcement against illegal stopping and parking along Lach Tray Street and surrounding roads.
Taking a taxi, using a ride-hailing app, or walking from a centrally located hotel can save you considerable trouble.
Suggested matchday schedule for a 6:00 PM kickoff
- 4:30-5:00 PM
Arrive near the stadium
Arrive near the stadium, grab a snack, and enjoy the pre-match atmosphere
- 5:00-5:20 PM
Through the gates
Find your entrance, pass ticket checks, and enter the stand
- 5:20-5:55 PM
Settle in
Locate your seat and watch both teams warm up
- 6:00 PM
Kickoff
Kickoff
- 7:50-8:10 PM
Final whistle
Expected final whistle, depending on stoppage time
- After the match
Head home
Follow exit instructions and arrange transport once crowds begin to disperse
Arriving 60-90 minutes before kickoff should give you a comfortable amount of time.
You’ll also have a chance to see supporters in red shirts gathering outside, taking photos, and singing familiar club chants.
When the match ends, resist the temptation to rush straight into the busiest road to find a taxi.
Walking a little farther to a quieter, legal pickup point is often more comfortable and makes it easier for your driver to find you.
Another option is to explore the commercial, cultural, and nighttime food area around 53 Lach Tray Street, which opened in late October 2026. Just keep an eye on local traffic conditions and choose a safe route.
6. What should you wear and bring to Lach Tray Stadium?
Red is an easy clothing choice for a Hai Phong FC match.
An official team jersey is optional. A simple red T-shirt is enough to fit right in with the home crowd.
For a comfortable evening, pack light and bring only the essentials:
- A comfortable T-shirt, shorts or trousers, and practical walking shoes.
- A charged phone, your printed or electronic ticket, and identification if needed.
- Some Vietnamese dong in cash for small purchases.
- A light jacket for cooler evenings toward the end of the year.
- A compact raincoat when rain is forecast.
- A translation app or your hotel’s address saved on your phone, especially if you don’t speak Vietnamese.
Avoid bringing fireworks, flares, weapons, sharp objects, pepper spray, or anything that could endanger other spectators.
Rules concerning bottled drinks, outside food, rigid umbrellas, selfie sticks, professional cameras, and flags with long poles may vary between matches.
Check the organizer’s instructions beforehand, as security staff may refuse entry to items they consider unsuitable.
A small bag is more convenient than a large backpack. At security checkpoints, be ready to open it for inspection when requested.
Keep your ticket accessible until you’ve left the stadium.
7. Is Lach Tray Stadium safe for tourists?
Lach Tray is famous for passionate football supporters who take the fortunes of their team seriously.
Most spectators come to enjoy the game and support Hai Phong, but any busy football stadium carries some risks, particularly when emotions run high.
One issue that has attracted attention in the past is the use of flares.
In November 2022, Hai Phong FC received a VND 70 million fine from the Vietnam Football Federation’s disciplinary authorities after supporters ignited multiple flares during and after a home match against Song Lam Nghe An.
Football authorities continue to impose penalties for such incidents.
At the continental level, the Asian Football Confederation fined the Vietnam Football Federation a total of USD 11,250 in May 2026 for security and flare-related violations during Vietnam’s match against Malaysia at Thien Truong Stadium.
Those incidents don’t mean trouble at every match.
Stadium security, crowd management, and campaigns encouraging responsible supporter behavior have received greater attention in recent seasons, though the risk hasn’t gone away entirely.
What should you do if you see flares or crowd trouble?
Loud drums and synchronized chanting are normal at Lach Tray. If something turns genuinely unsafe, like a flare or a crush, move away from it first.
For visitors who want to experience local football while prioritizing comfort, Stand A remains the best fit.
8. How should foreign visitors behave at a Hai Phong FC match?
International visitors can enjoy a match at Lach Tray too.
You can follow the whole evening without speaking Vietnamese or recognizing a single player.
First, be respectful of team colors and supporter sections.
If you’re sitting among Hai Phong fans, avoid deliberately wearing the opposing team’s shirt as a joke or to attract attention. Neutral clothing is a perfectly reasonable choice for visitors who aren’t supporting either side.
During the game, don’t be surprised when people stand up, clap, or sing together.
You’re welcome to join in when it feels natural.
You might also ask a nearby supporter about a player, a chant, or what’s happening on the pitch. Small conversations like these can become some of the most enjoyable moments of the evening.
When taking photographs or videos, ask permission before filming strangers close up, particularly children.
Stay out of restricted areas such as player entrances, tunnels, and staff-only zones.
Language is another practical consideration.
Simple Vietnamese phrases like "Xin chào" (Hello), "Cảm ơn" (Thank you), and "Hải Phòng cố lên!" (Come on, Hai Phong!) are easy to learn.
Ticket sellers and stadium staff may not speak English, Korean, or Chinese, so keeping a screenshot of the official match announcement and a translation app on your phone is helpful.
If you regularly go to football matches at home, you may find many traditions familiar. However, don’t assume that stadium entry procedures, permitted items, or supporter arrangements follow the same rules as those in your home country.
Always follow the local instructions.
Be polite to both teams.
Cheering passionately is part of football culture. Insulting opponents, making provocative gestures, or getting into heated arguments is a different matter and can quickly spoil the experience.
9. How to make the most of a football evening in Hai Phong
An evening at Lach Tray works best when it isn’t squeezed into an already packed itinerary.
Have something to eat beforehand, give yourself time to watch the stream of red-shirted supporters approaching the stadium, and take a few photos in permitted areas.
You might find that the moment an entire stand erupts after a goal stays with you longer than the final score.
During the match, pay attention to the little details.
Notice how the crowd reacts when Hai Phong break forward, how the drums grow louder before a corner kick, or how the singing continues when the home team is struggling.
None of that comes through on a television broadcast.
Once the final whistle blows, take your time leaving. You can head back to your hotel, find somewhere for dinner, or enjoy a little more of central Hai Phong.
Just plan your return journey sensibly, especially if you have an early train, bus, or flight the next morning.
At Lach Tray, a low-scoring match is still worth the ticket for the stands alone. The right home fixture, a legitimate ticket, and a seat that suits your preferences will show you another side of Hai Phong: welcoming, energetic, and deeply passionate about football. Last tip: wear a simple red T-shirt and you’ll fit right in with the home crowd.
Frequently asked questions
Are Hai Phong FC playing at Lach Tray Stadium this week?
Yes. Hai Phong FC are scheduled to host Song Lam Nghe An at Lach Tray Stadium on Saturday, November 7, at 6:00 PM. This is a Round 7 fixture in the 2026/27 V.League 1 season. Check the latest schedule before traveling, as match dates and kickoff times can change.
How much are Hai Phong FC tickets, and can I buy them at the stadium?
In 2025, tickets at Lach Tray ran from around VND 50,000 to VND 250,000 depending on the stand; 2026/27 prices are announced match by match. Whether you can buy tickets at the stadium or online depends on the arrangements announced for each match. Always prioritize official sales channels over unofficial street sellers.
Is Stand A or Stand B better for first-time visitors?
Stand A is generally the better choice for first-time spectators, international visitors, families, and anyone who prefers covered seating and a clearer view of the match. Stand B is best for fans who enjoy loud drums, coordinated chants, and a highly energetic supporter atmosphere. Both offer something different, but Stand A is the easier introduction to Lach Tray.
Is Lach Tray Stadium safe for foreign tourists?
Foreign tourists can attend V.League matches, and Vietnamese citizenship is not required to buy a regular spectator ticket. As at any crowded stadium, safety depends on event management and the behavior of spectators. Buy official tickets, arrive early, consider Stand A, follow security instructions, and keep away from crowd disturbances or flares.
Are Hai Phong FC competing in the AFC Champions League in 2026/27?
No. Hai Phong FC are not participating in either the AFC Champions League Elite or AFC Champions League Two in the 2026/27 season. Vietnam's representatives are Cong An Ha Noi and The Cong - Viettel. Travelers hoping to watch Hai Phong at Lach Tray during the remainder of the season should focus on the V.League 1 fixture list.
