Renault Stadium exterior, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Thong Nhat Stadium

Thong Nhat Stadium: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Ho Chi Minh City’s Historic Sports Venue

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Thong Nhat Stadium, located in District 10 of Ho Chi Minh City, stands as an enduring symbol of Vietnam’s sporting heritage and cultural resilience. Established in 1931 during the French colonial era, the stadium has played a pivotal role in the city’s social, political, and athletic evolution (Vietnamnet; Wikipedia). From hosting national football championships to serving as a venue for major cultural events, Thong Nhat Stadium is deeply interwoven into the fabric of Ho Chi Minh City’s identity.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Thong Nhat Stadium’s history, architectural significance, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and practical tips for travelers. Whether you are a football fan, history enthusiast, or cultural explorer, this article will help you plan a meaningful visit to one of the city’s most important historical sites.

Introduction
Historical Overview
Thong Nhat Stadium Today
- Stadium Structure and Facilities
- Safety and Renovation Plans
Sporting and Cultural Significance
- Football and Sporting Events
- Community and Cultural Impact
Visiting Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Essential Contacts and Safety Information
Cultural Etiquette
Summary and Travel Tips
References

Historical Overview

Origins and Construction

Thong Nhat Stadium was built in 1931 as “Stade Cộng Hòa” (Republic Stadium), serving as a hub for Western sports during the French colonial period (Vietnamnet). Its initial design reflected European architectural influences, with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, making it one of Southeast Asia’s largest venues at the time.

Evolution Through Political Change

Throughout the 20th century, the stadium’s identity evolved alongside Vietnam’s turbulent history. It was renamed “Cong Hoa Stadium” during the Republic of Vietnam era and hosted national sporting events, military parades, and community gatherings (Saigon Times). Following reunification in 1975, it received its current name “Thong Nhat,” meaning “Reunification,” symbolizing national unity (VnExpress).

Architectural Developments and Renovations

Thong Nhat Stadium has undergone several major renovations:

1959–1960: Capacity expanded to 30,000 with additional stands and lighting (TravelsHelper).
1967: Restoration of stands and facilities.
2002: Major upgrade ahead of 2003 Southeast Asian Games.
2017–2019: Installed a modern 1,500-lux floodlight system and new seats, reducing capacity to about 15,000 while modernizing and preserving its historic facade (Vietnam News Agency).

Thong Nhat Stadium Today

Stadium Structure and Facilities

Thong Nhat Stadium remains a multi-purpose sporting venue with an oval layout and four primary stands: A, B, C, and D (Wikipedia).

Stand A: The only covered stand, featuring VIP seating, media facilities, and function rooms—currently in need of refurbishment (Vietnam.vn).
Stand B: Closed since 2023 due to severe structural deterioration; no visitor access (VnExpress).
Stands C and D: Open-air stands for general spectators; some safety and maintenance issues are present.
Pitch and Athletics Track: The grass pitch is uneven, and the running track’s synthetic surface is deteriorating.

Facilities include:

Floodlights (1,500-lux system)
Changing rooms and media centers (in need of upgrades)
Concession stands and restrooms (basic amenities)
Limited accessibility features for disabled visitors

Safety and Renovation Plans

Severe structural deterioration, especially in Stand B, has prompted closures and safety restrictions (Vietnam.vn). To address these concerns, a major renovation is scheduled for 2024–2025, aiming to:

Refurbish stands and reconstruct key sections
Upgrade pitch, track, lighting, landscaping, and drainage systems
Increase capacity to around 19,000 seats
Complete renovations by late 2025 (Tuoi Tre News)

Sporting and Cultural Significance

Football and Sporting Events

Thong Nhat Stadium is the home ground for Ho Chi Minh City FC and has historically hosted Saigon Port FC. It regularly stages V.League 1 matches, Vietnamese National Cup games, and international fixtures (V.League Official). In 2024, it became one of Vietnam’s first stadiums to implement the VAR system, enhancing the fairness of competitions (Vietnam.vn).

The stadium has hosted key events such as the 2003 Southeast Asian Games, World Cup qualifiers, and high-profile friendlies, drawing large, passionate crowds (VnExpress).

Community and Cultural Impact

Beyond sports, Thong Nhat Stadium serves as a venue for concerts, festivals, and civic celebrations, including international music acts like Westlife (VnExpress). Its role in uniting diverse communities reflects its symbolic meaning as a place of national pride, resilience, and collective memory.

Visiting Guide

Location and Accessibility

Thong Nhat Stadium is centrally located at 138 Đào Duy Từ Street, Ward 6, District 10, making it accessible from major districts, including District 1 (TravelsHelper). Public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it’s about a 30-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market.

Visiting Hours

Event Days: Gates open 1–2 hours before kick-off; check official club websites for match schedules.
Non-Event Days: Public access is limited and may be restricted due to maintenance or private bookings. Confirm availability before visiting.

Ticketing and Entry

On-site: Tickets are sold at stadium counters on match days; early arrival is advised for popular events.
Online: Some matches offer online ticket sales via official club websites or authorized platforms.
Pricing: Standard V.League 1 matches range from 50,000–200,000 VND, with premium or international fixtures priced higher (Vietnam.vn).
Entry: Security checks apply. Large bags, outside food/drinks, and prohibited items are not allowed.

Facilities

Seating: Main stand (A) is covered; others are open-air. Most tickets are for unassigned seating.
Restrooms: Basic facilities; can be crowded during peak times.
Food & Beverage: Concessions sell snacks, water, and soft drinks; expect local Vietnamese street food.
Merchandise: Team gear is sold at temporary stalls during matches.
Accessibility: Limited for disabled visitors; ramps are available but not all areas are accessible.

Match Day Experience

Arrive early to experience the lively atmosphere created by local fans—expect chants, drums, and colorful banners. The weather is generally hot and humid; June marks the rainy season, so bring rain protection (localvietnam.com). Seating is mostly first-come, first-served.

Special Events and Photography

Guided tours are rare but may be offered during special events. Top photo spots include the main stand, fan zones, and the stadium’s historic facade. Use personal cameras or smartphones; professional equipment may require permission.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your stadium visit with nearby sites:

War Remnants Museum
Ben Thanh Market
Reunification Palace
District 10’s street food and local markets
Le Thi Rieng Park for relaxation

Travel and Seasonal Tips

Transport: Ride-hailing apps are most convenient. Bus information is available at Ho Chi Minh City Bus website.
Weather: Prepare for rain during June; bring a poncho or lightweight raincoat.
Accommodation: District 10 and District 1 offer varied hotel options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the official visiting hours?
A: Gates open 1–2 hours before events; public access is limited otherwise. Confirm via official sources.

Q: How can I buy tickets?
A: On-site at the stadium on event days or online through club websites.

Q: Is the stadium wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited; contact in advance for assistance.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Occasionally, during special events; check with the stadium or clubs.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Arrive early on match days for the best atmosphere and seating. Avoid rainy afternoons during the wet season.

Essential Contacts and Safety Information

Stadium Information: cityseeker.com
Emergency Numbers: 113 (police), 114 (fire), 115 (ambulance)
Lost and Found: Report to stadium staff or security

Cultural Etiquette

Stand for the national anthem if played.
Cheer respectfully; avoid offensive gestures.
Dispose of trash properly to keep the stadium clean.

Summary and Travel Tips

Thong Nhat Stadium is a cornerstone of Ho Chi Minh City’s sporting and cultural scene, offering visitors a chance to witness Vietnam’s vibrant football culture and explore a historic venue (Vietnamnet; Traveloka). Despite recent structural challenges and ongoing renovations, the stadium’s legacy endures, with plans to modernize and expand its facilities by 2025 (Tuoi Tre News; Vietnam.vn).

Plan your visit by checking event schedules, securing tickets early, and preparing for local weather. Combine your stadium experience with visits to Ho Chi Minh City’s top attractions for a rich cultural itinerary. For up-to-date information, follow official club websites and city announcements or download the Audiala app for alerts and exclusive content (Audiala).