Every four years, provinces across Vietnam send their best athletes to compete in the country's largest multi-sport event. In 2026, it's Ho Chi Minh City's turn to serve as the main host, for the first time in two decades.

Vietnam National Games 2026 is the 10th edition of the national games, featuring 48 sports and 973 events, with around 36 delegations from 34 provinces and cities across Vietnam taking part. The event runs from November 14 to December 12, 2026, making it the perfect time to book Flights to Ho Chi Minh City and experience Vietnam's national sporting atmosphere firsthand.

The event runs from November 14 to December 12, 2026, with Ho Chi Minh City serving as the main host. The opening ceremony is planned for Thong Nhat Stadium or Sai Gon Riverbank Park, while the closing ceremony will be held at Phu Tho Sports Complex.

Besides Ho Chi Minh City, some matches are also spread across Dong Nai and Dong Thap Provinces. Several major venues, including Thong Nhat Stadium, Phu Tho Sports Arena, and Phu Tho Swimming and Diving Club, have undergone major renovations since late 2024 to prepare for the event.

The Vietnam National Games was first held in 1985 and has been held every four years since. Previous editions took place in Hanoi (1985, 1990, 1995, 2002, 2018), Ho Chi Minh City (2006), Da Nang (2010), Nam Dinh (2014), and Quang Ninh (2022).

The 2026 edition marks the third time Ho Chi Minh City has been entrusted as the main host, and is seen as an important moment for the city's sports development strategy after two decades away from the main host role.

The organizing committee has also announced that the 2026 edition will be the first Vietnam National Games to go fully digital, covering everything from athlete data and match schedules to competition results and event operations management. This move is expected to make the event more transparent and accessible to the public than previous editions.

With a total of 48 sports, this edition covers both traditional disciplines and several sports being contested for the very first time.

Athletics and football are contested at Thong Nhat Stadium, while swimming events are held at Phu Tho Swimming and Diving Club and the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Training and Competition Center.

Martial arts disciplines such as judo are contested at Grand Palais Vung Tau Ward Gymnasium, alongside mixed martial arts (MMA), which is entering the official program for the first time this year.

The 2026 edition introduces new sports such as pickleball, esports, and several beach variants of traditional sports, reflecting an effort to broaden participation to more modern disciplines popular with younger generations.

Here are a few things worth keeping in mind if you're planning to watch this event live in Ho Chi Minh City.

Since matches are spread across many venues, and even different provinces, check the schedule and location of the sport you want to watch before deciding where to stay, so your trip runs more efficiently.

District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is a strategic area to stay in, thanks to its easy access to different parts of the city. Book a Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City early, especially since this period overlaps with the year-end holiday season.

Between matches, take the chance to explore Ho Chi Minh City landmarks like Bitexco Financial Tower, Ben Thanh Market, or a stroll along the Saigon River, so your trip isn't all about sports.

Since this is the first edition to go fully digital, schedules and results will likely be trackable through the organizing committee's official channels. Check the latest information before departing, especially regarding which venues are open to the general public.

Distrit 1 is the most strategic area to stay in, given its proximity to Thong Nhat Stadium and easy access to other venues around the city.

Caravelle Saigon is an iconic five-star hotel in the heart of District 1, about 3 km from Thong Nhat Stadium, with easy access to the Opera House and the surrounding shopping district.

Hotel Nikko Saigon is located in District 1 with full business-hotel facilities, a good choice if you want a comfortable stay close to the various match venues in the city center.

Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon is strategically located in Phu Nhuan District, just 10 minutes from Tan Son Nhat Airport, making it a popular choice for travelers thanks to its easy access to various Vietnam National Games venues.

Still not sure where to stay? Check the full list of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City on Traveloka and find accommodation that fits your budget and travel style.

Vietnam National Games 2026 is more than just an ordinary sporting event, it's a major moment for Ho Chi Minh City to show its readiness as a national-level sports city. With dozens of sports and thousands of athletes from across Vietnam, the competitive atmosphere is guaranteed to be felt in every corner of the city.

If you happen to be visiting Vietnam in late 2026, watching a match live could be an exciting addition to your trip beyond the usual tourist attractions.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's #1 travel app, trusted by millions of users to plan trips to destinations including Vietnam. Book Flights to Ho Chi Minh City, then find a Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City that fits your budget and location.

Round out your trip with Activities in Ho Chi Minh City, like city tours, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, or taking in the view from Bitexco Financial Tower. Enjoy flexible payment with Traveloka PayLater or local payment methods like bank transfer, GoPay, and other digital wallets, anytime through the app available on Google Play Store and App Store.