Vietravel Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet all organized flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, each carrying hundreds of passengers, most of them carrying flags and banners with the Vietnam flag.
Some of the fans have been following the Vietnam team for years and show up at most of their matches, both domestically and internationally.
“As long as I can make arrangements, I will show up, trying to not miss any match,” said Hai, a fan from the northern port city of Hai Phong.
The Hai Phong fan club has 40 members traveling to Bangkok this weekend, expecting the Vietnam team to return with a championship trophy.
Many families were also on board. Some children were able to recite the names of most players.
“Xuan Son is my favorite,” said a child, referring to the naturalized striker who has become the first Vietnamese player to score the most goals (seven) in the ASEAN Cup.
Fans from cities and provinces across northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Bac Ninh, and Quang Ninh, came well-prepared with flags, uniforms, banners, and other cheering equipment.
They had to leave home early to catch the evening flights.
Strangers quickly turned into friends thanks to their shared love for the team.
Anh Dung, a football enthusiast, said that while he had cheered for the team at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi before, this was his first time traveling abroad to show his support, and he was thrilled about the experience.
Fans took the opportunity to snap and share photos on social media while waiting to check in for their flights.
Despite the late-night departures, both fans and airline crew were excited, waving Vietnamese flags and chanting “Vietnam wins!” and “Vietnam champions!”
By around 4 a.m. Sunday, one of the last groups of fans arrived at their hotels in Bangkok. They rested briefly before heading to the stadium.
Travel agencies estimate that nearly 4,000 Vietnamese fans will show up in Bangkok to cheer for the team.
Pham Van Bay, a representative of tourism firm Vietravel, said that the company had arranged trips for approximately 1,000 fans from Hanoi and HCMC.
The second leg of the 2024 ASEAN Cup final between Thailand and Vietnam is set to take place at 8 p.m. Sunday at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Thanks to their 2-1 victory in the first leg, Vietnam only need a draw in this match to claim the championship.
