Where to watch AFL Australian Football League games in Saigon
Watching AFL (Australian Football League) games in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) is very popular and easy for rugby league & Aussie rules fans — especially Aussies, Kiwis, and expats. Saigon has a strong network of sports bars (many Aussie-owned or themed) that regularly show live AFL, NRL, rugby union, cricket, and other Australian/international sports. As of 2026 (post-2025 season), here’s everything you need to know.
AFL Grand Final 2026 Saturday 26th September 2026. Kick off time at 11.30am Saigon HCMC time.
Time Difference & Game Times in Saigon
Saigon is on ICT (Indochina Time, UTC+7) year-round — no daylight saving.
Australia (VIC/NSW/QLD) uses AEST (UTC+10) during the AFL season (March–September, no daylight saving in those months for AFL). Time difference: Saigon is 3 hours behind Australian Eastern Time during the AFL season.
- Example: A 2:30pm AEST kick-off in Australia = 11:30am in Saigon (perfect morning/brunch viewing).
- Early games (e.g., 1:45pm AEST) = 10:45am Saigon.
- Evening games (rare) push to early afternoon.
AFL games are mostly Saturday afternoons in Australia — so in Saigon, they’re usually late morning to early afternoon (ideal for day sessions with beers and brekkie). Check the weekly AFL fixture and subtract 3 hours for Saigon time. Bars often open early or extend hours for big matches like finals or the Grand Final.
Best Sports Bars in Saigon to Watch AFL
Saigon’s top spots are expat-heavy (District 1, Thao Dien/District 2, Phu My Hung/District 7), with multiple big screens, sound on, cold beers, pub grub, and lively crowds for Aussie sports.Here’s the usual table with the key bars (focused on reliable AFL/Aussie sports venues):
Aussie Sports Bar
Location and Map link
Just down from Nguyen Boulevard
Restaurant type
Aussie sports bar with great pub food – open 24 hours – showing AFL games live.
Food Highlights at Aussie Sports Bar
How Aussie is it to have a Chicken Schnity at an Aussie Sports Bar! Check out their food menu on the website aussiebarsaigon.com
| Bar Name | Location | Description of Bar | Food Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phatty’s Sports Bar | District 1 (central) – 48 Tôn Ton That Thiep (D1) | Premier expat-friendly sports bar with lively atmosphere; perfect for big games like AFL/Grand Final; accommodating owner, home-style vibe, very popular and often packed | Western/Aussie pub grub, home-style comfort food including steaks, burgers, pizzas, Phatty Burger, Eggs Benedict, bacon wrapped wings, country fried steak, sausage sizzle (for events) |
| The Rabbit Hole Irish Bar | Multiple (D1 & D7) | Aussie/Irish vibe with great craic; outdoor/indoor seating, tons/large screens everywhere (screens in every line of vision, including beer gardens); relaxed, fun for groups; live music, quizzes, pool/darts; open 365 days | Classic pub comfort food (Western & some Vietnamese), hearty portions including homemade hamburgers (Australian beef & caramelized onions), Sunday Roast, Hanoi Spring Rolls, honey chicken wings |
| Jackaroo Bar & Grill | District 1 – near Ben Thanh Markets | Authentic Aussie Outback bar; cozy upstairs spot with laid-back vibe; great for mates/groups; friendly owner, family environment | Hearty Aussie pub grub in large portions including Brisket Loaded Fries, Brisket Tacos, burgers, Parmi (Parma), pizza (e.g., meat lovers), nachos, snags & chips, roast beef rolls with gravy |
| Coolabah Saigon | District 7 (Phú Mỹ Hưng) – Happy Valley area | Contemporary Aussie bistro/bar; spacious, bright/airy oasis; friendly service (English-speaking staff); relaxed, down-home feel | Classic Aussie pub fare in big portions including Sunday Roast (highly praised), sausages/bangers, steaks, pies and other hearty pub classics |
Practical Tips for Watching AFL in Saigon
- Check ahead: Bars post schedules on Facebook (search bar name + “sports schedule” or “AFL”). Message them to confirm they’ll show your game — most do for AFL.
- Atmosphere: Expect expats (lots of Aussies), tourists, and locals. Gets packed and loud for big games — arrive early!
- Food & Drinks: Pub classics (burgers, pies, roasts), Vietnamese twists (pho, spring rolls), cheap beers (Bia Hoi, Tiger, Heineken ~VND 20,000–50,000). Prices are affordable.
- Alternatives if bars are full: Stream on Watch AFL app via phone/hotel TV (subscription needed; works well in Vietnam).
- Location tip: Most top spots are in District 1 (central, easy access) or Thao Dien (District 2, expat hub) — Grab/taxi rides are quick and cheap.
How AFL is Broadcast/Streamed in Vietnam
AFL doesn’t have major free-to-air or dedicated local TV broadcasters in Vietnam. Rights for international viewing (outside Australia) are managed by:
- Watch AFL (official streaming service from watchafl.com.au) — streams every match live and on-demand (subscription ~AUD 200–300/year).
- Some bars use international satellite feeds or streaming packages (e.g., Foxtel/Kayo equivalents via VPN, or Watch AFL on big screens).
Most Saigon sports bars will show all AFL games (regular season, finals, Grand Final) live if requested — especially in Aussie-run venues. Just ask ahead!
If you’re in Saigon during a specific AFL round, finals, or the Grand Final, drop the match details and I can help pinpoint the best spot! Enjoy the footy — nothing beats a cold Bia Hoi and a speccy mark in the tropics.
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Last updated 12th August 2026
Australian travel blogger and aviation enthusiast based in Sydney, living a relaxed retired life filled with daily flat whites. Passionate about exploring The World's hidden gems TripAtrek travel blog is on a mission: To share these gems with you.