28 Apr 2022 | 09:35 AM UTC
Vietnam: Southeast Asian Games to be hosted in several cities, including Hanoi, May 6-23
Vietnam to host Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi and other cities, May 6-23. Tight security, localized disruptions likely at event sites.
Event
Hanoi and other cities in northern Vietnam will host the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), May 6-23. Around 10,000 athletes and officials from 11 countries will attend the event. The opening ceremony will take place at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi May 12, while the closing ceremony will occur at the Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium May 23.
Events will take place in the following cities or provinces:
Hanoi: Bac Tu Liem Gymnasium, Cau Giay Gymnasium, Dan Phuong Gymnasium, Gia Lam Gymnasium, Ha Dong Gymnasium, Hanoi Indoor Games Gymnasium, Hoang Mai Gymnasium, My Dinh Aquatics Center, My Dinh Stadium, Quan Ngua Gymnasium, National Convention Center, National Sports Training Center, Royal City, Soc Son Gymnasium, Tay Ho Gymnasium, and Thanh Tri Gymnasium
Bac Giang: Bac Giang Sporting Hall
Bac Ninh: Bac Ninh Gymnasium, Bac Ninh Sport University, and Hanaka Sports & Entertainment Center
Ha Nam: Ha Nam Gymnasium
Hai Duong: Hai Duong Gymnasium
Hai Phong: Lach Tray Stadium and Thuy Nguyen District
Hoa Binh: Hoa Binh Provincial Sports Center
Nam Dinh: Thien Truong Stadium
Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh Gymnasium
Phu Tho: Viet Tri Stadium
Quang Ninh: Cam Pha Stadium, Quang Ninh Exhibition Center, Quang Ninh Gymnasium, Tuan Chau Island, and Yen Tu
Vinh Phuc: Dam Vac Golf Course and Vinh Phuc Gymnasium
Security
Authorities will significantly bolster security around the venues hosting events, hotels and other accommodation facilities, and transport centers. Security checkpoints and the deployment of additional personnel are likely. Street crime is likely the most significant threat to visitors during the Games, especially in crowded places near the venues.
Transportation
Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) will be the main airport serving the games. Other airports include the Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong. Officials will likely intensify identification and security checks, including baggage searches for arriving and departing passengers. Immigration and customs delays are likely ahead of, during, and after the games.
The movement of athletes, officials, and spectators will almost certainly lead to increased traffic on major highways and public transport in the host cities, particularly Hanoi. Increased demand for bus, taxi, and app-based ride-sharing services is likely.
Advice
Avoid the event sites and seek alternative routes. Heed all official instructions. Carry identification documents at all times. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Allow additional time at airports and other transport centers to pass through security screenings, and for ground transport in host cities due to likely traffic congestion. Confirm transport arrangements and hotel reservations in advance.
