Asian Poker Festival and Top Joy Poker Tour team up for Hanoi Spring Series in April; over $2M in guarantees

After its stunning debut last year where over 2 Million in USD equivalent was paid out, Chinese brand Asian Poker Festival (APF) returns to Hanoi, Vietnam for another series at the Royal Poker Club. Now confirmed for April 8 to 17, 2024, excitement mounts as the brand joins forces with popular Chinese brand Top Joy Poker Tour (TJPT). Together, the duo have announced an ambitious VN₫ 60 Billion (~USD 2.4 Million) guarantee for the upcoming APF & TJPV Hanoi Spring Series. 

Asian Poker Festival & Top Joy Poker Vietnam Hanoi Spring Series

Asian Poker Festival (APF) and Top Joy Poker Vietnam (a sub-brand under TJPT), the latest brands to light up the Asian poker scene, distinguish themselves by introducing fresh talent from China. Chinese players have long sought opportunities such as this to participate in poker events outside of the mainland where they can experience high level of competition in a safe and welcoming environment.

The APF & TJPV Hanoi Spring Series aims to provide all of those needs. The ten-day poker festival boasts 31 custom crafted tournaments with buy ins from a modest VN₫ 7,350,000 (~USD 300) to an expensive VN₫ 210,700,000 (~USD 8,600). This ensures something for every player.

APF & TJPV Hanoi Spring Series – Player Guide

APF & TJPV Main Event features a massive guarantee

Certain to draw the highest interest is of course the series headliner, the APF & TJPV Main Event and its jaw dropping VN₫ 25 Billion (~USD 1 Million) guarantee. This offer is quite bold seeing that APF’s previous prize pool was VN₫ 15 Billion. Interestingly, despite the numerous international tours that have planted their flags in Vietnam, APF & TJPT Hanoi Spring Series is only the second series in history to have announced a seven figure USD Main Event prize pool for the country.

The APF Main Event runs from April 13 to 17, 2024 featuring a buy in of VN₫ 29,400,000 (~USD 1,200). If the past is an indicator of what’s coming, then players can expect to see some of the region’s most decorated in attendance including Vietnam’s Minh Anh Nguyen, the event’s reigning champion. Nguyen shared,

“I will be there to defend my title, it’s my home soil. Plus I expect a much bigger audience with bigger prize pool. April will be an exciting month in Hanoi!”

Minh Anh Nguyen bulldozes through APF Main Event final table for career second major title

Other Highlights

Browsing the schedule, high rollers are in for a packed series with daily events to indulge in. It kicks off with the High Roller Warm Up boasting a buy in of VN₫ 44,100,000 (~USD 1,800) then gradually escalating to the High Roller Megastack with buy in of VN₫ 66,150,000 (~USD 2,700). Among the favorites are the Super High Roller and Superstar Challenge. Buy ins are VN₫ 88,200,000 (~USD 3,600) and VN₫ 110,250,000 (~USD 4,500). Topping the list with the largest buy in is the Billionaire Club Challenge at VN₫ 210,700,000 (~USD 8,600).

For players with more conservative bankrolls, the options are abundant with multiple choices available each day. Particularly popular are the phased events, such as the Kickoff Event and Mystery Bounty, which always see significant attendance.

With the series fast approaching, eager players have already snatched up all of the Early Bird Packages. If you missed that chance, no fret as more promos have been promised in the coming days. We will have that information for you in our next update.

Tourist info

A bit of info for incoming international players. Entering Vietnam is quite easy. There are 26 countries in the visa-free list which includes most Southeast Asian nations and Europe. Players from South Korea, Japan, Russia are also visa free. For those not in the list, all that’s needed is an eVisa. Just apply online and choose between single entry or multiple. You can also get a visa upon arrival but may have to wait in line.

Getting in and around Hanoi

If you are flying into Vietnam capital city Hanoi, most likely you will be landing at the Noi Bai International Airport. The safest way to get from the airport to the heart of the city is via Grab Car. Make sure to use the online app as the rates are set and fair.

Internet may be spotty around town that a Vietnam sim card may be necessary. Get this at the airport as they are very hard to find in the city. Sim cards are very cheap, around $7-$10 for unlimited data depending on the plan you choose.

The country currency is the Vietnamese Dong and it is the only form of cash accepted. There are exchange counters at the airport. You can also exchange at the poker venue.

For more information:

Asian Poker Festival 
Top Joy Poker Tour