In just one week’s time, a new brand will launch in Hanoi, Vietnam, the Vietnam Poker League (VPL), set to kick off at the Grand Loyal Poker Club. Running from March 8 to 18, 2024, the eleven-day series offers a wishlist of low to mid-tier games and a high roller series, all highlighted by the LP 30 Billion (~USD 1.25 Million) guaranteed festival prize pool. This is the richest local event ever presented in the country. With the moment drawing near, we’ve come up with some tips to help players enjoy their time both on and off the felt. Have a look.
VPL – Key Events
First, we’ve compiled events that need to be marked down in player calendars. These events offer the best value and are expected to draw the largest crowds and biggest pots. For better value, avail of the Early Bird package where you can get up to 11 nights FREE! Offer expires on March 5, 2024. Flyer at the bottom of the page.
VPL Main Event
The VPL Main Event should be the first on everyone’s list. For a newcomer to the scene, the guarantee is an ambitious LP 8 Billion (~USD 333,333). Four entry flights are offered with buy in at LP 22,000,000 (~USD 936).
Date: March 14 to 18, 2024
Buy in: LP 22,000,000 (~USD 936)
Guarantee: LP 8,000,000,000 (~USD 333,333)
Day 1A: Thursday, March 14
Day 1B: Friday, March 15
Day 1C: Saturday, March 16
Day 1D (Turbo): Saturday, March 16
Day 2: Sunday, March 17
Final Day: Monday, March 18
Kick Off
Date: March 8 to 10, 2024
Buy-in: LP 4,500,000 (~USD 191)
Guarantee: LP 2,500,000,000 (~USD 101,885)
Megastack
Date: March 10, 2024
Buy-in: LP 5,500,000 (~USD 234)
Guarantee: LP 1,000,000,000 (~USD 40,750)
Mini Main Event
Date: March 11 to 13, 2024
Buy-in: LP 6,600,000 (~USD 281)
Guarantee: LP 3,000,000,000 (~USD 122,260)
Monster Stack
Date: March 17 to 18, 2024
Buy-in: LP 11,000,000 (~USD 468)
Guarantee: LP 1,000,000,000 (~USD 40,750)
High Roller Series
High Roller events are some of the most in-demand games in Vietnam which is why eight have been scheduled. These carefully selected events have a range of buy ins from LP 22 Million (~USD 890) to LP 80 Million (~USD 3,240). For better value, avail of the Early Bird package where you can get up to 11 nights FREE! Offer expires on March 5, 2024.
Poker in Hanoi
Poker has been booming in Hanoi for several years with international festivals putting the quaint city on the poker world map. Since 2022, big brands have consistently staged events, driving prize pools to incredible heights. With a large local poker population needing nurturing as well, local events have been on the rise with prize pools very competitive to the international market. For the upcoming VPL, the LP 30 Billion festival guarantee is the largest by any in-house brand.
Visa
Entering Vietnam is 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. It is best to apply well before your planned arrival as it can take up to seven days. You can also pay more to speed up the process.
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. It only takes a quick 40-45 minute ride to the venue Grand Loyal Poker Club. The safest way to go is via Grab. If you need a Vietnam sim card, get it at the airport as they are hard to find in the city. The country currency is the Vietnamese Dong. Make sure to exchange at the airport. The poker venue also provides this service.
Once situated, the best way for a solo traveler to move around the city is via motorcycles. You can book a Grab bike. If it will be your first time in Vietnam, the chaos of the streets may be a bit shocking as motorbikes are the preferred mode of travel.
Accommodations
Great news for players, the Grand Loyal Poker Club is located inside the Grand Vista Hotel in the heart of Hanoi. This means there’s no need to book elsewhere as hotel rates are also very reasonable. Breakfast is usually included, and players should take advantage as the buffet offers a variety that is certain to fill the belly.
Tourist info
As the country’s capital city, Hanoi has plenty to offer tourists from high end restaurants to some of the best banh mi street-side. There are also historic sites scattered all over the city so we suggest to just search for what to do in Hanoi and you will find plenty of options. The Old Quarter is unique to the city, offering plenty of history, the Temple of Literature is one of the most visited and it is near the venue, most popular with the locals is Hoan Kiem Lake.
As mentioned above, the country currency is the Vietnamese Dong. Make sure to exchange at the airport or at the poker room.
Unfortunately, this time of year is rainy and sometimes cold so make sure to have a rain jacket, cap, umbrella, whatever you need to stay dry. Despite the weather, Vietnam has a very strong outdoor culture with low chairs seen practically everywhere. Locals come in packs to sit and eat, drink, have coffee, or simply just to relax. This is a great way to do as the locals do!
Coffee culture
Coffee lovers will be happy to discover that coffee is a big deal in Vietnam. The country dominates the region in coffee production. While you can get all types of coffee at any coffee shop, the Vietnamese prepare it with sweetened condensed milk and ice. Egg coffee is also unique and popular.
VPL Early Bird Package Flyers
Tricia David
Tricia David has long experience as a recreational poker player and has been covering poker events since 2010 for numerous outfits in Asia. She spent one year working part time with Poker Portal Asia then became editor and lead writer for all event coverage of the Philippine Poker Tour (PPT). Under the PPT, she overlooked content for their website, and produced live updates on all their events. In addition, she served as the live and online events website content writer for the Asian Poker Tour. Currently, she does live events reporting in Asia for online news site Somuchpoker and is also one of their news contributors.
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