As part of a series of activities on the sidelines of the 2025 Police and ASEAN Police Football Tournament, on the morning of July 8, players, coaches, referees and representatives of the organizing committee participated in the Ha Long Bay tour. The trip was organized by the Ministry of Public Security, T&T Group and SHB Bank, sponsors of the tournament.
Here, members of the teams admire the spectacular beauty of the most famous golf course in Vietnam, which is recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage with thousands of majestic limestone islands such as Dinh Huong, Dong Mai,ua, ...
The group's first stop was Sung Sot Cave. This is known as the most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay. After passing more than 1,000 steps, the members were able to admire the beautiful ice and cool air inside the cave.
The delegation visited Ti Top Island, a beautiful island located between a large and small island complex, standing out with fine white sand and clear blue sea.
Not only enjoying the natural scenery, the players also enjoyed a lunch rich in Vietnamese flavors with traditional dishes typical of the coastal area.
Player Nguyen Nhan Duc of the CAND Vietnam I team shared: I am very proud to participate in this tournament. These are not simply football matches but also an opportunity for exchange and connection between soldiers and police forces in the area. In particular, the Ha Long Bay trip helps international friends understand more about the culture and people of Vietnam.
Thailand coach Chayong Khumpiam was surprised: This is the first time I have been to Ha Long. Vietnam is very beautiful, the climate is quite similar to Thailand. What surprised me was the cool cave despite the hot weather outside. The islands here are very special, completely different from the places I have known.
Referee Muhammad Izzul Fikri Bin Kamaruzman from Malaysia could not hide his excitement: I have been to Vietnam a few times, but this is the first time I have had the opportunity to visit Ha Long Bay. I was impressed by the turtle-shaped rock in Sung So cave, it was very interesting to know that turtles are a symbol in Vietnamese culture. I really love this country.
Sovathe player from Cambodia also had many emotions: I really like Vietnamese people, everyone is friendly and hospitable. Vietnamese cuisine is also attractive, especially pho, bun cha and banh mi. I hope football will become a bridge connecting countries in the region, helping the friendship to be stronger".
Meanwhile, Souny Sihalat, a Lao player, has studied and lived in Vietnam for 5 years. He commented: "It has been 3 years since I graduated until now that I have had the opportunity to return to this land. But this comeback is more special because I came to Vietnam and participated in the 2025 ASEAN Police and Police Football Tournament as a player of the Laos team. This is a meaningful tournament, it helps connect the friendship between countries in the region, especially the brotherhood and friendship between Vietnam and Laos.
The 2025 ASEAN Police and Police Open Football Tournament will take place from July 7 to July 15 in Hanoi and Hung Yen. The tournament brings together 8 teams, including two host representatives, CAND I and CAND II, along with Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, Australia and Timor-Leste. The teams are divided into 2 groups, competing in a round-robin to score points. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
