[Real Experience] Trying the Vietnamese Lottery: True Stories & Winner Interviews

18/7/2025

1. Introduction｜Why Vietnamese Lotteries Are Trending Now

“Does the Vietnam lottery really pay out?”
“How much can you win? Can foreigners or Japanese people buy tickets?”
Recently, more and more expats and travelers are sharing their fun, local lottery adventures on social media.

This article brings you first-hand stories from foreigners—including Japanese—about buying and winning the Vietnamese lottery!

2. Quick Guide: Vietnam Lottery Basics

• Types: Traditional vendor-sold lotteries (“Xổ số kiến thiết”) and the fast-growing digital/electronic games (like Vietlott).
• Price per ticket: 10,000–20,000 VND (about 60–120 JPY)
• Where to buy: Street vendors, convenience stores, outside cafes, pretty much anywhere in the city!
• Prize money: Jackpots can hit tens or hundreds of millions of VND—rollover system means the top prize can grow massive.

3. First-person Story: A Japanese Resident Tries the Vietnam Lottery

Story from “A-san” (Japanese, 30s, living in Ho Chi Minh City):
“One day, I bought a lottery ticket from a lady selling them outside a local coffee shop.
I checked the numbers the next day—

I won a consolation prize (60,000 VND, about 360 JPY)! It wasn’t a fortune, but the whole experience was like a lucky charm.
The ticket seller was so happy for me and joked, ‘Winning the lottery—share your luck with others!’ This kind of everyday interaction is part of the fun.”

What Makes It Unique?

• Winning is a thrill, but the community and “mini festival” feel are just as memorable!
• For non-Vietnamese speakers, the phrase “Kiểm tra giúp tôi” (“Please check my ticket”) is handy.

4. Winner Interview: How Do Locals and Expats Use Their Prizes?

Interview with “B-san” (Foreign expat, won a Vietlott jackpot):
“I did a group purchase with coworkers and we hit the jackpot—about 500 million VND (~3,000 USD)!
I sent some money to my family, and used the rest for food adventures and a motorbike trip across Vietnam.
Here, people prioritize family and home first.
Making ‘lottery friends’ was also a totally unique local experience!”

Typical Ways Vietnamese Winners Use Their Lottery Prizes

• Supporting family, renovating or buying a house
• Big motorbike adventures or domestic travel
• Donations to charity or Buddhist temples
• Investments, small business funding, school tuition

5. How to Enjoy the Vietnamese Lottery—Local Style Tips & Warnings

Quick Tips

• Easy to buy: You can choose your numbers or specific dates, or just grab a random ticket.
• Community Culture: Getting excited together with locals at the kiosk or stand is part of the charm!
• How to claim: Redeem at official vendors or bank counters; you’ll need ID.

Important to Know

• Foreigners CAN win and claim prizes, but bring your passport and be ready for simple paperwork!
• For safety: Buy only from certified sellers or Vietlott counters.
• Claim deadlines: Usually 30–60 days—so always check your numbers ASAP.

6. FAQ: Common Questions About the Vietnam Lottery

Q: Can foreigners/Japanese actually win?
A: Yes! There are real cases of both winning and claiming prizes.

Q: What’s the safest way to collect a big prize?
A: Go to an official counter or bank branch, show your passport and (if needed) proof of residence. The process is secure.

Q: Where’s the best place to buy tickets?
A: Outside large supermarkets, near train stations or local markets, and Vietlott official shops are all convenient and reliable.

Conclusion｜Your Own Vietnam Lottery “Drama” Awaits!

Everyone should try a local lottery at least once, for both the thrill and the cultural experience.
You might not win big, but you’ll definitely walk away with a unique “real Vietnam story” of your own.

（Photo by Unsplash.com）