Vietnam Lottery Guide 2025: How to Buy Tickets, Prizes, and Tips for Travelers
The lottery (Xổ số) is a part of everyday life in Vietnam. Whether you’re walking through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, or visiting markets in Da Nang, you’ll often see vendors selling lottery tickets. For locals, it’s not just about money—it’s a cultural tradition and a small thrill of hope. The good news is that tourists can also buy Vietnamese lottery tickets easily, making it a unique travel experience.
This article explains how to buy lottery tickets in Vietnam, where to find them, how the prize system works, and tips for travelers who want to try their luck.
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1. What Is the Vietnamese Lottery?
The most common form is the government-issued traditional lottery (Xổ số kiến thiết), which has been around for decades. Tickets cost around 10,000–20,000 VND (0.5–1 USD), making it extremely affordable. Each ticket has a 6-digit number, and prizes are awarded based on how many digits match the winning draw.
Another option is scratch-off tickets (Xổ số cào), which provide instant results. These are especially fun for tourists who want to know immediately whether they’ve won.
2. Where and How to Buy Tickets
Lottery tickets are everywhere in Vietnam. You can buy them:
- From street vendors carrying bundles of tickets or selling them from motorbikes.
- At markets and kiosks, often alongside newspapers, snacks, and drinks.
- From official lottery outlets, easily spotted with signs saying “Xổ số.”
For travelers, the easiest way is to buy from street vendors while exploring tourist spots. It usually costs less than a cup of coffee and makes for a fun cultural encounter.
3. How the Prize System Works
Drawings are held daily in the evening, with results rotating by province.
- First Prize (Jackpot): Up to 2 billion VND (around 80,000 USD)
- Other prizes: Ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of VND
- Consolation prizes: If the last digits match, you may win back the ticket price
Results are announced on TV, in newspapers, at official outlets, and online. Many locals also use apps to check numbers quickly.
If you win a small prize, you can usually redeem it at the place of purchase. Large prizes must be claimed at official offices or banks, and the process requires ID—making it less practical for tourists.
4. Tips for Tourists Buying Lottery Tickets
- Prizes must be claimed in Vietnam – Big wins cannot be redeemed abroad, so don’t expect to cash in after your trip.
- Beware of fake tickets – Stick to trusted sellers or official kiosks.
- Language barrier isn’t an issue – You just need to check the numbers.
- Treat it as an experience – Think of it as trying local street food: cheap, fun, and part of the culture.
5. Final Thoughts
Buying a lottery ticket in Vietnam is not just about winning money—it’s about experiencing local life. With tickets costing less than 1 USD, it’s an inexpensive and memorable way to connect with the culture. Next time you see a vendor offering Xổ số, why not try your luck? Even if you don’t win, you’ll walk away with a story to tell from your trip.
（Photo by VNEXPRESS）
