A wave of V.League clubs "flock" to Thailand before the new season

Several V.League teams have selected Thailand for pre-season training in the 2026/2027 season, attracted by strong rivals, affordable expenses, and convenient match environments.

Clubs such as HAGL, Hanoi FC, and Cong An TP.HCM are all heading to Thailand as part of their preparations for the 2026/2027 season. The decision of multiple teams to converge on the same destination is no longer just a passing trend; it reflects the need for a higher-quality training and competition environment before the new campaign kicks off.

The most important reason lies in the quality of opponents. During training camps in Thailand, Vietnamese clubs can play around 4-5 friendly matches against local teams. The standard of Thai football is considered comparable to, and even surpassing in some aspects, the V.League, providing practical tests for clubs to refine tactics, experiment with personnel, and evaluate squad strength.

Thailand also offers a major advantage in terms of adaptation. The climate and time zone are relatively similar to Vietnam, so players do not need much time to adjust to the new environment. After a long season, a change of training scenery also brings a psychological boost, while teams can still maintain the necessary training intensity without facing major disruptions to their daily routines.

Another factor that makes Thailand an attractive option is the cost consideration. Compared to training camps in Europe or geographically distant countries, traveling to Thailand is more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation, and organizing matches. Moreover, Vietnamese clubs can leverage their relationships with Thai teams and coaches to find suitable friendly opponents. HAGL is a prime example, as the mountain town club frequently chooses Thailand as its training destination.

Beyond serving the goal of preparing for the V.League, these training camps also carry strategic significance as many Vietnamese clubs aim for regional and continental competitions. Early exposure to Thai teams helps HAGL, Hanoi FC, and Cong An TP.HCM get accustomed to playing styles commonly seen in tournaments such as the AFC Champions League and the ASEAN Club Championship. This is also an opportunity for coaching staff to gather data and identify weaknesses that need improvement.

This trend of heading en masse to Thailand shows that V.League clubs are increasingly prioritizing pre-season preparation. Instead of training only at home, teams are actively seeking competitive environments, investing more in professional development, physical conditioning, and logistics. If sustained over the long term, such training camps could become a crucial stepping stone, helping clubs raise their quality and elevate the overall standard of Vietnamese football to a new level.