As part of the tournament’s sideline activities, members from all 8 regional teams had the chance to admire the majestic beauty of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site on July 8.

Their first stop was Sung Sot, the biggest and most popular limestone cave in Ha Long Bay. After climbing more than 1,000 stone steps, the players and coaches were amazed by the surreal stalactites and the cool, fresh air inside the cave.

They then visited Ti Top island, famous for its white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters nestled among the towering limestone islands. They also had lunch with the rich flavours of Vietnamese seafood cuisine.

“This tournament is not just about football, it’s a meaningful journey of cultural exchange,” said Nguyen Nhan Duc, a player from Vietnam's People’s Public Security Team I. “I’m proud to introduce the beauty of our country to international friends.”

Coach Chayong Khumpiam from Thailand, on his first visit to Ha Long, shared, “I’m truly impressed by Vietnam’s nature. These caves are cool, unique, and unlike anywhere else I’ve seen.”

Meanwhile, referee Muhammad Izzul Fikri Bin Kamaruzman of Malaysia was fascinated by the turtle-shaped stone in Sung Sot cave.

“Learning that turtles are a cultural symbol in Vietnam made the experience even more special,” he confided.

The tournament is taking place at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi and PVF Stadium in nearby Hung Yen province from July 7 to 15. It is featuring six teams from Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, Timor Leste, and Australia, as well as two from Vietnam (Vietnam People's Public Security I and II).

Vietnam to host fourth ASEAN Police Football Tournament

VOV.VN - The fourth ASEAN Police Football Open Tournament will be held from July 5 to 15 at Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi and the PVF Youth Football Training Center in northern Hung Yen province, according to a press conference held on July 2 at the Ministry of Public Security.