VPNs in Vietnam Are Legal… Unless You Do This One Thing
How to Watch VieON Outside Vietnam (Even If You See That Annoying Block Screen)
Free VPNs vs Paid VPNs: Real-World Risks Explained (Tested in Vietnam)
Free VPN vs paid VPN: why shared IP addresses get blocked and premium VPNs actually work for streaming in Vietnam

How to Watch VieON Outside Vietnam (Even If You See That Annoying Block Screen)

Tired of that “not available in your region” screen on VieON? I tested a VPN workaround that unlocks everything from Rap Việt to live VTV — even from Europe or the US.
A dual-screen laptop showing VieON’s geo-block error on the left and NordVPN connected to a Ho Chi Minh City server on the right, with the title “VieON Blocked? How to Watch Outside Vietnam” in the center

So, there I was in Prague last month, just trying to wind down after a work day. I poured myself a cup of green tea, opened my laptop, and clicked on VieON to watch the latest episode of Anh Trai Say Hi. And then – bam – the screen went dark, and up popped that dreaded message:

“Trang này chưa khả dụng trên lãnh thổ của bạn”
Translation? “This site isn’t available in your region.”

Ugh. Classic geo-blocking.

Error screen from VieON displaying geo-block message for users outside Vietnam
That frustrating message I got in Prague This site isnt available in your region Yep thanks geo block

If you’re Vietnamese living abroad or just a fan of Vietnamese dramas, reality shows, or sports, you’ve probably run into this too. But here’s the good news: you absolutely can watch VieON from anywhere. You just need a smart workaround and no, it doesn’t involve anything shady or illegal.

Let me walk you through it.


Why Is VieON Blocked Outside Vietnam?

VieON is a Vietnamese streaming platform with over 10,000 hours of content – everything from local dramas like The Masked Singer Vietnam to Korean series, Thai shows, and even CNN and Cartoon Network. It’s owned by DatVietVAC, and they’ve really doubled down on making VieON the top homegrown OTT service in Vietnam.

But because of licensing deals and copyright restrictions, a lot of their content is only available to people physically located inside Vietnam.

If you’re accessing VieON from outside the country even if you’re Vietnamese yourself the site detects your IP address and says nope. Cue the sad little world map and airplane icons on your screen.


Wait… What’s VieON Global Then?

You might have seen the “VieON Global” button on that error message. This is their international version, launched in early 2024 to serve the Vietnamese diaspora in countries like the US, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. It’s a nice idea, but here’s the catch:

VieON Global has only a small selection of content compared to the full Vietnamese version. Some shows are missing, subtitles are sometimes off, and honestly… it just doesn’t feel like the real thing.

If you want full access like you’re watching from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City you need a different trick.


The Trick? Use a VPN That Works in Vietnam

Vietnamese Downy ad streamed on VieON while connected to NordVPN Vietnam server
This is what full access looks like NordVPN connected to Vietnam streaming local ads and all

This is where VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) come in. A good VPN lets you change your virtual location, so websites think you’re browsing from somewhere else. In this case, you want VieON to think you’re in Vietnam.

But not every VPN works. I tested seven different services and here are the top three that successfully unblocked VieON (and worked without annoying lag or buffering):

VPN ServiceWorks with VieONVietnam ServersStreaming Speed
NordVPNYes6+ servers⚡ Excellent
SurfsharkYes5+ servers⚡ Very Good
IPVanishYes 3+ locations⚡ Very Good

All three offer apps for phones, laptops, Smart TVs and more. I’ve tested NordVPN while traveling through Europe and the US, and it worked perfectly every time. Surfshark is great if you want to use it on unlimited devices — like your laptop, your kid’s iPad, your smart TV, everything.


How to Watch VieON with a VPN (5-Minute Guide)

Historical drama "Mộng Hoa Lục" on VieON, accessed through NordVPN's Vietnam server
After clearing cookies and refreshing boom Back to full access and Vietnamese dramas

Here’s what you need to do:

  • Pick a VPN that works in Vietnam
    My personal pick? NordVPN. It’s fast, super easy to use, and it never dropped my connection.
  • Install the VPN app
    You can use it on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows — pretty much anything.
  • Connect to a server in Vietnam
    This is the most important step. You must select Vietnam as your location.
  • Clear your cookies
    VieON sometimes caches your old location. Just clear cookies and refresh the site.
  • Go to vieon.vn
    Now you should see the full version — no more error message!
See also  This 10-Min VPN Trick Saved My Family $1,100 on Flights

Full channel lineup inside Vietnam on VieON with VTV, HTV, and international channels
Look at that lineup VTV1 VTV3 HTV CNN HBO Cartoon Network totally unlocked

Bonus Tip: Works on TV Too

I’ve had readers ask: “Can I do this on my smart TV?” Yep! I use Surfshark on my Fire TV Stick and NordVPN on my Android box. Just make sure your device supports VPN apps, or set it up on your router if it doesn’t.

VieON original shows like "Mặt Trời Mùa Đông" streamed via Surfshark VPN from abroad
Surfshark works great too especially if you want to binge VieON Originals on a smart TV

Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Vietnam or Abroad?

Good question. VPNs are legal in Vietnam (and in most countries) as long as you’re not using them to break the law. Streaming geo-restricted content for personal use? Totally fine. VPNs are privacy tools, and millions of people use them every day especially journalists, remote workers, and travelers.

So unless you’re using a VPN for something truly illegal… you’re good.


Why It’s Worth It

VieON streaming interface with Vietnamese live TV schedule and notification prompt
Stay connected in real time VieON offers live news sports and dramas no matter where you are with the right VPN

VieON has become the go-to platform for Vietnamese entertainment — not just for locals, but also for the Vietnamese community around the world. The fact that they launched VieON Global shows they know there’s demand. But until they make the full content library available internationally, a VPN remains your best bet.

I personally use it to keep up with my favorite shows, especially when I’m traveling or living abroad. No interruptions, no weird pop-ups, just smooth Vietnamese streaming.


Final Thoughts

If you’re sick of seeing this screen:

VieON concert streaming from abroad while connected via IPVanish VPN to Ho Chi Minh server
Also tested with IPVanish worked smoothly on WireGuard Streaming concert like I was right in Saigon

…and you just want to catch up on Rap Việt or VTV news, using a VPN with a Vietnam server is the easiest and safest way.

It’s not just about unblocking a website – it’s about staying connected to home, language, and culture.

And that’s worth every click.


Let me know if you try it and which VPN worked best for you! And if you’re watching Anh Trai Say Hi, let’s talk. I have thoughts about episode 12. 😅

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Watching VieON Abroad

Can I use a free VPN to unblock VieON?

Technically yes, but free VPNs are often detected and blocked. They’re also slow, unreliable, and risky when it comes to privacy. A premium VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark works far better.

What’s the best VPN for VieON?

Based on our tests, the best VPNs for VieON are:
– NordVPN (fast, reliable, Ho Chi Minh servers)
– Surfshark (affordable, unlimited devices)
– IPVanish (fast streaming, solid encryption)

Does VieON work with VPN on mobile and smart TVs?

Yes, as long as your VPN supports those devices. NordVPN and Surfshark both offer Android/iOS apps and router setups for TVs.

Is it legal to use a VPN for streaming VieON abroad?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries, including Vietnam. Just don’t use it to break local laws or distribute copyrighted content.

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author avatar
Petr
I'm Petr, and the online world has been my playground for more than 25 years. I've been working in IT since 2005, moving through development, project management, and eventually building my own services and online businesses. I create websites, launch projects, test new tools, figure out what actually works and what doesn’t, and share practical tips that save people time, money, and stress. I’ve also been actively investing since 2016. I enjoy digging into the markets, trying different platforms, and looking for long term opportunities that make real sense. For me, investing naturally fits into everything I already do online: analyzing, testing, learning, and optimizing. On this site, you’ll find straightforward articles, honest insights, and a bit of humor or irony here and there. When I’m not at the keyboard, I’m usually out on a bike trail or checking out a new golf course. And when I’m not doing that, I’m somewhere on the road with my wife and our two sons.
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