If you’ve ever tried to watch VTV Go, VTC Now, or FPT Play while outside Vietnam, you’ve probably run into that frustrating “This content is not available in your region” message. I ran into the same problem during a business trip to Berlin last month – I just wanted to catch the evening news from VTV Go like I usually do back home, and bam… blocked.
The good news? There’s a simple and safe way to unlock these services anywhere in the world. I’ve tested it firsthand from Miami, Mumbai, and even a hotel in Dubai. Whether you’re a Vietnamese expat or just someone who loves Vietnamese TV, this guide will walk you through how to stream your favorite channels without a hitch.
Why VTV Go, VTC Now, and FPT Play Are Blocked Abroad
Like many national streaming services, these Vietnamese platforms are limited by licensing restrictions and broadcast rights. That means they’re only allowed to show content to users physically located in Vietnam.
Streaming platforms use your IP address to detect where you are. So when you’re traveling or living abroad, their servers instantly see you as an “outsider” and block access.
📌 Quick Fact: Geo-blocks aren’t illegal. They’re part of copyright enforcement. But that doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong by accessing your own subscription while traveling and this is where a VPN comes in handy.
The Safe and Legal Way to Watch Vietnamese TV Anywhere
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your best tool for this. It encrypts your internet traffic and replaces your real IP address with one from the country you choose. When you connect to a Vietnamese server via VPN, platforms like FPT Play, VTC Now, and VTV Go see you as if you’re sitting in Hanoi — even if you’re actually in London.
💬 Is it legal?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries when used for personal privacy or to stream your own subscription. You’re not pirating anything — you’re just using a privacy tool to access content you already pay for (or is free in Vietnam).
Step-by-Step Setup
Getting started is easy. Here’s what I personally do whenever I want to stream Vietnamese TV abroad:
- Pick a VPN that actually works with Vietnamese servers (see my test results below)
| 5 Best VPN for Vietnam | Offer + Discount | URL |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 77% off + 3 months free | Try NordVPN |
| ExpressVPN | 73% off + 4 months free | Try ExpressVPN |
| SurfShark | 87% off + 2 months free | Try SurfShark |
| CyberGhost | 83% off + 2 months free | Try CyberGhost |
| PIA VPN | 82% off + 2 months free | Try PIA VPN |
- Install the VPN app on your phone, laptop, or TV box
- Connect to a server in Vietnam
- Open the streaming site or app — VTV Go, VTC Now, or FPT Play
- Start watching!
💡 Pro tip:
If it still doesn’t work, clear your cookies and cache. Some platforms store your old IP and location in the browser. Also try switching to a different Vietnamese server if available.
My Real VPN Tests (December 2025)
I tested seven popular VPNs on a 300 Mbps fiber connection using a MacBook Pro M3 and iPhone 15 Pro, while traveling through Miami, Berlin, and Mumbai. I specifically checked which ones could stream VTV Go, VTC Now, and FPT Play smoothly, in high quality.
Here are the results:
| VPN | Works with VTV/VTC/FPT? | Avg Speed (Mbps) | Streaming Quality | Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | 186 | 4K Ultra HD | $2.99 |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | 172 | 4K Ultra HD | $2.19 |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | 160 | Full HD | $3.49 |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | 155 | Full HD | $2.19 |
| ProtonVPN | ✅ Yes | 149 | HD | $2.99 |
| IPVanish | ✅ Partial | 142 | HD | $3.33 |
| PIA VPN | ✅ Yes | 137 | HD | $2.19 |
Testing Conditions (Proof Box)
- Locations: Miami (USA), Berlin (Germany), Mumbai (India)
- Connection: 300 Mbps optical fiber
- Devices Used: MacBook Pro M3, iPhone 15 Pro
- VPN Protocols: WireGuard, Lightway, OpenVPN
- Streaming Services Tested: VTV Go, FPT Play, VTC Now, Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, DAZN DE
I always stream in the evenings (peak hours), and I tested each VPN multiple times per week to account for server performance variations. All the data is from real use, not some fake lab simulation.
VPN-by-VPN Review (Expert Summary)
Here’s a deeper dive into how each VPN performed when I tested it with VTV Go, VTC Now, and FPT Play from multiple countries. These aren’t copy-paste reviews — I actually streamed the content, checked load times, and watched entire shows.
1) NordVPN

If you care about speed and stability, NordVPN is the one I kept coming back to during testing. It consistently delivered the fastest connection to Vietnam, with download speeds around 180 Mbps even during prime time. What makes it stand out is its SmartPlay technology, which automatically optimizes your connection for streaming.
I didn’t have to mess with manual server selection — I just picked “Vietnam” and was instantly able to stream Thời sự VTV1 in 4K with zero buffering.
What impressed me most was how well it handled live events. While watching Rap Việt during my stay in Mumbai, the stream never once glitched — not even over hotel Wi-Fi. The desktop and mobile apps are both sleek, with extra tools like Meshnet, Double VPN, and Threat Protection if you want more control.
✅ Ultra-reliable for FPT Play, VTV Go, and VTC Now
💡 Works flawlessly on Smart TVs using SmartDNS or router setup
🧠 Bonus: Apps are available in multiple languages, including Vietnamese
2) Surfshark

Surfshark is the most versatile VPN I tested, especially if you’re planning to share your account with family or switch between many devices. There’s no device limit, which means I could run it on my laptop, phone, and Fire Stick all at the same time — without paying extra or logging anyone out.
The Vietnamese servers were stable and delivered consistent speeds around 170 Mbps. I used Surfshark extensively in Miami for watching Người Ấy Là Ai? on VTV Go, and it handled streaming in 4K with ease. The CleanWeb feature blocked all the annoying ads on VTC Now’s site, which made the experience smoother overall.
You also get Camouflage Mode, NoBorders mode, and the option to use Surfshark’s rotating IP or static IP depending on what you’re trying to access.
✅ Great for travelers and families
💡 Also supports browser extensions, Fire Stick, Android TV, and even Linux
📦 Includes built-in ad blocker and GPS spoofing for Android
3) ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the more premium services out there — and honestly, it feels like it. The Lightway protocol is extremely fast and stable, especially for streaming live events. I tested it during a Vietnamese football match on FPT Play while in Berlin, and the picture stayed crisp, with no lag or resolution drops.
Setup is ridiculously simple. It took me under 3 minutes to go from install to streaming. Unlike many VPNs, ExpressVPN actually had multiple working Vietnamese servers not just one or two that were overcrowded. That made a big difference when trying to connect during peak hours.
What I appreciated was the built-in Smart DNS feature, which allowed me to stream on my LG Smart TV even without installing a VPN on the router.
✅ Smoothest performance for live sports and real-time content
💡 Higher price, but polished experience with 24/7 live chat
📱 Apps available for almost every device you can think of
4) CyberGhost
CyberGhost is perfect if you want something that just works without needing to be a tech geek. From the moment I launched the app, I saw servers specifically labeled for streaming — including Vietnam. That made choosing the right server a no-brainer.
When I tested VTC Now from Mumbai, the stream loaded in just under 3 seconds and played in full HD without hiccups. While not quite as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark, the experience was more than good enough for binge-watching shows or news.
It also has a handy “Smart Rules” feature, which allowed me to automate VPN connections when I launched specific apps, like my browser or FPT Play.
✅ Easiest setup for beginners or less tech-savvy users
💡 Also offers dedicated IP and 45-day money-back guarantee
📺 Compatible with Smart TVs using Smart DNS
5) ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is the privacy-first choice on this list. Developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, it offers top-tier encryption, Secure Core servers, and a strict no-logs policy — all based out of Switzerland.
Performance-wise, it worked well with VTV Go and FPT Play, though I did experience slightly slower load times (averaging 140–150 Mbps). Once buffered, though, the stream played without interruptions. ProtonVPN doesn’t have as many Vietnamese servers as others, but the ones available are stable and secure.
If you value transparency, open-source apps, and independent audits, ProtonVPN is a strong contender — especially if streaming is only one part of what you want a VPN for.
✅ Focus on privacy and transparency
💡 Free version available (but doesn’t include Vietnam servers)
🔒 Also supports Tor over VPN and advanced leak protection
6) IPVanish
IPVanish was a bit hit-or-miss during testing. It managed to unblock VTV Go and FPT Play most of the time, but VTC Now didn’t always work, even after trying different Vietnamese servers. Speeds hovered around 140 Mbps, which was good enough for HD content but occasionally dipped during busy times.
The app interface is more technical than others, with lots of toggles and customization for advanced users. One standout feature is LAN traffic routing, which is handy if you’re streaming on one device but want others on the network untouched by the VPN.
If you’re okay with a bit of trial-and-error or already know your way around VPN settings, IPVanish might be worth it — but for plug-and-play users, it’s not the smoothest option.
✅ Decent speed, better suited for advanced users
💡 24/7 support and unlimited simultaneous connections
⚠️ Some server inconsistencies and occasional dropouts
7) PIA VPN (Private Internet Access)
PIA is one of the most affordable VPNs out there, but don’t let the price fool you — it’s packed with advanced features. I had to tweak a few things before it worked smoothly with Vietnamese services: enabling Shadowsocks proxy and switching from OpenVPN to WireGuard made a big difference.
Once configured, I was able to stream VTC Now and VTV Go reliably from Prague. Speeds were around 135 Mbps, which is decent for HD streaming. The app is fully customizable — you can fine-tune encryption levels, port settings, and even create custom rules for different apps.
I wouldn’t recommend PIA for total beginners, but if you like getting under the hood and saving money, it’s a solid tool.
✅ Most features for the price
💡 Includes port forwarding, kill switch, and split tunneling
📱 Apps for all platforms + browser extensions
Devices You Can Stream On
I tested these services on several devices to make sure you’re covered no matter how you like to watch:
- Laptops and desktops (Windows, macOS)
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS, Android)
- Smart TVs (LG, Samsung, Android TV via SmartDNS)
- Streaming devices (Fire Stick, Roku — with Smart DNS)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox — via VPN router)
💡 I personally stream FPT Play from my MacBook Pro to an LG OLED Smart TV, using AirPlay or HDMI. Smooth 4K, no buffering, even during peak hours.
Common Issues & Quick Fixes
Even with a solid VPN, you might hit a snag or two. Here are the most common problems — and how I solved them:
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| “Service not available” error | Clear browser cookies and cache. Switch to another Vietnamese server. |
| VPN is detected by the site | Enable obfuscated mode or stealth servers in your VPN settings. |
| Slow speeds or buffering | Try a nearby VPN server or switch from OpenVPN to WireGuard protocol. |
| App not loading properly | Restart the device and VPN. Sometimes a fresh connection helps. |
These solutions worked for me on every device. If one VPN server fails, another usually does the trick.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for VTV Go, VTC, and FPT Play?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries, especially for personal privacy and accessing content you already have access to. None of the services I mentioned require hacking or bypassing paywalls.
In fact, using a VPN is common practice among expats, digital nomads, and travelers who want to stay connected to local content.
💬 Even in countries with stricter online controls (like Russia, UAE, or China), personal use of VPNs for legitimate content like TV streaming isn’t actively punished. Just avoid downloading pirated material and you’re on the safe side.
Final Thoughts
After several weeks of testing from three different continents, I can confidently say: you absolutely can watch VTV Go, VTC Now, and FPT Play from anywhere as long as you use the right VPN.
The top three services in my experience were:
- NordVPN – consistently fast, reliable, and great for all Vietnamese platforms
- Surfshark – unlimited devices, smooth performance, easy for families
- ExpressVPN – premium feel with rock-solid live streaming
If you’re looking for budget-friendly alternatives, CyberGhost and PIA VPN are more than capable. Just keep in mind that setup may take an extra minute or two. And if you’re big on privacy, ProtonVPN is a smart bet.
🎯 If you’re trying to watch a Vietnamese football match, catch up on VTV news, or just relax with some local dramas from FPT Play – these VPNs will help you stay connected, no matter where you are.
FAQ
Can I watch VTV Go outside Vietnam?
Yes, but only if you use a VPN with servers in Vietnam. Otherwise, the site will be geo-blocked.
What’s the best VPN for FPT Play abroad?
NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all work reliably with FPT Play based on real testing.
Is it legal to use a VPN to stream VTC Now?
Yes. In most countries, using a VPN for personal use like streaming is completely legal.
Why are VTV channels blocked outside Vietnam?
Streaming rights and local regulations restrict access to Vietnamese content abroad.
Can I stream on Smart TV or mobile?
Absolutely. You can watch on Android TV, iOS, Smart TVs, and more using VPN or Smart DNS.