The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the Official Hotels Partner of Chelsea Football Club, has wrapped up the fourth edition of The Famous CFC. This is Chelsea’s international fan engagement programme. This year, the showcase made its Vietnam debut in Hanoi. It also featured Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a two‑time Premier League Golden Boot winner.
Over 17 and 18 April 2026, the programme took place across Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi, Oakwood Residence Hanoi and Somerset West Point Hanoi. During the two‑day event, more than 300 fans and Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) members joined a series of curated activities. These included a fireside chat, an exclusive meet‑and‑greet, and the newly introduced Night with the Blues event.
Importantly, the Hanoi edition marked two major milestones. First, it was Hasselbaink’s official club visit to Vietnam — something local fans had been eagerly waiting for. Second, it marked the official debut of Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi’s international convention centre. The centre features the Ho Tay Ballroom, the largest pillarless ballroom in Hanoi, along with 13 meeting venues. It is part of a 1,165‑room integrated property that will fully open later this year.
Reflections on the Weekend
Reflecting on the weekend, Hasselbaink said it was “an amazing experience.” He felt the passion of the fans and appreciated how Ascott created an environment that brought everyone closer to the Chelsea spirit.
Meanwhile, John Rogers, Head of Partnerships at Chelsea FC, said Hanoi captured exactly what The Famous CFC is meant to be. Fans brought great energy and made the event unforgettable. He added that the strong turnout showed the deep connection Chelsea shares with supporters across Southeast Asia.
Similarly, Ascott’s Chief Commercial Officer, Tan Bee Leng, highlighted that each edition aims to offer something new. According to her, Hanoi delivered two firsts: Hasselbaink’s debut visit to Vietnam and the launch of Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi’s convention centre. She also noted that the partnership brings real value to ASR members through unique experiences that go beyond hotel stays.
Highlights from The Famous CFC Hanoi
Community Coaching Session To start, the programme kicked off on Friday, 17 April. Hasselbaink joined a coaching session for young beneficiaries of the Centre for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI). He shared football tips and personal lessons from his playing career. This activity reflected the programme’s focus on community engagement and aligned with Ascott’s sustainability efforts under Ascott CARES.
friendly games.
Fireside Chat at Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi Afterward, Hasselbaink visited Oakwood Residence Hanoi to experience the brand’s comfort‑food philosophy. He then joined an intimate fireside chat at Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi. During the session, he shared memories from his Chelsea days — iconic goals, team culture and lessons that stayed with him long after retirement.
Meet‑and‑Greet at Somerset West Point Hanoi The next day, on Saturday, 18 April, Hasselbaink met ASR members for a relaxed Q&A and photo session. This event reflected Somerset’s focus on shared experiences.
place at Somerset West Point Hanoi
Night with the Blues Finally, the programme wrapped up with Night with the Blues at the Ho Tay Ballroom. The space was transformed into a football‑themed venue that brought the energy of Stamford Bridge to Hanoi. Fans from across the region arrived early to soak in the matchday atmosphere. The event blended Ascott’s hospitality with fan activities and extended time with Hasselbaink, building excitement ahead of Chelsea’s match against Manchester United.
One fan, Supachok Pornsri from Bangkok, said meeting Hasselbaink was a dream come true. He had attended previous editions in Bangkok and Jakarta, and felt Hanoi once again showed how well Ascott combines world‑class hospitality with fans’ passion for Chelsea. He said experiences like this make being an ASR member truly worthwhile.
Chelsea fan
