Popular Sports to Play in Vietnam

Published on July 31, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Vietnam, a country rich in natural wonders and age-old traditions, offers an exciting array of popular sports that appeal to both locals and travelers eager for discovery.

From badminton, which finds its place in bustling urban parks, to football, a universal sport adored by all generations, these activities reflect the country’s dynamic spirit.

By exploring more traditional sports like vovinam, a Vietnamese martial art full of grace and skill, or colorful boat races, you will discover the cultural richness that permeates every physical endeavor.

This sporting diversity is not limited to the competitive aspect but also encompasses a lifestyle where health and community meet to create memorable and enriching experiences within this vibrant Asian setting.

Must-See Sports to Discover in Vietnam

Sepak takraw is one of the most spectacular traditional team sports in Vietnam. Combining the agility of volleyball with the technique of football, it is played with a woven rattan ball and pits two teams of three players against each other. The goal is to send the ball over a net, without ever using the hands: only the legs, feet, chest, and head are allowed. Acrobatic passes and aerial spikes make this sport famous, particularly popular in the south of the country and during school and university competitions. Sepak takraw is a strong element of Vietnamese sporting identity, both for its spectacular nature and its roots in daily life.

Basic Rules of Sepak Takraw:

• Two teams of three players.
• Court and net similar to volleyball.
• Ball made of rattan or synthetic material.
• No use of hands or arms allowed.
• Objective: send the ball into the opponent’s court without it touching the ground on your own side.

---

Da cau (plumfoot) is an iconic traditional game in Vietnam, comparable to badminton but played with a feathered shuttlecock, without a racket. Its origins date back to at least the 5th century BC, and it is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, especially during Tet festivities and community gatherings. Players, alone or in teams, must keep the shuttlecock in the air using their feet, knees, head, and other body parts, except for the hands. Da cau is distinguished by its acrobatic moves and collective spirit, fostering social cohesion and intergenerational transmission.

Characteristics and History of Da Cau:

• Shuttlecock made of goose or duck feathers attached to a weighted base.
• Practice attested as early as the reign of King Mai Hac Dê (713-722), later popularized under the Ly and Tran dynasties.
• Revived in the 1970s, it is now considered the national sport.
• Played everywhere: streets, parks, schools, beaches, with great fervor, especially in Hanoi.
• Da cau encourages flexibility, coordination, and conviviality.

---

Vietnamese martial arts also hold a central place in the country’s sports and cultural landscape. The most well-known, Vovinam Viêt Võ Dao, was founded in 1938 in Hanoi by Master Nguyễn Lộc. This martial style aims to develop physical strength, flexibility, and mental balance. It is characterized by a wide variety of techniques: spectacular kicks, throws, joint locks, and traditional weapon work. Vovinam is not just a combat art: it also conveys values of respect, mutual aid, and self-improvement, thus contributing to the construction of Vietnamese identity.

---

Water sports are very popular along the Vietnamese coast, notably swimming, diving, surfing, kitesurfing, and canoeing/kayaking. The long beaches of Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, or Nha Trang regularly host national and international competitions, attracting both local athletes and foreign visitors.

---

Vietnam is increasingly hosting international sporting events, such as the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), urban marathons in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and motorsports competitions. These events contribute to the country’s opening up to the global sports scene and the promotion of its traditional disciplines.

Sport	Main Characteristics	Cultural Role
Sepak takraw	Team sport, net, feet/head, rattan ball	Modern sporting identity
Da cau (plumfoot)	Feathered shuttlecock, feet, game of skill and teamwork	Tradition, festivities, cohesion
Vovinam	Martial art, varied techniques, educational values	Heritage, education, pride
Water sports	Swimming, surfing, diving, coastal competitions	Leisure, tourism, openness

---

The interconnection between these sports and Vietnamese culture is manifested through the transmission of collective values, the preservation of traditions, and adaptation to contemporary changes. Each discipline, whether ancient or modern, shapes social life and celebrates the spirit of ingenuity and solidarity unique to Vietnam.

Where and How to Practice Your Favorite Sport in Vietnam

In Vietnam, practicing sports is made easy by a wide variety of facilities and locations suitable for all levels and many sports.

Type of Facility	Notable Examples	Main Locations	Sports Practiced
Stadiums	Mỹ Đình National Stadium (Hanoi), Thống Nhất Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City)	Major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)	Football, athletics
Sports Clubs	Mansion Sports Club, Hit Park, Green Pool & Fitness	Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang	Football, fitness, tennis, badminton
Beach Resorts	Hyatt Regency Danang Resort, Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort	Danang, Vung Tau, Ho Tram	Tennis, swimming, water sports
Beaches	Bai Truong, Bai Sao, Cat Ba, Ha Long, Lan Ha	Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Vung Tau, Da Nang, North/South Vietnam	Swimming, beach volleyball, surfing, kitesurfing
National Parks	Ba Vi National Park, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park	North, Central, South	Hiking, cycling, climbing
Indoor Facilities	Badminton courts, urban gyms	Medium and large cities	Badminton, table tennis, fitness

Registration and Participation in Clubs or Sports Events

• Many sports clubs offer on-site or online registration, usually with an ID and payment of a monthly or annual fee.
• Football, badminton, or tennis clubs in major cities offer classes for children and adults, as well as the opportunity to participate in local leagues or tournaments.
• Beach resorts and luxury hotels often have private sports clubs or partnerships with certified coaches.
• For outdoor sports (hiking, cycling), there are local groups on social media that regularly organize outings open to all, sometimes with prior registration.

Training Opportunities for Popular Sports

• Football: training accessible at municipal stadiums, schools, and private clubs. Some clubs organize sessions for all levels, from children to advanced adults.
• Badminton: very popular, with many dedicated indoor courts in the city; group or individual lessons are offered in most sports centers.
• Tennis: courts available at hotel complexes, urban clubs, and upscale residences; professional coaches are available by reservation.
• Cycling and Hiking: bike rentals available in tourist areas and national parks; agencies organize guided tours for beginners and advanced. Hiking trails are well-marked in major national parks.

Best Seasons by Sport and Region

Sport	Ideal Season	Recommended Regions	Climatic Reasons
Football, badminton	Year-round	Everywhere (indoor facilities)	Indoor facilities available
Tennis	October to April	South and Central (Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City)	Dry season, moderate temperatures
Water sports	March to September	Da Nang, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc	Calm sea, sunny weather
Cycling, hiking	October to March	North (Sapa, Ba Vi), Central (Phong Nha)	Dry weather, cool temperatures

List of Best Beaches for Sports Activities

• Bai Truong (Phu Quoc)
• Bai Sao (Phu Quoc)
• Cat Ba (North)
• Vung Tau (South)
• Danang (Central)

List of Popular Urban Sports Clubs

• Mansion Sports Club (Ho Chi Minh City)
• Hit Park (Hanoi)
• Green Pool & Fitness (Hanoi)
• Moon Billiards (Da Nang)

Major cities offer a dynamic sports life year-round thanks to modern infrastructure. Beach resorts and national parks allow you to enjoy outdoor activities in exceptional natural settings, particularly pleasant outside the rainy season.

To register or participate in a local sports event, it is often enough to check the club’s official website, go to the reception desk, or sign up via specialized social media networks.

What Budget to Plan for Sports Enthusiasts in Vietnam

Sport Activity	Club/Gym Membership Fee	Basic Equipment Price	Course/Event Registration Fee	Regional Variation
Football	Generally free (free play in parks or public fields); private clubs: $10 to $30/month	Ball: $8 to $30; shoes: $30 to $65	Private clubs or academies: $10 to $20/month; amateur tournaments: $2 to $10	Cheaper in provinces than in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City
Badminton	Public parks free; private court rental: $1 to $3/hour	Racket: $5 to $30; shuttlecocks: $1 to $5	Group classes: $10 to $25/month; tournaments: $2 to $5	Slightly higher prices in major cities
Yoga	Studio classes: $15 to $40/month; single session: $2 to $6	Mat: $5 to $15; clothing: $10 to $25	Workshops or retreats: $10 to $50	Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City more expensive than secondary cities
Surfing	Board rental: $5 to $10/hour; surf school: $20 to $35/session	New board: $150 to $400; wetsuit: $30 to $60	Group lesson: $20 to $35/session; local competition: $5 to $15	Activity concentrated on the coast (Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne); higher prices in beach resorts

Gym Memberships (Fitness/Gym)

– National average price: $21 per month

– Range: $12 to $40 depending on the city and quality of the gym

– Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi: higher rates than in provincial cities

Sports Equipment and Clothing

– Sports shoes: $30 to $65 (basic models)

– Sportswear: $15 to $30 (outfit)

Budget-Friendly or Free Alternatives

– Public fields and parks: free access for football, badminton, running, group yoga

– Community groups: free yoga or fitness sessions in urban parks, especially early in the morning

– Badminton: informal play in streets or building courtyards, no registration fee

– Football: many free or low-cost neighborhood tournaments, especially in provinces

– Running: free activity, except for shoe purchase; marathon participation: $5 to $20 depending on the event, sometimes free for local races

Regional Differences

– Major cities (Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang) have higher rates for private clubs, gyms, and organized activities.

– In medium and small towns, access to public infrastructure is easier and often free or inexpensive.

– Water sports like surfing remain concentrated on the central and southern coasts, with higher prices in tourist areas.

Cost Summary for a Budget-Conscious Amateur

– Football, badminton, running: nearly free with the possibility of practicing in public spaces

– Yoga: possibility of joining free groups in parks

– Surfing: limited access for small budgets, but board rental possible for occasional practice

Example of Minimum Monthly Budget for an Amateur Athlete in Hanoi

Expense	Amount ($)
Basic fitness membership	12
Equipment (amortized/month)	3
Participation in a group class	11
Estimated total	26

For team and outdoor sports, practice remains very accessible everywhere in Vietnam, with many free alternatives suitable for all budgets.