When you travel through Vietnam, you’ll quickly notice that the country’s charm doesn’t just lie in its landscapes, food, or ancient temples – it’s also hidden in the laughter of children playing simple yet delightful games that have lasted for generations.
These folk games are more than just pastimes; they’re tiny windows into Vietnam’s spirit – creative, communal, and endlessly joyful.
Here are nine traditional Vietnamese folk games that will make you smile, maybe even want to join in!
Table of Contents
1. Tug of War (Kéo co)
Imagine a dusty village square, the air filled with cheering, as two teams grip a long rope and pull with all their might. Tug of war is a classic game played across Vietnam during festivals or school events.
It’s a test of strength, teamwork, and rhythm, but also a symbol of unity – everyone pulling together for a common goal. Whether you win or lose, you’ll always end up laughing and maybe a little bit sweaty!
See more: 9 Things That Shock Foreigners in Vietnam – But Are Totally Normal for Vietnamese People
Feel the strength, unity, and laughter as teams pull together in Vietnam’s thrilling Tug of War!
2. Mandarin Square Capturing (Ô ăn quan)
This ancient Vietnamese board game requires more brains than brawn. Played by two people using small pebbles or seeds on a board drawn in the dirt, it’s all about strategy, quick thinking, and patience.
Each move feels like a mini battle of wits, as players count and capture their opponent’s “mandarin squares.”
Many Vietnamese adults still remember kneeling on the ground, completely absorbed in this simple yet brilliant game.
Count, plan, and conquer – experience Vietnam’s timeless strategy game, the captivating Mandarin Square!
3. Jump Rope (Nhảy dây)
No schoolyard in Vietnam is complete without a skipping rope.
Children jump in rhythm – one, two, three – sometimes even adding songs or creative moves. It’s a perfect combination of fun, fitness, and friendship.
The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment – just a rope, some friends, and an open space filled with laughter.
Hop, laugh, and fly with friends – feel the joyful rhythm of Vietnam’s jump rope game!
4. The Dragon and Snake Game (Rồng rắn lên mây)
This is one of the most joyful and musical folk games in Vietnam.
Kids form a long line, holding each other’s waists to create a “dragon” or “snake,” led by one child playing the “head.” They sing traditional rhymes as they weave and chase the “doctor” at the front.
It’s a lively game that celebrates teamwork, rhythm, and imagination, turning any schoolyard into a scene of pure happiness.
Run, laugh, and chase the dragon’s tail – feel Vietnam’s childhood joy in The Dragon and Snake Game!
5. Hide and Seek (Trốn tìm)
Simple, universal, and timeless – hide and seek is loved all around the world, but in Vietnam, it often takes on a special charm.
Children hide behind banana trees, clay jars, or under stilt houses while one person counts with their eyes covered.
The thrill of being found (or not!) never gets old. It’s a game that connects kids across generations and reminds us of the innocent excitement of childhood.
See more: What Foreigners Should Do When Dining with Vietnamese People
Hide, seek, and giggle – relive the timeless childhood thrill of Vietnam’s playful Hide and Seek!
6. Shuttlecock Kicking (Đá cầu)
Walk through any Vietnamese park in the morning and you’ll see people – young and old – gracefully kicking a feathered shuttlecock in the air using their feet.
This traditional sport combines balance, agility, and style. Players can keep the shuttlecock flying for minutes without letting it touch the ground, often forming small circles to challenge each other.
It’s not just a game; it’s a daily ritual of energy, friendship, and community life.
Kick, spin, and soar – feel the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s favorite shuttlecock kicking game!
7. Hopscotch (Nhảy lò cò)
Draw some boxes on the ground with chalk, grab a small stone, and start hopping – that’s how a Vietnamese hopscotch game begins.
Players balance on one leg as they move through the squares, picking up their stone without stepping on a line.
It looks easy, but it takes precision, focus, and balance – and the laughter when someone wobbles and falls is half the fun!
This simple game has taught generations of children patience and coordination.
Hop on one foot, balance with joy – relive Vietnam’s playful spirit through the classic Hopscotch game!
8. Can Knockdown Game (Tạt lon)
If you grew up in Vietnam, you probably remember the sound of clanging cans and excited shouts.
Tạt lon – literally “can hitting” – is a favorite among kids in rural areas. Players use a sandal or small stone to knock over a stack of empty cans.
Once the cans tumble, one team rushes to rebuild them while the other tries to stop them.
It’s chaotic, funny, and full of friendly competition, turning any dusty alleyway into a lively playground.
Aim, throw, and dash – experience Vietnam’s thrilling childhood game of speed, skill, and laughter!
9. Spinning Top Game (Đánh cù / Đánh quay)
There’s something magical about watching a wooden top spin endlessly on the ground.
In the traditional đánh cù game, players wind a string around the top and throw it skillfully to make it whirl. The one whose top spins the longest – or knocks out the opponent’s – wins.
The buzzing sound and circular motion seem simple, yet they capture the craftsmanship, precision, and playful spirit that define Vietnamese folk culture.
Spin, strike, and cheer – feel the excitement of Vietnam’s traditional spinning top game, Spinning Top Game!
Why These Games Matter
In today’s digital age, where children spend more time with screens than with each other, these folk games remind us of a simpler time – when laughter echoed through courtyards, and friendships were built through play.
Each game carries a piece of Vietnamese culture: creativity, community, and joy in simplicity.
They don’t need technology, money, or fancy equipment – just people, imagination, and a little open space.
So next time you visit Vietnam, don’t just watch from the sidelines – join the kids, hop on one leg, kick a shuttlecock, or spin a top. You’ll discover that in these small, timeless games lies the true heartbeat of Vietnam.
