The culture of Vietnamese traditional games
Traditional Vietnamese games are an essential part of the country’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting the values and daily lives of its people. Passed down through generations, these games are more than just forms of entertainment; they embody teamwork, strategy, and social connection, making them an integral part of festivals, family gatherings, and community events.
When are they played?
Traditional games are often played during festive occasions such as Tet (Lunar New Year), harvest celebrations, and village festivals. They mark joyful moments where communities come together to celebrate cultural identity and shared values. In rural areas, these games also serve as leisure activities for children and adults alike, particularly during weekends or after harvest seasons.
Why are they played?
For many Vietnamese, these games are not only about fun but also about preserving traditions and fostering a sense of belonging. They promote teamwork, problem-solving, and physical activity while strengthening social bonds. In some cases, the games carry deeper symbolic meanings, such as expressing gratitude to ancestors or celebrating the harmony between humans and nature.
Traditional folk games
Folk games have been a cornerstone of Vietnamese village festivals and family gatherings for centuries. These games, played by both children and adults, combine tradition and enjoyment, offering a window into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Many of these games are tied to celebrations and serve as a way to strengthen community bonds while preserving age-old traditions.
Mandarin Square Capturing (Ô ăn quan)
A strategic board game played with stones and a drawn board, commonly enjoyed by children and adults alike. The game board consists of two rows of five squares and two larger “mandarin” squares at each end. Players distribute stones into the squares and take turns moving them in a circle. The goal is to capture as many “mandarins” as possible while strategizing to block the opponent. This game requires critical thinking and sharp planning.
Dragon-Snake Game (Rồng rắn lên mây)
A group game where players form a “dragon” by standing in a line, holding onto each other’s shoulders or waists. The player at the front leads the “dragon,” moving unpredictably to protect the last player in line, while a “hunter” tries to catch the tail (the last player). All this happens as participants sing a traditional song that adds to the game’s rhythm and excitement. This game is typically played during festivals and communal gatherings.
Blind Man’s Bluff (Bịt mắt bắt dê)
A classic game where a blindfolded player attempts to catch others within a defined area. Participants circle around the blindfolded player, teasing them with noises or gentle taps, while the blindfolded player uses sound and intuition to locate and tag someone. This game is a favorite at festive gatherings and is particularly popular among children.
Bamboo Sticks (Chơi chuyền)
A dexterity game played with bamboo sticks or small metal objects, often enjoyed by young girls. Players throw a small object, such as a ball or stone, into the air and must quickly pick up a specified number of bamboo sticks from the ground before catching the falling object. The game increases in difficulty as the number of sticks to collect grows, testing the players’ hand-eye coordination and speed.
Ethnic minority games
The ethnic minority groups in Vietnam have a rich heritage of traditional games that reflect their unique cultural identities. Often played during village festivals and communal events, these games are a way of preserving traditions, fostering unity, and showcasing the creativity of these diverse communities.
Ném Lao (Hmong Ethnic Group)
A spear-throwing game traditionally played during festivals, requiring precision and skill. Participants use wooden spears to aim at a designated target, often placed at a significant distance. The goal is to strike the target as accurately as possible. This game is not only a test of individual skill but also a celebration of the Hmong people’s historical connection to hunting and self-defense.
Tó Cối (Tày Ethnic Group)
A traditional game involving wooden objects, often played during festivals and communal gatherings. Players use a wooden mallet or stick to strike small objects, aiming to hit them in a specific direction or knock them into a designated area. The game emphasizes teamwork, coordination, and strategic thinking, often accompanied by cheering and laughter from the crowd.
Đè Khà (Muong Ethnic Group)
A strength-based game that tests balance and physical endurance. Participants face off inside a circular area, using their strength and balance to force their opponent out of the circle without falling themselves. It’s a physical yet strategic game, often performed during festive celebrations as a show of resilience and skill.
Games with a Vietnamese twist
Some games played in Vietnam may have international roots, but they’ve been given a unique local flair. These games, adapted to Vietnamese traditions and settings, are enjoyed by both children and adults and are often part of festivals or daily life.
Tug of War (Kéo co)
A physical game where two teams pull on a rope in opposite directions. The goal is to pull the opposing team across a marked line in the center. In Vietnam, kéo co is often played during festivals and accompanied by traditional songs or chants to energize the participants and the crowd. Unlike the simple versions found elsewhere, Vietnamese kéo co often involves symbolic rituals, emphasizing community and unity.
Shuttlecock Kicking (Đá cầu)
A blend of badminton and football, played without rackets. Players use their feet, knees, and other body parts—except their hands—to keep a shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible. This game, popular in parks and schoolyards, showcases agility, coordination, and precision. It’s common to see groups of friends playing đá cầu in open spaces, making it both a recreational activity and a spectator sport.
Marble Shooting (Bắn bi)
A game where marbles are used to knock out other marbles in a defined area. Players take turns flicking their marble to hit opponents’ marbles out of a drawn circle. Each successful shot allows the player to claim the opponent’s marble, and the game continues until all marbles are out of the circle. This game, often played on dirt surfaces in villages or schoolyards, is as much about precision as it is about playful rivalry.
Festive and gambling games
Festive and gambling games are a vibrant part of Tet (Lunar New Year) and other celebrations in Vietnam. These games often have a competitive edge and bring excitement to gatherings, combining entertainment with tradition.
Bầu cua cá cọp
A dice game where players bet on animal symbols. A board displays various animal symbols such as a crab, fish, or tiger. Players place bets on one or more symbols, and dice with corresponding animal images are rolled. If the symbol you bet on appears, you win. This game is especially popular during Tet, adding a playful gambling element to family gatherings and celebrations.
Animal Dice Game
A variation of bầu cua with similar rules and mechanics. Players select their preferred animal symbols and place bets before rolling the dice. The game is fast-paced and easy to learn, making it a favorite during festive events. Its simplicity and luck-based nature create a lively atmosphere at gatherings.
Can Toss (Ném lon)
A straightforward game where players aim to knock over cans with a ball. Cans are stacked in a pyramid formation, and players take turns throwing a ball to knock down as many as possible in one attempt. Often found at local fairs and festivals, ném lon is a fun and accessible game for people of all ages.
Where to experience Vietnamese traditional games
Traditional Vietnamese games are best experienced in settings where they naturally thrive, such as festivals, villages, and cultural spaces. Here’s where you can encounter these games and even join in:
Festivals
- Many traditional games, such as tug of war and dragon-snake, are played during Tet (Lunar New Year) and village festivals.
- These events are often held in rural areas or temple grounds, where locals gather to celebrate and compete in these time-honored activities.
- Travelers visiting during Tet or harvest festivals will likely see or even be invited to participate in these games.
Homestay experiences
- Staying in a homestay, especially in northern Vietnam, offers travelers the chance to join games like bamboo sticks or ethnic minority games like ném lao.
- Homestays often incorporate cultural activities, including games, to give visitors a deeper understanding of local traditions.
Museums
- The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi showcases a variety of traditional games, with exhibits detailing their history and cultural significance.
- Interactive displays or events sometimes allow visitors to try games like mandarin square capturing or bamboo sticks.
Joining organized game events
- Some expat and cultural communities organize traditional game nights.
- Facebook groups or expat forums may list events featuring activities like shuttlecock kicking or tug of war, though traditional folk games are less common.
- Note: Many groups and events are in Vietnamese, making it a challenge to find them unless you have local assistance or use translation tools.
Buying traditional game sets
If you’d like to take a piece of Vietnam’s traditional games home, certain items are available for purchase as unique souvenirs:
- Ô ăn quan (Mandarin Square Capturing): Boards and stones for this strategic game can sometimes be found in souvenir shops or local markets.
- Animal Dice Games (Bầu cua): Sets for these festive gambling games are widely available during Tet, especially in street markets.
- Marbles (Bắn bi): This nostalgic and lightweight game is easy to find in street shops or local toy stores.
Where to shop
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh Market for traditional game items.
- Some markets near tourist areas may carry decorative or handcrafted versions, making them even more special as souvenirs.
