1. Mandarin Square Capturing (O an quan)

Mandarin Square Capturing is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most intellectually stimulating folk games. It is typically drawn in the dirt or on paper, with a rectangular grid comprising five small squares on each side and two semicircular "Mandarin" squares at both ends. Traditionally played by children in rural areas, especially in schoolyards or village corners, this game fosters arithmetic thinking and strategic planning.

Two players take turns moving small objects (stones, seeds, or shells) in a counterclockwise direction from one square to another, attempting to "capture" their opponent’s pieces by strategic placements. The game ends when all the smaller squares are empty, and the winner is the one with the most captured pieces. It teaches math, logic, counting, and patience.

O An Quan is a traditional Vietnamese board game that blends strategy, quick thinking, and cultural charm

2. Blindfolded Goat Catching (Bit mat bat de)

Often played during Mid-Autumn or school festivals, this energetic game brings joy and laughter to both players and spectators. It promotes agility, spatial awareness, and quick reflexes. It also emphasizes trust and group coordination.

One child is blindfolded and becomes the "goat catcher", while the rest scatter within a defined area. The catcher must rely on hearing and touch to tag another player, who then takes their place. The unpredictability and cheering atmosphere make it a highlight of festive gatherings.

In Vietnam’s traditional game “Bit mat bat de” (Blindfolded Goat Catching), it is not about speed; it’s about listening, guessing, and hilarious missteps

3. Dragon Snake Game (Rong ran len may)

A beloved game in Vietnamese childhood, this game symbolizes the unity and resilience of a group under pressure. It is often played during school breaks or in community festivals and is best enjoyed in large groups.

Children form a line by holding the waist of the person in front, creating a “dragon-snake". One person plays the "doctor" and guards a spot. The dragon-snake approaches the doctor, singing a chant, and the head of the line tries to protect the tail while the doctor attempts to catch it. This game develops teamwork, quick movements, and playful competition.

The game is usually played outdoors, especially during festivals, school recess, or community gatherings, often with singing, clapping, and joyful chaos all around

4. Tug of War (Keo co)

Symbolizing strength and community solidarity, Tug of War is commonly played during Tet (Lunar New Year) and village festivals. It often reflects communal agricultural rituals that emphasize harmony and collective effort.

Two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, attempting to drag the other across a marked center line. Villages often organize male vs. male, female vs. female, or mixed matches. In 2015, this game was inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity shared by Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines.

Tug of War is a symbol of unity, teamwork, and community pride, played in festivals across the country

5. Jump Rope (Nhay day)

Popular among schoolgirls, this game blends physical fitness with rhythm and social bonding. It often includes traditional folk rhymes that are chanted during the jump, preserving oral culture and childhood poetry.

One or more players jump over a swinging rope timed to rhymes or chants. Players may take turns or compete for who can jump the longest without tripping. The game promotes endurance, coordination, and creativity in chanting styles.

In many Vietnamese villages, jump rope is a common sight during Tet festivals, school recess, or community gatherings, especially among kids

6. Hide and Seek (Tron tim)

A universal game with unique local twists, Hide and Seek in Vietnam is typically played in narrow alleys, behind banana trees, or around school walls. It fosters quick thinking and observation.

One player closes their eyes and counts while others hide. After the countdown, the seeker must find and tag each hidden player. In Vietnamese rural areas, children may use local landmarks, such as water jars, haystacks to hide.

Hide and seek reflects Vietnamese community spirit, kids of all ages and backgrounds join in, making streets come alive with laughter at dusk

7. Shuttlecock Kicking (Da cau)

Combining elements of soccer and badminton, this graceful and athletic game is widely played in parks, schoolyards, and sports competitions. It dates back to feudal dynasties and is still a competitive sport today.

Players use their feet, knees, or heads (but not hands) to keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air. It can be played solo, in pairs, or in teams. The game enhances balance, flexibility, and footwork precision.

Players use only their feet, knees, chest, and head to keep the shuttlecock airborne; no hands are allowed

8. Kite Flying (Tha dieu)

A time-honored pastime especially popular in Northern Vietnam’s countryside, kite flying embodies freedom, artistry, and connection with nature. In places like Ba Vì or Huế, kite festivals attract both locals and tourists.

Handcrafted kites made from bamboo frames and colorful paper or cloth are flown in large open fields. Some traditional kites are equipped with flutes (sáo) that produce melodic sounds in the wind. It is both a leisure activity and a cultural performance.

Kite flying is a beloved cultural tradition that brings generations together under open skies

9. Hopscotch (Nhay lo co)

Hopscotch is a universal childhood game that evokes nostalgia across Vietnam, often played on chalked grids in alleys or schoolyards. It symbolizes carefree youth and communal play in rural settings.

Players toss a small marker (such as a stone) into numbered squares, then hop through the grid on one foot to retrieve the marker. Touching a line or missing a square leads to elimination, and the next player continues until all markings are completed.

Colorful chalk lines on the ground, laughter echoing through alleys

10. Bamboo Jacks (Choi chuyen)

A popular girls’ game from earlier generations, Bamboo Jacks combines dexterity and rhythm. It represents traditional pastimes that blend physical skill and playful recitation.

Using ten small bamboo sticks and a ball (originally a fig seed or clod of clay), players toss the ball upward, quickly pick up sticks by turn (one at a time, then pairs, etc.), and catch the falling ball, all while reciting a rhythmic chant. The challenge increases through stages.

Played mostly by girls in schoolyards and quiet alleys

11. Hitting the Hanging Clay Pot (Dap nieu)

Similar to a piñata, this game is a festive ritual at village gatherings and Tết celebrations, symbolizing luck and playful suspense.

The player is blindfolded and guided under a clay pot hung at face height. With a stick in hand, they attempt to strike and break the pot. Laughter and encouragement from onlookers add to its.

With eyes blindfolded and cheers from the crowd, players try to smash a hanging clay pot using only a bamboo stick

12. Human Chess (Co nguoi)

Human Chess is a theatrical folk game performed during temple and village festivals, especially in central coastal regions. It merges strategy, martial arts, and performance, reinforcing cultural identity and community spirit.

Players embody chess pieces on a giant board marked on the ground. As a move is made, the corresponding “piece” engages in a choreographed martial-arts “battle” to determine capture. This live-action performance combines intellect and spectacle.

Real people take on the roles of giant chess pieces in a life-sized match full of drama and flair

13. Cat and Mouse (Meo duoi chuot)

A high-energy chasing game rooted in childhood folklore, Cat and Mouse sharpens reflexes and observation skills. It reflects playful competition and social dynamics.

Players form a circle holding hands; “mouse” and “cat” begin at the center. When the mouse flees, the cat pursues, and players part their linked arms to allow escape. The game ends when the cat successfully tags the mouse.

Cat and Mouse is a lively part of Vietnamese cultural heritage, often seen at festivals, schoolyards, and community events

14. Ca Kheo (Stilt-Walking)

Stilt-walking originates from utilitarian practices in rice paddies and floodplains. Today, it is a festive sport showcasing balance, entertainment, and cultural heritage.

Participants stand atop wooden stilts and attempt to walk, race, or perform games (e.g., stilt soccer) during village festivals. It provides amusement, skill demonstration, and communal celebration.

Cà Kheo (Stilt-Walking) tests your balance, coordination, and sense of humor, because falling is half the fun

15. Wrestling (Dau vat)

Vietnamese traditional wrestling, known as “Dau vat", has roots in ancient military selection and community shows, dating back to national heroes like the Trưng Sisters.

Competitors face off in circular sand arenas, grappling to unbalance or pin their opponent. This traditional sport, which often includes competitors of different ages, showcases strength, endurance, and equality.

Dau vat (Traditional Wrestling) brings crowds to their feet with raw power, technique, and centuries-old pride on full display

16. Boat Racing (Dua thuyen)

Boat racing is deeply rooted in agricultural river culture and spiritual rituals, commonly featured during Tet and mid-year festivals.

Teams of rowers paddle long or short boats over a set course in rivers. Competitions often include men’s, women’s, or mixed crews and symbolize unity, communal cooperation, and festival joy.

Long, colorful wooden boats glide through rivers and bays, powered by synchronized paddlers and cheering crowds lining the banks

Rich in culture and community spirit, traditional Vietnamese games preserve the joy, creativity, and values of generations past. From festive tug of war to playful kite flying, each game offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s vibrant heritage. Let Vietnam Airlines bring you closer to these cultural treasures, connecting you not just to destinations, but to the stories, memories, and traditions that make Vietnam truly unique.