Traditional Games in Vietnam: Folk Games we used to play

Traditional folk games in Vietnam are more than just childhood pastimes. They are the living, breathing essence of the country’s cultural heritage, passed from one generation to the next. These games teach values, build community, and preserve a joy that has survived centuries of change. In this post, we’ll explore 20 of these cherished games.

Imagine a summer afternoon in a quiet Vietnamese village. Children gather in the square, their laughter echoing across tiled rooftops. The sound of bamboo clacks as sticks hit the ground, feet shuffle in the dust, and the air is alive with the energy of a game. This is a world before smartphones and game consoles, where play was woven from imagination, friendship, and the simplest of things.

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What Are Vietnamese Folk Games?

Vietnamese folk games are traditional activities that combine play with cultural meaning. They were once central to village life, appearing during festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year), the Mid-Autumn Festival, and countless local celebrations.

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But these games weren’t only for festivals. Children played them daily in fields, schoolyards, and alleyways. They encouraged teamwork, agility, quick thinking, and laughter. Most importantly, they created a sense of togetherness – of community, of belonging – that shaped Vietnamese childhood for centuries.

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20 Traditional Folk Games of Vietnam

1. Tug of War (Kéo co)

Tug of War is one of Vietnam’s most iconic communal games, often played during festivals or village gatherings. Two teams line up on opposite ends of a long rope, dig their heels into the ground, and pull with all their strength to drag the other side across a marked line. The fun lies not only in the test of power but also in the rhythm and teamwork, creating a lively scene of dust, cheers, and laughter.

2. Marble Shooting (Bắn bi)

Marble Shooting is a beloved childhood game played on dirt yards and school grounds. Children crouch low and flick their marbles with sharp precision, trying to knock others’ marbles out of a circle while protecting their own. The click of glass and the joy of each successful shot make it simple, addictive, and endlessly competitive.

3. Blindfolded Goat Catching (Bịt mắt bắt dê)

Blindfolded Goat Catching is a playful chasing game that children love in villages and schoolyards. One player is blindfolded in the center, while the others circle, clapping, teasing, and darting away whenever they get too close. The suspense of each stumble and lunge, along with the bursts of laughter, makes it both unpredictable and endlessly amusing.

4. The Dragon-Snake Game (Rồng rắn lên mây)

The Dragon-Snake Game is a lively traditional children’s game full of music and movement. A line of children holds each other’s waists, weaving like a long dragon as the leader sings and bargains with a “doctor.” The doctor tries to catch the tail, while the whole line twists and dodges to protect it, turning the chase into a joyful spectacle of chaos and giggles.

5. Bamboo Jacks (Chơi chuyền)

Bamboo Jacks is a traditional game usually played by girls, using small sticks or stones. A ball is tossed into the air, and the player must quickly snatch the pieces from the ground before catching the ball again. The challenge grows harder with each round, and the thrill comes from the mix of timing, dexterity, and playful competition.

6. Nu na nu nong

Nu na nu nong is a traditional circle game played with rhythmic singing. Children hold hands, sit or stand in a circle, and chant verses until one child is chosen as the “leader.” The charm of the game lies in its simple melody, its anticipation, and the joyful way children celebrate being picked.

7. Mandarin Square Capturing Game (Ô ăn quan)

The Mandarin Square Capturing Game is Vietnam’s version of mancala, drawn on the ground with pebbles or seeds. Players take turns moving pieces strategically across squares, aiming to capture their opponent’s “mandarin” pits while protecting their own. Though simple in appearance, the game is full of wit and patience, offering both entertainment and a mental workout.

8. Cat and Mouse Game (Mèo đuổi chuột)

The Cat and Mouse Game is a fast-paced chase that keeps children on their toes. Players form a circle while one acts as the “mouse” darting in and out, chased by the “cat” who tries to catch them. The shifting circle helps or hinders the chase, and the excitement builds with every close escape, filling the air with laughter.

9. Shuttlecock Kicking (Đá cầu)

Shuttlecock Kicking is a favorite pastime in Vietnamese schoolyards, where children keep a feathered shuttlecock airborne with their feet, knees, or even shoulders. The goal is to pass it skillfully without letting it drop, often in long, rhythmic rallies. It’s fun because it combines coordination, creativity, and friendly competition, turning simple kicks into an art form.

10. Sack Race (Nhảy bao bố)

The Sack Race is a simple yet hilarious game often seen at festivals or school events. Children climb into burlap sacks, gripping the edges as they hop toward the finish line, bouncing and stumbling along the way. The clumsy movements and frequent falls bring laughter from both players and spectators, making the race more about joy than winning.

11. Hide and Seek (Trốn tìm)

Hide and Seek is a timeless children’s game also beloved in Vietnam. One player counts with closed eyes while the others hide in houses, gardens, or behind trees. The tension of waiting to be found, the thrill of running to safety, and the laughter of discovery make it an endlessly exciting experience.

12. Chi chi chanh chanh

Chi chi chanh chanh is a clapping and guessing game popular with young children. Players place their hands in a circle while one moves their finger around, chanting a rhyme, and suddenly tries to catch another’s hand at the end. The quick reactions, the chanting rhythm, and the playful surprises make it a game of both wit and laughter.

13. Kite Flying (Thả diều)

Kite Flying is a traditional pastime that turns the Vietnamese countryside sky into a sea of color. Children run across fields with bamboo-and-paper kites, releasing them into the wind until they soar high above. Some kites carry whistles that hum like music, and the beauty of the game lies in its mix of freedom, creativity, and the simple joy of watching dreams float in the sky.

14. Hopscotch (Nhảy lò cò)

Hopscotch is a chalk-drawn game found in schoolyards across Vietnam. Children toss a stone into a square and hop through the pattern on one foot, balancing carefully as they advance. The playful challenge of movement and the cheerful competition with friends make it both fun and engaging.

15. Jump Rope (Nhảy dây)

Jump Rope is one of the simplest yet most exciting childhood games in Vietnam. A rope is swung in wide arcs while children jump in rhythm, sometimes one at a time, sometimes in groups, often to the tune of a song. The joy comes from the speed, the rhythm, and the laughter that erupts whenever someone trips and the game restarts.

16. Walking on Stilts (Đi cà kheo)

Walking on Stilts is a daring game that challenges balance and courage. Children climb onto tall bamboo stilts and practice moving step by step, often racing each other across a yard. The thrill lies in the wobbling starts, the proud strides that follow, and the daring sense of walking high above the ground.

17. Rainbow Wheel (Lộn cầu vồng)

The Rainbow Wheel is a playful tumbling game where children roll forward in arcs, their bodies curving like the shape of a rainbow. Each attempt may be clumsy or graceful, but the laughter that follows makes it worthwhile. The fun comes from both the acrobatics and the carefree spirit it inspires.

18. Hitting the Hanging Clay Pot (Đập niêu)

Hitting the Hanging Clay Pot is a festive game often seen during celebrations. A clay pot filled with candies or treats is hung from a rope, and blindfolded players take turns swinging a stick to break it, guided only by the cheers and shouts of the crowd. The suspense of every swing and the excitement of the pot breaking make it a joyful mix of challenge and reward.

19. Human Chess (Cờ người)

Human Chess is a life-sized version of the classic game, usually performed during festivals. Real people, dressed as chess pieces, stand on a large board drawn on the ground and move according to the commands of two players. It is fun because it transforms strategy into performance, blending competition with culture and creating a lively spectacle for the audience.

20. Wrestling (Đấu vật)

Wrestling is a traditional Vietnamese sport often featured at village festivals. Two competitors step into a sandy ring, gripping and grappling in a contest of strength and skill. The cheers of the crowd, the dramatic throws, and the spirit of friendly rivalry make it both a competition and a cultural celebration.

Are These Folk Games Still Played Today?

Many of these traditional folk games are still played during special occasions such as Tet, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and village festivals, where they bring communities together in joyful celebration. Schools and youth organizations also organize them from time to time, helping younger generations experience the fun their parents once enjoyed. In daily life, however, urbanization and modern technology have diminished their popularity, especially in urban areas. Yet cultural preservation efforts continue across Vietnam, keeping these games alive as symbols of heritage, unity, and shared happiness.

Final Thought on Folk Games in Vietnam

Vietnam’s traditional folk games are more than just childhood pastimes – they are windows into the country’s culture, history, and community spirit. From the lively chaos of Tug of War to the graceful joy of Kite Flying, each game carries the laughter of generations and the values of unity, creativity, and resilience. While modern life may have pushed them aside, they still return during festivals and gatherings, reminding people of simpler days filled with play. For travelers, joining in one of these games is not only fun but also a chance to feel connected to the heart of Vietnamese life.

About the Author: Thu shares stories of Vietnam’s culture, traditions, and everyday life. Through her writing, she hopes readers can feel a little closer to the heart of her country.