Sports Practiced in Vietnam

It is true that in the early morning hours, in summer, the heat in the Vietnamese capital can be uncomfortable, yet this does not discourage the Vietnamese, who place great importance on physical well-being and spiritual well-being. They take advantage of this time of day, which offers a little more coolness than usual. As early as 5 a.m., when the sun has just risen, the residents of Hanoi take to the streets and generally gather around Hoan Kiem Lake (the Lake of the Returned Sword), right next to the old quarter, to practice all kinds of exercise. In this pleasant and peaceful setting, sports in Vietnam becomes enjoyable for everyone! It should also be remembered that the Vietnamese generally wake up very early, following the rhythm of the sun, and that is why such an early hour can surprise us Westerners.

But what does sports in Vietnam consist of? You will be spoiled for choice.

Tai Chi

Many people opt for Tai Chi, to clear their mind but also to practice a little gymnastics. This body practice is said to have originated from Chinese martial arts, though this is not confirmed. You must of course learn to perform certain movements, some postures, and also train yourself to have proper breathing. The technique of this martial art makes it possible to make muscles and joints flexible and relax them: all to be in shape! Generally the movements are performed slowly, so you can meditate while exercising. Just watching these people practice Tai Chi is relaxing!

The practice of Tai Chi near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi

Some decide to do their morning exercises alone, others prefer to join a group and follow the movements of the group leader. Sometimes there is not even a group leader, the Vietnamese agree in unison to perform similar movements in synchronization, as if they had learned the gestures by heart. Always in an almost religious calm, the movements follow one another with grace, one after another, a bit like a dance.

For the Vietnamese people, sports is health! That is why they attach so much importance to these little exercises. Even though they are not too physical, these movements allow you to work the joints as well as the balance. Morning sports in Vietnam is suitable for all ages, so all generations mix in a pleasant setting, taking advantage of the first rays of sun in the calm of dawn.

Stimulate the Muscles

Sometimes it is impressive to see the residents of Hanoi practice some morning sports activities in Vietnam. In fact, some vigorously strike their muscles. The term “vigorously” would almost be an understatement. Men in particular are adepts of this exercise: they slap their shoulders, thighs, abdominals, and arms very hard. It is said that this serves to stimulate the muscles, to invigorate them and strengthen them. Free to anyone who wants to try this rather brutal technique!

Badminton

Badminton, an outdoor sport very popular in Vietnam, brings together all generations in the park

Early in the morning, it is common to see badminton nets being set up all over the city. This sport is considered the national sport and the Vietnamese are dedicated body and soul to winning a game! This endurance sport allows them to let off steam and work on their reflexes, it is a very good sport for those who want to do a little cardio! This sport also allows you to improve team spirit, since the Vietnamese generally prefer to play it in pairs.

Da Cau

You could compare this exercise to badminton, except that it is played with your feet and without a racket! As spectacular as its name might seem to Westerners, da cau is a sport little known in Europe but widespread in Southeast Asia and in particular in Vietnam, where it has been elevated to a renowned national sport. But what is da cau? This sport consists of passing around a shuttlecock using mainly the feet but also other parts of the body, except the hands. It is a kind of “football badminton”. This sport has been practiced in Vietnam for centuries. Even the emperors and kings of Vietnam encouraged their soldiers to practice this sport to refine their agility in combat through the incredible acrobatics that players must perform.

Laughter Therapy

Some groups may seem strange. Gathered in a circle, individuals all start laughing at the same time every 30 seconds. It is not really a physical exercise, but this laughter therapy allows you to calm the mind and attract good vibes. So yes, it’s strange, but why not try? It’s tempting to join this type of group to share their good mood and immerse yourself in an atmosphere a bit euphoric!

Tango

The Vietnamese love to dance and are particularly fond of tango. Very far from their original culture, this Hispanic dance performed in pairs makes their heads spin (in a literal sense). In fact, they seem gifted at moving to the rhythm of the music and swaying with grace. Again, tango works the cardio. Moving to music is very pleasant, moving to music with a partner is even more so. Thus, tango is considered a real workout and a real sport in Vietnam.

Weight Training

Of course, weight training is part of the morning gymnastics practices at Hanoi. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, you can see several very motivated people lifting weights and installing makeshift equipment to take advantage of the setting and develop their muscles. The strength and motivation they show at 5 in the morning is impressive. No need for a gym for these people, so they do weight training where there is little space to set up!

Running

A little cardio in the early morning!

Among the essentials of morning sports, there is also running in Hanoi. On weekends, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake is pedestrian, and it is therefore pleasant to run around the lake and enjoy a little morning coolness to blow off steam. Many expats and Vietnamese choose this time for a little weekly morning run. What is even more pleasant is the fact that you can move freely without traffic and without being stepped on because of the crowd.

Meditation

The art of meditation

It is also possible to see some people sitting cross-legged along the shores of the lake and dedicating themselves to meditation exercises. The benefits of meditation are numerous, it first allows you to get in touch with positive thoughts. However, it also acts on the nervous and digestive system. Thus, this therapy in itself can relieve tension and anxiety. Be careful, meditation is not reserved only for elderly people, it can be practiced at all ages, with different postures of course. Considering its recognized benefits on health, it would be a shame to deprive yourself of it, no?

You can also see young people in the street playing Da Cau, this sport is very popular in the capital! With a shuttlecock similar to that of badminton, the objective is to pass the object to each other by volleying with your feet without it touching the ground. You must be very skillful with your feet to be able to control the shuttlecock, but it’s a lot of fun!

With all these activities, you can practice sports in Vietnam even on vacation! And even if you don’t practice it, it’s an experience worth living to see this people dedicated to sports activities from dawn. Plus, you will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the sunrise on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, a small moment that offers a bubble of calm at the beginning of the day and end of the week. And above all, if you do sports, remember to hydrate more!