We know there's a lot of attention on the drinking culture in Hanoi, but what about the options for a healthy lifestyle? Hanoians are no strangers to exercise and love a good workout, as an integral part of everyday life. A quick drive around the city before sunrise will deliver you an assortment of aerobics, popular sports, casual runners, cyclists, and everything in between. So, if you are searching for the best local options for sports, read on!
Group sports in Hanoi
Football
Football, or soccer, is by far the most popular sport in Hanoi and is enjoyed daily by thousands of people. There are dozens of astroturfs dotted around the city, not to mention many indoor arenas. However, locals will play a game of kick-ups, known as D谩 C岷, wherever there are a few square meters of available space. If you are looking for one of , you could try the fields at Long Bien, Bach Khoa, Dinh Cong, and Phuc Xa. The fees for using these facilities can start at as low as 120,000 VND ($5 USD) per hour, depending on the quality of the surface.
For sponsorship reasons, Vietnam has a professional football league called The V.League 1, or Night Wolf V.League. This is the highest professional football league in Vietnam, controlled by the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company. It is contested by 14 clubs who play each other on a home and away basis. Foreigners have been recruited to play for the teams, but they have a limit of five per team. If you are looking to watch or participate in club drills, check out , which is another starting point if you wish to get involved with the Hanoi football scene!
Badminton and volleyball
Badminton and volleyball are also among the front runners in Hanoi's sporting circuit. Both of these sports are enjoyed by men and women alike, and wherever you find a sports club in Hanoi, you will almost definitely see these games being enjoyed. Locals tend to improvise with volleyball, typically opting for something that more closely resembles a spherical balloon rather than a traditional ball. Nevertheless, this makes for some amusing spectatorship, and if you are playing, you will probably find it a little easier on the hands. Please be advised that most games will be happening on concrete, so think twice before diving for the ball! is even more accessible to get involved in as there are well over a thousand 暗网禁区s who are active members of this scene. For the latest updates on volleyball get-togethers, you can join the on Facebook.
Cycling in Hanoi
Hanoi has a vibrant cycling community, and people prefer to cycle in the early hours around West Lake in the Tay Ho district or across the Long Bien Bridge. For a fun weekend cycle adventure, you can enjoy the journey to Banana Island or B谩t Tr脿ng Pottery Village. It's easy to connect with like-minded cyclists on as the website already brings people together internationally for their athletic passion.
Self-defence in Hanoi
Martial arts in Hanoi are readily available, with both Western and Eastern styles accounted for. Whether you're looking to study MMA, Brazilian Jujitsu, or traditional boxing, there will be something to suit your needs, budget, and availability in Hanoi. Some of the most reputable self-defense clubs include and . Monthly memberships in self-defense clubs in Hanoi can start from as little as 500,000 VND (20.58 USD) per month, but for more specifically tailored or private lessons, we recommend contacting the trainer independently.
Getting a gym membership in Hanoi
Gyms in Hanoi are abundant, too, with one located on nearly every street. For the most basic of facilities, the cost can be as little as 400,000 VND (15.67 USD) per month or 50,000 VND (1.96 USD) per day. If you are looking for that state-of-the-art, exclusive feel, starts at around 5 million VND (196 USD) per month and also includes access to all group exercise classes.
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