We know there's a lot of attention on the drinking culture in Hanoi, but what about the options for a healthy lifestyle? In fact, Hanoians are no strangers to exercise. They love a good workout, and for many, this is 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!
Sports in Hanoi
Football, or soccer, is by far the most popular sport in Hanoi and is enjoyed by thousands of people daily. 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 Dá Cầu, wherever there are a few square meters of available space. If you are looking for one of Hanoi's best areas to play football, 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 Thang Long Football Club, which is another starting point if you wish to get involved with the Hanoi football scene!
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! For the latest updates on volleyball get-togethers, you can join Hanoi Volleyball Club on Facebook.
Badminton in Hanoi is even more accessible to get involved in as there are well over a thousand expats who are active members of this scene.
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 Hanoi Boxing Club, Viet Fighter, and Optimistart Mixed Martial Arts. 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, the price will naturally increase.
Gym 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 (16.47 USD) per month or 50,000 VND (2.06 USD) per day. If you are looking for that state-of-the-art, exclusive feel, California Fitness starts at around 5 million VND (205 USD) per month.
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