Company Sports Day in Hanoi: How to Plan a Hội Thao Everyone Enjoys

A company sports day, often called hội thao in Vietnam, is a long tradition in many Hanoi companies. Departments form teams, wear their colors, cheer for each other and compete in a mix of sports and fun games. It is energetic, inclusive when planned well, and one of the best ways to bring a large company together.

Here is how to plan a company sports day in Hanoi, from choosing events to keeping everyone safe and involved.

Set the scale and format

• One day: the most common format, with opening, events and closing on the same day
• A tournament series: football or badminton played over several weeks, with a finals day
• A sports festival: a full day with competitive sports and family-friendly games

The format depends on the number of employees, how many departments take part and the budget.

Choose a mix of events

Competitive sports

• Mini football (5 or 7 players)
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Volleyball
• Running relay

Team games for everyone

• Tug of war
• Sack race and three-legged race
• Giant team skis
• Water-carrying relay
• Human knot and team puzzles

Traditional Vietnamese games

• Bamboo dancing (nhảy sạp)
• Blindfolded pot breaking (đập niêu)
• Bag jumping and stick pushing (đẩy gậy)
• Shuttlecock kicking (đá cầu)

Traditional games are fun to watch, easy to learn and a great way to involve international colleagues.

Make it inclusive

Not everyone is sporty. A good sports day includes games where luck, coordination and team spirit matter more than strength. Set rules for mixed teams, such as a minimum number of women or senior staff per team, and create roles for those who do not compete: cheer leaders, photographers, judges and team managers.

Choose the venue

Sports days need open fields, courts or a large hall. Options around Hanoi include stadiums and sports complexes, university grounds and resorts with large lawns. Check changing rooms, toilets, shade and parking. For a resort setting outside the city, see team building getaways near Hanoi.

Plan the opening and closing

An opening ceremony with team parades, flags and a short speech sets the tone. A closing ceremony with medals, a trophy for the best department and a team photo gives the day a strong finish. Good sound equipment and an energetic MC make a big difference.

Safety first

• Warm-up session before competitive events
• First aid team and ambulance contact on site
• Clear rules and referees for every sport
• Water and shade at every field
• No events in the hottest hours from May to September
• Insurance arranged for participants where needed

Keep the energy up all day

• Points table updated live on a screen
• Cheering competitions between departments
• Music between events
• Snacks and drinks stations
• A lucky draw at the closing

A sample sports day

• 07:00 Teams arrive, registration and warm-up
• 07:30 Opening parade and ceremony
• 08:00 Competitive sports in parallel
• 10:00 Team games and traditional games
• 11:30 Finals
• 12:00 Lunch
• 13:00 Closing ceremony, medals and lucky draw

In summer, finish before midday and move the closing indoors. Read summer team building tips for more.

Frequently asked questions

What is a company sports day in Vietnam?

A day, often called hội thao, where departments compete in sports and team games, with opening and closing ceremonies.

Which games work best for a company sports day?

A mix of competitive sports such as football and badminton, fun team games like tug of war and traditional Vietnamese games such as bamboo dancing.

How do we include people who are not sporty?

Use games based on teamwork and luck, set mixed-team rules and create roles such as cheer leaders, photographers and judges.

When is the best time for a sports day in Hanoi?

October to April is most comfortable. In summer, start early and finish before midday.