Fun Vietnamese Lunar New Year Games Guide

When you think of Tet, you might picture dazzling fireworks, luscious banquets, or the thrill of receiving lucky money. But ask any local what makes the Vietnamese New Year truly magical, and they’ll tell you: it’s the laughter, camaraderie, and joy of Vietnamese Lunar New Year games. These aren’t just ways to pass the time—they’re cultural treasures passed down through generations. Through every roll of the dice and shout of victory, you'll find a deeper connection to Vietnam culture.

1. Traditional Vietnamese Card Games (for Adults & Families)

Tam Cúc – Strategic Simplicity from the North

A game of quiet wit, Tam Cúc is a Northern Tet classic. With cards depicting warriors and nobles, this game blends subtle strategy and luck, and is particularly beloved among women.

Tứ Sắc – A Colorful Classic from the Central & South

Colorful, calculated, and delightfully complex, Tứ Sắc involves matching vibrant card sets. Its roots in Central Vietnam bring a local flavor to family gatherings in the South.

Tổ Tôm – An Elder's Favorite

The intellectual challenge of Tổ Tôm is a rite of passage for many older Vietnamese men. With poetic symbolism and deep strategy, this game connects players to a long-standing Tet tradition.

Bài Cào – Fast, Fierce, and Full of Fun

If you’re looking for adrenaline, Bài Cào is the perfect pick. This luck-based game is a mainstay at many Tet parties. With quick rounds and cheerful betting, it keeps the energy high.

Tiến Lên – The Vietnamese Big Two

No Tet celebration is complete without Tiến Lên. This competitive, dynamic card game rewards clever plays and daring moves. Watch as locals shout, slap down cards, and chase victory!

Traveler Tip: Staying at a local homestay? Don’t be shy—ask to join a game. Many families will happily teach you, turning your stay into an unforgettable Vietnamese New Year games experience.

2. Board & Grid Games for All Ages

Ô Ăn Quan – Childhood Wisdom in Pebbles

This ancient game of strategy uses a hand-drawn grid and small stones or seeds. It teaches resource management and forward planning—disguised as child’s play!

Cờ Cá Ngựa – Vietnam’s Version of Ludo

Think of this as Vietnam’s take on the global favorite Ludo. Cờ Cá Ngựa (Seahorse Chess) is fast-paced, colorful, and sparks friendly rivalries among players of all ages.

Cờ Tướng – Chinese Chess, Vietnamese Style

Park benches become battlegrounds for Cờ Tướng, as older men huddle over the board. It’s about predicting your opponent, thinking five moves ahead, and earning serious bragging rights.

Cờ Lô Tô – Tet Bingo

In the South, Cờ Lô Tô brings bingo energy to the Tet season! With numbered sheets and lucky draws, it’s easy to play, especially at community events and street fairs.

Cờ Người – Human Chess as Cultural Theater

A real-life spectacle: human-sized chess pieces, traditional costumes, and ceremonial combat! Cờ Người transforms the game into a festive performance.

Cultural Insight: Don’t miss the sight of elders shouting moves in chess battles under red lanterns, or the playful chaos of Tet bingo under string lights.

3. Gambling-Inspired Games That Light Up Tet

Xóc Đĩa – The Sound of Anticipation

This traditional game—shaking coins under a bowl—brings suspense and shouts of joy. Found mostly in rural areas, it’s a slice of cultural history.

Tài Xỉu – High-Low Dice Drama

Popular in the South, this dice game is all about predicting the outcome: high or low? While often associated with gambling, during Tet, it’s played for entertainment and connection.

Pro Tip: While money may be involved, remember that these Vietnamese Lunar New Year games are about laughter, not profit. Enjoy the fun, and always play responsibly.

Bầu Cua Tôm Cá – The Heart of Tet Betting

If there’s one gambling game that defines Tet, it’s Bầu Cua Cá Cọp—also called bau cua. Played like Crown and Anchor, this game uses dice marked with symbols like gourd, crab, and prawn. It’s all about placing your bet, rolling the dice, and crossing your fingers for luck!

4. Interactive Folk Games at Tet Festivals

Kéo Co – Tug of War with a Roar

A game of sheer strength and unity! Teams pull opposite ends of a long rope, each trying to drag the other past a marked center line. Kéo Co stirs thunderous cheers from festivalgoers and is often played with chants, music, and community spirit.

Nhảy Sạp – The Joyful Bamboo Dance

In this rhythmic game, two lines of people rhythmically clap bamboo poles while others dance in and out of them. It requires agility, timing, and laughter! It’s a cultural staple among ethnic groups in Northwest Vietnam and often performed during Tet parades.

Rồng Rắn Lên Mây – The Dragon Snake Game

Children form a long line and sing a traditional Tet chant as they follow the leader, trying to avoid being caught by the “doctor” chasing the tail. It’s filled with joyful chaos and symbolic of unity and protection.

Đập Niêu – Smash the Pot, Win a Prize

A clay pot is suspended high on a string. Blindfolded players take turns swinging a stick, guided by shouts from the crowd. When the pot breaks—surprise! Candies or prizes inside burst out, delighting children and adults alike.

Ném Còn – A Toss Toward Good Fortune

Played by the Tay and Thai ethnic groups, this game involves throwing a stuffed fabric ball through a high hoop. A successful throw brings good luck and fertility, and it’s a favorite during mountain Tet festivals.

Bịt Mắt Bắt Dê / Bắt Lợn – Blindfold Mayhem

Originally played with animals, today it’s often done with people acting as “goats” or “pigs.” Blindfolded players listen carefully, lunge, laugh, and hope to catch their target before the time runs out.

Đi Cầu Kiều – The Bamboo Bridge Challenge

A slippery bamboo bridge is stretched over a shallow pool. Participants try to walk across without falling in. Spoiler alert: most fall in, and it’s hilarious for everyone watching!

Thi Thổi Cơm – Rice Cooking Race

Teams compete to cook the best pot of rice using traditional fire-making techniques. It’s smoky, sweaty, and thrilling to watch as they race to get a perfect, fluffy pot done before the timer buzzes.

Festival Map Suggestion: Head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hội An’s Lantern Festival, Hue’s Imperial Tet, or highland villages in Sapa. You’ll find live demonstrations of these unforgettable Vietnamese Lunar New Year games.

5.  Kids’ Favorite Tet Games (Family Friendly)

Looking for Tet fun that’s safe and joyful for children? These Vietnamese Lunar New Year games are tried, tested, and treasured by generations of Vietnamese children:

• Rồng Rắn Lên Mây: A game of chasing and chanting, great for big groups. Teaches teamwork and quick thinking.
• Cờ Cá Ngựa: With dice and colorful seahorse tokens, this lighthearted board game offers competitive fun for kids and adults alike.
• Ô Ăn Quan: Kids collect and distribute pebbles on a hand-drawn grid, learning counting and strategy while having fun.
• Nhảy Sạp: The bamboo dance turns play into performance. Great for coordination and rhythmic movement.
• Lô Tô: This Vietnamese bingo-style game is all luck—perfect for younger kids to join in with the grownups.
• Ném Còn: Encourages aim, patience, and positivity as kids aim for the sky to toss a cotton ball through a tall hoop.

These games are ideal for school groups, family tours, or community visits. They foster patience, creativity, and a love for Vietnam culture from a young age.

6. Conclusion

From strategy to slapstick, from solitary play to team triumphs, Vietnamese Lunar New Year games offer a window into the heart of Vietnam culture. They’re joyful, symbolic, and deeply human.

So this Tet, don’t just observe—participate. Dive into a tug-of-war, toss the cotton ball, or lay your cards on the mat. You won’t just remember the game—you’ll remember how it made you feel: connected, welcomed, and alive.