Where to Find Sports & Social Clubs in Hanoi as a Newcomer?

Arriving in Hanoi? Beyond the centuries‑old streets and aromatic bowls of phở, this city pulses with energetic communities ripe for you to join. Whether you're chasing a morning run around West Lake, smashing a volley in a local gym, pedaling through quiet lanes, or discovering a new sport altogether. This guide connects you to the heartbeat of Hanoi’s active expat and local scene.
Popular Sports & Activity Groups in Hanoi
1. Running Clubs
- RunningLate_Hanoi – a social, fun‑focused running group.
- SheRunsHanoi – a female-only running club fostering support and confidence.
2. Gaelic Football & Hurling
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The Viet Celts Hanoi GAA – the local Gaelic Athletic Association group that welcomes newcomers eager to try Gaelic Football or Hurling.

3. Rugby
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Hanoi Dragons Football Club – join for rugby practice and matches, great for team sport lovers.
4. Women’s Football
- Thanglong Titans – an active ladies’ football club.
- Hà Nội I W.F.C. – a professional women’s football club competing in Vietnam’s national league.

5. Pickleball
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Hanoi International Fellowship Pickleball Club – fast-growing racket sport combining fun and fitness.
6. Hockey
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Hockey Hanoi – a local hockey group via Facebook. Great for both recreational play and social networking.
7. Volleyball
- Hanoi Volleyball Group – community-run Facebook group to connect players and find courts.
- Youth Academy (Học Viện Thanh Thiếu Niên) – located at 58 Nguyễn Chí Thanh, Đông Đa District—hosts weekly volleyball sessions.
8. Cycling
- Hanoi Cycling Club – ideal for intermediate to advanced riders who enjoy group rides.
- Hanoi Bicycle Collective – recommended by local cyclists on Reddit as a hub to join Sunday rides and get plugged into the cycling community.
9. Climbing
- Hanoi Climbing Hub – modern climbing space for both beginners and advanced climbers, with group classes and training.
- VietClimb – the first indoor bouldering gym in Hanoi, also organizes outdoor climbing trips around northern Vietnam.
- Arch Rock Climbing Hanoi – a newer facility with creative wall designs and supportive community.
- Beefy Boulders Climbing Gym – Tây Hồ – a favorite among expats, located in Tây Hồ district with a fun and social atmosphere.
How to Join & Get Started
Activity Type | Club / Group Name | Contact / Access Information |
---|---|---|
Running | RunningLate_Hanoi, Hanoi Girls Running, SheRunsHanoi | Try Facebook or search Instagram using the group names |
Gaelic Football / Hurling | Viet Celts Hanoi GAA | Search “Viet Celts Hanoi GAA” on Facebook |
Rugby | Hanoi Dragons Football Club | Look up via social media or expat forums |
Women’s Football | Thanglong Titans; Hà Nội I W.F.C. | Search on Facebook or soccer league sites |
Pickleball | Hanoi Intl Fellowship Pickleball Club | Look up on Facebook groups or local expat listings |
Hockey | Hockey Hanoi | Facebook group: “Hockey Hanoi” |
Volleyball | Hanoi Volleyball Group; Youth Academy | Facebook group for casual play; Youth Academy at Nguyễn Chí Thanh |
Cycling | Hanoi Cycling Club; Hanoi Bicycle Collective | Find via Facebook; Hanoi Bicycle Collective recommended online |
Climbing |
Hanoi Climbing Hub; VietClimb; Arch Rock Climbing Hanoi, Beefy Boulders Climbing Gym – Tây Hồ |
Search on Google or Facebook |
Ready to join?
Drop into one of these groups, share that you’re part of iSpeak Vietlingo, and we can’t wait to see you making new friends and exploring Hanoi—one sport at a time!
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