If you are looking for the top Vietnamese board games to spice up your gatherings, you have come to the right place. Here, you will find 11 exciting games that will bring joy and create unforgettable memories with your friends and family.
Vietnamese games are an intriguing aspect that showcases the richness of Vietnamese culture. In this article, we will delve into the world of Vietnamese board games, which have captivated generations of players. Whether you are a board game enthusiast or are planning a Vietnamese adventure, they will bring a perfect blend of entertainment and culture.
1. Bau cua tom ca – Among the most popular Vietnamese board games
Bau cua tom ca, also known as bau cua ca cop, is a cherished classic among Vietnamese board games. Drawing inspiration from its Chinese counterpart, hoo hey how, this game features animal symbols such as “bau” (gourd), “cua” (crab), “tom” (prawn), “ca” (fish), and “nai” (deer) on its game sheet. The game unfolds as the banker rolls three special dice, each showing the symbols. Payouts are then made based on the frequency of symbol appearances. Through the game, players can develop a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s culture.
2. Lo to
Lo to, believed to have roots in the game Bingo, has evolved into a beloved option among the rich collection of Vietnamese board games. During the 1980s, lo to troupes became a cultural phenomenon, touring provinces and hosting fairs, particularly flourishing during Lunar New Year celebrations in rural areas. To play, each player receives a sheet with randomly arranged numbers. During each turn, a number token is drawn from a sac and announced. The objective is to be the first to achieve five tokens in a row and exclaim “kinh” to claim victory.
3. Len mam
Len mam is a lively example of Vietnamese board games that truly immerses players in the heart of Tet celebrations. Drawing inspiration from the Tet tray, the game involves dropping ingredient cards into the pot to craft delicacies like banh chung, frozen meat, bamboo shoot soup, and pickled onions. Successfully hitting the pot with the right ingredients levels up the game, while dropping the wrong ones activates surprising twists. With a touch of ingenuity, len mam captures the essence of Tet, offering players an enjoyable journey into Vietnamese culture.
4. Dong hanh – A helpful Vietnamese board game for your Vietnamese adventure
Dong hanh is an immersive adventure among the fascinating Vietnamese board games. Inspired by the love for travels, exploration, and the country’s diverse landscapes, the game features a map based on Vietnam’s 19th-century geography. In this game, 2 – 4 players collaborate to explore all of Vietnam’s regions from Northern Vietnam to Southern Vietnam. The goal is to complete the journey without losing any players along the way. The map stays true to Vietnam’s main geographical attributes, such as Truong Son Mountain Range and the Mekong River.
5. Kinh luoc 1698
Kinh luoc 1698, one of the captivating Vietnamese board games, is a tile-laying game designed for 2 – 4 players. It is inspired by the historical context of Nguyen Huu Canh’s mission. Players, embodying Cai Bo officers, will construct ports, build cities, and cultivate fields to gain the favor of the people. The game unfolds in three rounds, featuring a build phase and reward phase. Players aim to earn points by strategically placing tiles that connect to existing buildings and other players’ tiles. Special tiles, like the “tax post,” offer unique advantages. Bonus points are awarded for connecting all project tiles and discarding the “tax post.” The player with the highest points wins.
6. Dia linh nhan kiet
Dia linh nhan kiet is a set of four family card games that invite players to embark on a journey through Vietnamese history. Inspired by legendary figures like Dinh Tien Hoang and Y Lan, players assume the roles of sixty unique heroes and heroines as they relive historical events. The beautifully designed cards offer rich content, immersing players in the stories of Vietnam’s past. Through strategic gameplay, players can explore the nation’s turbulent dynasties and experience the triumphs and challenges faced by these remarkable individuals.
7. Hoi – Pho
Hoi – Pho, also known as Faifo 2021, is one of the engaging Vietnamese board games that transports players to the bustling trading town of Hoi An during the 17th century. It revolves around the competition for Contracts of the Courts among merchants, where players strive to establish their reputation, fortune, and power to become the esteemed Great Merchant of Hoi An. The game’s appeal lies in its short and easy-to-learn rulebook, making it suitable for various groups and serving as an excellent icebreaker. Perfect for 3 – 5 players, it is a delightful journey through the bustling streets of Hoi An.
8. Duong dua tai chinh – Among the best Vietnamese board games to play with kids
Duong dua tai chinh is an educational financial board game designed for children aged 8 to 15. With 2 – 4 players, the game aims to introduce fundamental financial concepts to kids. Through gameplay, children experience the flow of money, including earning, spending, investing, and donating. With a charmingly designed game board, a comic-style instruction book, action cards representing incomes, expenses, investments, and donations, event cards, and colorful tokens, duong dua tai chinh offers an engaging way for children to have fun while learning about finances.
9. Choi chu
Choi chu, also known as Vietnamese slam, is among the best Vietnamese board games that transforms language learning into an exciting experience for 2 – 6 players. Each card in the game features a Vietnamese alphabet, beautifully crafted with calligraphy and monograms, accompanied by cute parent-and-child stories. This game is designed to help players learn Vietnamese in a more engaging way. Inspired by traditional family card games, it challenges players to form words from their cards, with special features like “slam bonus” and “double dice” adding unique twists.
10. Lop hoc mat ngu – Cuoc dua sao choi
Designed for 2 – 6 players, lop hoc mat ngu – cuoc dua sao choi is an exciting Vietnamese board game that has been adapted from the beloved comic series of the same name. Set in a fictional world devastated by a comet, players assume the roles of zodiac signs attending the Secret Code Class. They aim to collect crates before the comet strikes. With 24 character cards, 48 equipment cards, and 6 character tokens, players will navigate the map, searching for crates hidden in fruit, cake, and ice cream stores. The player with the most crates wins the title of “Hero of Planet Rainbow.”
11. Ga va nep – An exhilarating Vietnamese board game to play on the Tet holiday
Inspired by Game of the Goose, one of the oldest board games in the world, ga va nep introduces new rules. Designed for 2 – 4 players, each game lasts around 10 – 15 minutes. The game features 63 tiles representing festival themes arranged chronologically according to the Lunar Calendar. A single D12 die replaces the traditional D6 dice, simplifying gameplay. As players progress, they collect boiled chickens as offerings. The winner takes all, redistributing their wealth into “li xi” pockets before the next game.
In general, Vietnamese board games offer a delightful way to connect with your loved ones and experience the vibrant culture of Vietnam. Whether you are seeking traditional classics or modern twists, these 11 games have something for everyone. So, get ready to embark on memorable adventures and create cherished moments with these captivating games!