Team building in Hanoi: Guide to best activities & tips

Contents

1. Why should you choose team building in Hanoi?

Team-building activities are probably everyone’s favorite thing about the workplace (apart from the pay, of course!). Getting to know your colleagues outside the office is fun and a great way to build better connections, pick up new skills, and boost team morale.

If you’re in Vietnam doing business, it’s a great idea to organize team building in Hanoi – a gorgeous city with a rich history and culture. It’s also becoming a hub for innovative corporate team-building experiences. With its blend of traditional charm and a modern buzz, Hanoi offers a range of activities that can strengthen team bonds, improve communication, and inject a bit of fun into the workday.

Team building in Hanoi is a great way to strengthen teamwork and boost morale

Besides Hanoi, explore other options for team building in Vietnam!

2. Recommended team-building activities in Hanoi

Whether your team is into high-adrenaline adventures or more relaxed cultural experiences, Hanoi has something for everyone. So, if you’re ready for some adventure, let’s check out some of the best team-building activities in Hanoi.

2.1. Indoor activities

2.1.1. Take part in a cooking class

Taking a cooking class is an excellent way to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine and impress your family and friends when you return home. Vietnamese cuisine is simple yet flavorful, much like the culture and people here.

A cooking class provides an immersive cultural experience (Source: Collected)

For teams, these classes provide more than just a culinary experience – they’re an opportunity to bond, collaborate, and spark creativity in a relaxed setting. Guided by skilled local chefs, team members will work together, learn new cooking techniques, and enjoy a delicious meal together.

Recommended cooking classes:

• Apron Up Cooking Class: 8 Gia Ngu Street, Hang Bac Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• Az Hanoi Cooking Class: 23 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• Chef Duyen’s Home Cooking Classes & Market Tours: Alley 140 Nghia Dung Street, Phuc Xa Ward, Ba Dinh District
• Hanoi Food Culture Restaurant & Cooking Class: 60 Phat Loc Alley, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District
• Hoang’s Cooking Class: 54 Hang Buom Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District

2.1.2. Enjoy pottery making

Bat Trang Pottery Village is the go-to destination for pottery lovers. Visitors can enjoy hands-on pottery making and explore well-known spots like the Center for Quintessence of Vietnamese Craft Villages, the ancient Van Van House, and Bat Trang Communal House.

A pottery making workshop allows you to create something unique and special for yourself (Source: Collected)

Spending a few hours in a pottery workshop is a great way to relax, foster creativity, and bond with your team in a calm and artistic setting. With expert craftsmen guiding you through the process, you will learn to craft your own cups, vases, and bowls. Once finished, your piece will be fired in a kiln so you can take it home as a unique souvenir or gift.

2.1.3. Try an escape room

Another option for team building in Hanoi is experiencing an escape room. Escape rooms challenge teams to solve puzzles, unlock secrets, and complete missions within a certain timeframe. Each team plays the role of a character in an immersive storyline filled with exciting challenges. 

Escape rooms provide a thrilling experience for team building in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

These activities promote teamwork, problem-solving, and quick decision-making in a fun and engaging way. Plus, with English-speaking staff and instructions, international teams can easily join in on the adventure.

Recommended escape rooms:

• Jinzo Escape: 56 Phan Van Tri Street, Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Dong Da District
• Miss Terry Escape Rooms: 381 Doi Can Street, Lieu Giai Ward, Ba Dinh District
• Genesis Escape: 189 Hoang Cau Street, Trung Liet Ward, Dong Da District
• Inception Escape Room: 2-4 Alley 1160, Lang Street, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District

2.1.4. Experience bouldering

Bouldering is a fantastic way to motivate people of all ages to take up climbing as both a fitness workout and a fun, engaging activity. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, Hanoi’s bouldering centers offer challenges suited to all skill levels.

With huge climbing space, these gyms feature six color-coded routes that change weekly to keep things exciting. The supportive atmosphere and friendly staff make it a perfect team-building activity that strengthens both physical endurance and teamwork.

Indoor activities like bouldering are great for team building in bad weather (Source: Collected)

2.1.5. Join a water puppetry workshop

Water puppetry (mua roi nuoc) is a unique traditional Vietnamese art form that has been performed for centuries. This fascinating performance involves puppets dancing on water, controlled by skilled puppeteers hidden behind a bamboo screen.

In a water puppetry workshop, participants get hands-on experience manipulating puppets, learning traditional storytelling techniques, and understanding the cultural significance of this art. This activity is perfect for teams looking to explore Vietnamese culture in a fun and interactive way.

Looking for unique ideas for team building Hanoi? Try water puppetry (Source: Collected)

2.2. Outdoor activities

2.2.1. Go karting

With a speed of up to 90 kilometers per hour and high stability, go-karting brings a thrilling and unique speed experience for team building in Hanoi. The tracks are designed with safety and challenge in mind, offering a blend of high-speed straights and technical corners. These high-quality karts are suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers, which makes them ideal for a team-building activity.

Recommended go-karting locations in Hanoi:

• Aeon Mall Ha Dong: Hoang Van Thu Residential Area, Duong Noi Ward, Ha Dong District
• Vincom Mega Mall Smart City: Vinhomes Smart City Urban Area, Tay Mo, Nam Tu Liem District
• Hanoi Super Karting: Yen So Park, Kim Ma Ward, Hoang Mai District
• Go Kart Vietnam – Hanoi Track: Dam Tranh Ecotourism Area, Thach Ban Ward, Long Bien District

Go-karting in Hanoi offers an adrenaline rush for teams (Source: Collected)

2.2.2. Enjoy a street food tour

Taking a tour to explore Hanoi street food is an immersive way to experience the city’s culinary delights. Over the course of approximately 3 hours, participants walk around 2.5 kilometers through hidden alleyways and bustling markets in Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter.

During the tour, you’ll sample 6 to 8 different street food vendors, with around 10 tastings of local delicacies such as pho, banh mi, bun cha, and egg coffee. The tour is typically led by a local guide who shares insider stories about Hanoi’s food culture, history, and customs, making the experience not only pleasurable but also educational.

Have a taste of local flavors while exploring fascinating hidden alleys with your team (Source: Collected)

2.2.3. Join a scavenger hunt

While this idea may require more preparation effort, a scavenger hunt is a fantastic team-building activity that encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and exploration. Teams will be given a list of challenges and clues, leading them to hidden gems and historical landmarks across Hanoi. The challenges might involve taking photos at specific locations, solving riddles related to Vietnamese culture, or interacting with locals to gather information.

Scavenger hunts are great for boosting team spirit and engagement while discovering the charm of Hanoi. Whether done in the Hanoi Old Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake, or even in cultural villages, this activity promises excitement and bonding moments.

A scavenger hunt adds excitement and teamwork to any corporate outing (Source: Collected)

2.2.4. Go kayaking at West Lake

Another popular option for team building Hanoi is kayaking. Surrounded by the serene expanse of West Lake, this activity offers a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Paddling across the calm waters, participants can enjoy the cool breeze, breathtaking lake views, and a peaceful retreat in the heart of Hanoi.

West Lake is an ideal kayaking spot for even beginners, as its waters remain relatively calm. Whether you prefer an early morning session to embrace the fresh air or an evening paddle to witness the sunset, the experience is equally rewarding. Kayaking sessions are available for individuals and groups, making it a perfect outdoor Hanoi team-building activity.

Kayaking on West Lake is a peaceful way to enjoy Hanoi’s scenic beauty (Source: Collected)

2.2.5. Experience camping

Camping is a great way to strengthen team bonds while enjoying the beauty of nature. Hanoi and its surroundings offer a variety of scenic camping spots where teams can set up tents, cook meals together, and participate in team-building games. Whether you prefer lakeside tranquility, forested retreats, or mountainous landscapes, there’s a perfect spot for every group.

Recommended camping spots near Hanoi:

• Dong Mo Camping Sport
• My Hill Soc Son
• Ban Rom Ecotourism Area
• Quan Son Lake
• Son Tinh Camp 2 & 3
• Ba Vi National Park
• Yen So Park
• Dong Do Lake, Soc Son

Camping near Hanoi is perfect for bonding with your team in nature (Source: Collected)

2.2.6. Take a day trip

For teams looking to explore beyond Hanoi, a day trip is an excellent option. Just a few hours away, these destinations offer stunning landscapes, cultural sites, and exciting activities, perfect for team bonding.

Recommended day trip destinations:

• Mai Chau: A peaceful valley surrounded by green mountains, famous for its ethnic minority villages and stunning rice fields. There, groups can go cycling, hiking, and immerse in the local culture of the Thai ethnic group.
• Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. Take a cruise, go kayaking, or explore hidden caves, and reconnect with nature.
• Ba Vi National Park: A lush, mountainous retreat perfect for hiking, picnicking, and exploring ancient temples.
• Ninh Binh: Often called the “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh offers scenic boat rides through limestone karsts, visits to ancient temples, and cycling through peaceful countryside.
• Perfume Pagoda: A significant spiritual site consisting of a series of Buddhist temples built into the mountains. The journey involves a boat ride along the Yen River, followed by a scenic hike or cable car ride.
• VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park: This amusement park provides thrilling rides, massive wave pools, and engaging team activities, making for an unforgettable bonding experience.
• Grand World: With its vibrant atmosphere and immersive entertainment options, Grand World offers the perfect setting for a wide range of team-building activities.

Enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation with a day at VinWonders Water Park

Book VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park ticket now

Grand World provides the perfect entertainment setting for team building in Hanoi

Book Grand World ticket now

3. Best time for team building in Hanoi

The summer months of June, July, and August are considered the peak season for team building in Hanoi. This period offers ideal weather conditions with long sunny days, perfect for dynamic outdoor challenges.

Additionally, early spring is also a great time to organize team activities. The months of January, February, and March have cooler temperatures and a refreshing atmosphere. Though not as vibrant as summer, this period provides a unique opportunity for teams to experience the chilly Northern Vietnam climate while exploring scenic locations.

The best time for outdoor team building in Hanoi is during the summer months

Winter in Hanoi brings colder temperatures and occasional rain, therefore making outdoor team-building activities less feasible. Instead, companies can opt for indoor team-building programs that encourage collaboration and team spirit while keeping employees comfortable.

Check out Hanoi weather to best plan the team building activities in Hanoi

4. Costs of team building in Hanoi

The cost of organizing a Hanoi team-building event varies depending on the scale, location, and type of activities. Below is a general reference for the price range of each activity:

*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only.

Check out Hanoi event venues for organizing indoor events

Hanoi is a fantastic destination for team-building activities, offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor experiences tailored to all team sizes and interests. Plan your next team building in Hanoi today and get ready to create unforgettable memories with your colleagues!