
Pickleball Adventures: Exploring the courts of Sapa and Hanoi
In Southeast Asia, Vietnam stands tall as a pickleball pioneer, with our local Malaysian scene catching up swiftly. Vietnam’s earlier exposure to the sport has fostered its rapid growth, particularly in cities like Ho Chi Minh. The scene gained international recognition when Quang Duong defeated Ben Johns, then world #1, and later clinched his first singles gold at the PPA Las Vegas tournament. This milestone thrust Vietnam’s pickleball scene into the global spotlight.
A couple of months ago, I visited Sapa and Hanoi. As a pickleball enthusiast, I was eager to explore the local court scene. While Sapa was a wildcard given its reputation as a serene mountain retreat, Hanoi, a bustling city, held greater promise. What followed was an exciting journey filled with unique courts, quirky encounters, and memorable games.
Sapa: Pickleball in the "City in the Fog"
Sapa isn’t where you’d expect to find pickleball courts. Known for its mist-covered peaks and charming homestays, pickleball felt like a long shot. But as I strolled through the streets, the unmistakable "POP!" of a pickleball brought a grin to my face.
The courts here were a mix of surprises. Being true to its reputation, one open-air court was shrouded in fog, making visibility a challenge, yet the locals seemed to have no issues putting away amazing shots. Another court, which was clearly a more "budget" court was hilariously plastered with high-end fashion brand logos—a juxtaposition I couldn’t resist capturing in a photo.
From my hotel room, I spotted a precariously placed court with open sides, leaving stray balls to their fate.
But eventually, I had the pleasure of playing on a proper enclosed court. It featured translucent roofing that let natural light in while shielding players from the elements—a delightful contrast to the metal-roofed Pickleball courts back in Malaysia. Though modest in design, it offered good spacing and no glare. I'm not too sure if they generally gave out balls for free, but with the language barrier, they were more than happy to pass us a couple of balls to use during our slot.
Hanoi: A Mixed Bag of Courts
Arriving in Hanoi, my expectations were higher after the Sapa experience. The first court I visited, Cocopick, quickly became my favorite. Its ample space and well-maintained surfaces made playing there a joy. While its chill area was minimal, the court focused on functionality, which it delivered on admirably.
Upon one of my return visits, I had the pleasure of witnessing the retractable roof in action - transforming the indoor courts, into outdoor courts. While I've always loved the concept, I did observe the occasional hassle of players repeatedly requesting the roof to be opened and closed, understanding perhaps, that's why most places opt to do a fixed roof instead. Despite this, Cocopick felt like a hidden gem, and we returned several times during our stay.
Another court I was eager to visit was at the Pullman Hotel. With its retractable roof and scenic views, I had high hopes. Sadly, this facility fell short. One of its four courts was practically unplayable due to an odd layout that left no space at the back. The other courts were serviceable but uninspiring—functional at best, but not worth a special trip. It's worth noting that my opinion might be slightly biased negatively due to a less-than-ideal experience with the management.
Lastly, we visited a neighborhood court with a vibrant training scene. The court itself was decent featuring a fully outdoor setting. However, the lack of court etiquette was frustrating, with balls from adjacent training sessions constantly rolling into our game. The players we met were friendly, but the coaches and trainees were indifferent to the disruption. Still, this court offered a glimpse into the grassroots energy of pickleball in Hanoi which was a real treat.
Vietnam’s pickleball courts reflect a sport still finding its footing. From foggy courts in Sapa to bustling facilities in Hanoi, the variety is impressive, even if the amenities are hit-or-miss. While we didn’t encounter any full-service courts with F&B or entertainment options, the basics were well-covered. For players who speak Vietnamese or have local connections, finding games would likely be easy. For tourists like me, the journey was an adventure in itself.
If you’re a pickleball enthusiast visiting Vietnam, be prepared for surprises. You’ll find courts in unexpected places, witness quirky setups, and meet passionate players who make the experience truly special.