Thanh Lam Quang Ph.D

Thuan Nguyen Hoang Minh M.Sc

Katy Tran

The fitness and exercise culture in Ho Chi Minh City is a unique experience for

Americans to observe. Although it is difficult to compare the two cultures, my portrayal of my observational encounters with Vietnamese fitness is understandably full of contrasts between American fitness and Vietnamese. The Vietnamese people enjoy a range of physical activities that reflect the amiable personality of their society. Many exercise regimens include sports and social games—quite different from what is seen in America.The exercise habits of the Vietnamese people are enjoyable group events that benefit the individuals in a holistic sense. They provide social interaction, mental stimulation and personal satisfaction while also improving the health and well being of the participants. These types of exercise are encouraged and promoted by the Vietnamese government by providing numerous venues for such physical activities to take place.

The government-funded fitness facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are impressive establishments. These centers facilitate a wide variety of activities for interested individuals to participate in. The complexes range from small outdoor parks to large indoor gyms, all of which are available for the public to use at a fairly affordable cost for the consumer. Each fitness center has its own unique atmosphere and attracts patrons based on various factors. Some of the most noteworthy and interesting public fitness facilities that I visited include Tao Dan Park, Le Van Tam Park, Trung Tam Van Hoa- The Thao Tan Binh, Phan Dinh Phung Sports Club, Phu Tho Sports Club, Nha Van Hoa Lao Dong and Nha Van Hoa Phu Nu. All of these facilities are funded partially by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Sport, but this list is only a selection of the numerous parks and gym.(Download)