Warm your soul with a steaming bowl of Phở.
The unquestionable starting activity to do during your winter stay in Hanoi is savoring a steaming hot bowl of Phở. This quintessential Hanoi dish comes in delightful variations, including the classic Phở bò (Beef Phở) and Phở gà (Chicken Phở). While stalls are scattered city-wide, seek out renowned spots like Phở Thìn Lò Đúc, Phở Khôi Hói, and Phở Gà Nguyệt. These eateries are celebrated for their unique, distinctively flavored broth and specially prepared meat, creating a taste exclusive to Hanoi’s iconic Phở.
Savor a silky bowl of Rib Porridge during winter in Hanoi
Beyond enjoying Phở, another essential culinary activity to do during your exploration of Hanoi’s winter is warming yourself with a comforting bowl of Rib Porridge while sitting on Hanoi’s infamous plastic stool (ghế nhựa). This silky-smooth porridge is slow-cooked until the grains dissolve, achieving a uniquely thick, chewy texture. Topped with tender shredded pork rib and crispy quẩy, it offers an authentic, distinct taste of Hanoi’s heartwarming street food. You can find a great bowl for cheap near Ngõ Huyện street or within Chợ Đồng Xuân market.
Gather around a hotpot or grilled barbecue with friends
After savoring “solo” dishes, the next essential thing to do during winter in Hanoi is to embrace communal dining. For locals, nothing beats gathering for a steaming hotpot (lẩu) or sizzling grilled barbecue (nướng). This shared ritual creates a cozy evening of union, offering genuine warmth against the chilling months. As long as you stay in the proximity of the Old Quarter, you can easily enjoy a memorable night of culinary excellence and companionship with friends at even a random hotpot or barbecue venue just around the corner from where you are staying.
Delight in ginger-infused bites of Bánh Trôi Tàu
After savory dishes, indulging in Bánh Trôi Tàu is another popular activity to do for balancing the palate and completing your winter culinary tour in Hanoi. This sweet soup features chewy sticky rice balls with fillings, immersed in a hot, fragrant ginger-sugar broth. The combination of texture and the spicy warmth of ginger is incredibly comforting. You can find authentic “Hanoian” bowls at famous spots like Bà Thìn (1 Bát Đàn) or along Hàng Giầy street.
Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake on a gentle afternoon stroll
Beyond the culinary delights, winter in Hanoi offers the golden opportunity to stroll in one of the world’s best walkable cities. A leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake is a classic “exercise” to do during the cool season. The gentle atmosphere is perfect for unhurried exploration. The crisp air invigorates your senses as you admire historic landmarks like Turtle Tower and Ngoc Son Temple, making it a tranquil, must-visit point of interest that can keep you fit even when on vacation.
Snap iconic photos with Hanoi white daisies
Another beautiful answer to the question of what to do during winter in Hanoi is seeking out the iconic white daisies, which bloom purely between November and December. These delicate, classic flowers offer fantastic photo opportunities, capturing the transient, fleeting beauty of the cold season that makes you even more cherish the moment. You can often spot vendors carrying bunches of these pristine flowers along atmospheric streets like Phan Đình Phùng. This simple, picturesque activity is a lovely way to enjoy the tranquil, poetic side of winter in Hanoi.
Admire the dreamy season of canola flowers
Winter in Hanoi is also beautifully illustrated by vibrant yellow canola fields, not just the urban, popular white daisies. These golden blooms reach their peak around mid-December, offering stunning scenery at the outskirts of the city. The most beautiful fields are located at Trâu Quỳ or Yên Viên, while far away from the city centre, a trip to these locations offers a breath of fresh air that allows you to see the unique beauty of Hanoi that can even be unfamiliar to those who have stayed in this beautiful city for a long time.
Feel the festive season come alive around you
Finally, despite Vietnam being primarily a Buddhist country, locals love a good celebration, and the festive spirit makes winter in Hanoi and the activities you can do incredibly diverse and joyful! During Christmas, soak up the vibrant atmosphere around grand churches like St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Then, join the huge crowds for the exhilarating New Year’s Eve countdown centered at Đông Kinh Nghĩa Thục Square near Hoan Kiem Lake, where the city pulses with vibrant, infectious energy and celebrates the New Year with a dazzling display of fireworks.
FAQs
When does winter start in Hanoi?
The cool season in Hanoi arrives in late November and lasts until March, with its peak cold settling in from December to February. Many locals consider this the city’s finest time of year.
How cold does winter in Hanoi usually get, and what to pack?
Temperatures in winter in Hanoi generally hover between 14 and 20, though January can see the mercury drop below 10. Crucially, the high humidity and lack of indoor heating make it feel much colder than the thermometer usually suggests! It is essential to pack layers, including warm sweaters, a windproof jacket, and a scarf or beanie, to truly stay comfortable.
Do people in Hanoi celebrate Christmas?
While not a national public holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated in Hanoi as a major cultural and commercial event. The city becomes beautifully lit up with colorful Christmas decorations. St. Joseph’s Cathedral turns into a vibrant focal point, attracting massive, cheerful crowds of locals and visitors eager to soak up the festive atmosphere.
Where to stay for the best “winter in Hanoi” experience?
To fully embrace the winter in Hanoi, it’s vital to stay near Hoan Kiem Lake, consider HANOI La Siesta Premium Lakeside, one of Hanoi best boutique hotels. HANOI La Siesta Premium Lakeside, with its brilliant festive decoration, offers stylish accommodations and exceptional service right in the heart of the action, fulfilling all your needs and making your stay in Hanoi an absolutely delightful memory.
