January is the perfect time for tourists to enjoy Hanoi’s favourable weather conditions of cool temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for participating in various outdoor activities and sightseeing. There are several things to do in Hanoi in January that tourists can participate in to have extensive and memorable experiences. In January, tourists can witness the vibrant Vietnamese new year celebrations in Hanoi, offering them a glimpse into the local culture through the decorations, local cuisines, and performances. Tourists can also enjoy having relaxed and intimate experiences in January, as there are fewer crowds during this period.
Things To Do In Hanoi In January
There are various things to do in Hanoi, and tourists can have a wonderful and extensive experience. Here is a list of 10 things to do in Hanoi in January:
1. Explore The Old Quarter
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the Old Quarter is one of the best things to do in Hanoi in January as it has amazing ancient architecture and traditional shops, making it ideal for tourists to go sightseeing to learn about its historical heritage. Tourists exploring the Old Quarter can enjoy local cuisines, including bun cha, pho, and egg coffee, uniquely immersing them in the local culture.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 5 days
Timings: 8 AM -11 AM and 2 PM – 8 PM
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
2. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
Photo: Linh Tran / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the things to do in Hanoi in January, with amazing landscape views and opportunities for tourists to participate in several activities within the area. Tourists visiting Hoan Kiem Lake can also explore the Ngoc Son Temple on an island within the lake for spiritual immersion and to experience the local culture. Moreover, tourists can take leisure strolls around the lake or relax at the nearby restaurants and cafes where they can enjoy the views.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Timings: 7 PM – 11:59 PM on Friday to Sunday
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
3. Experience The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum And Museum
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Experiencing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum is one of the things to see in Hanoi, particularly in January as the weather is favourable, making it ideal for tourists to go sightseeing. Tourists visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum can get to view the amazing architecture and learn about its significance. Additionally, tourists visiting the Ho Chi Minh Museum can learn about the historical life of Ho Chi Minh and view some of the exhibits including photographs, documents, and artefacts.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 8 AM – 11 AM Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday
Location: 2 Hung Vuong Street in Ba Dinh District
4. Discover The Temple Of Literature
Photo: xiquinhosilva / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists looking to learn what to do in Hanoi can explore the Temple of Literature to get extensive insight into the history and culture of the area. The Temple of Literature symbolises education and Confucianism in Vietnam, making it an attraction worth exploring. Tourists visiting the Temple of Literature can explore the courtyards, which offer unique features and are of historical importance in the area.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM, closed on January 1
Location: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi
5. Enjoy Vietnamese Cuisine
Photo: Daderot/ Wikimedia Commons
Trying out the local Vietnamese cuisine is one of the best things to do in Hanoi to deeply immerse yourself into the local way of life. Some of the seasonal delicacies tourists can try out include rice pudding known as Bánh đúc nóng, pan-fried Chung cake, and Cháo sườn, a pork rib porridge. Tourists can also explore the street food options and local markets to have a diverse experience and try out foods like Hot Pot, Bun Cha, Pho, Banh Mi, and Ca Phe Trung.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
Entry Fee: Meal prices vary with restaurants
Timings: Varies with restaurants
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
6. Watch A Water Puppet Show
Photo: Steven C. Price / Wikimedia Commons
Watching a water puppet show is one of the best things to do in Hanoi to experience the unique culture of the local communities. Tourists watching a water puppet show in Hanoi can witness stories about the local’s daily life, legends, and Vietnamese folklore. Moreover, tourists can experience the puppet show which is accompanied with singing, Vietnamese music, and storytelling. Tourists should expect scenes that depict fishing, farming, mythical creatures, and festivals.
Ideal Duration: 50 – 55 minutes
Entry Fee: ₹ 342
Timings: Monday–Saturday: 1:45 PM, 3 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8 PM, 9:15 PM and on Sunday: 9:30 AM, 1:45 PM, 3 PM, 4:10 PM, 5:20 PM, 6:30 PM, 8 PM, 9:15 PM
Location: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
7. Visit The Vietnamese Women’s Museum
Photo: Aumusee / Wikimedia Commons
One of the things to see in Hanoi is the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, where tourists can get to learn about the local customs and culture of the women in the area. Tourists can get to see the roles played by Vietnamese women throughout history and society in various fields including during wartimes and historical events. Additionally, tourists can explore the traditional textiles and clothing which are from various ethnic groups to get a better understanding of the local way of life.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: ₹ 137 for adults, ₹ 34 for children and students, and ₹ 68 for college students and Vietnamese Women’s Union members.
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Location: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street
8. Explore The Quang Ba Flower Market
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Exploring the Quang Ba Flower Market is one of the best things to do in Hanoi in January for tourists to witness the community’s culture, as this is when the locals buy plants and flowers to decorate their houses. The market is quite lively in January, making it the best time for tourists to have an extensive and memorable experience. During this time, the local communities can be seen preparing for Tết celebrations, making it a unique experience to the tourists visiting.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: 2 AM – 4 AM
Location: 236 Au Co Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi
9. Take A Day Trip To Halong Bay
Photo: EYEKLIK / Wikimedia Commons
Taking a day trip to Halong Bay is one of the things to do in Hanoi in January where tourists can enjoy having an extensive experience due to the fewer crowds witnessed during this period. Tourists taking a day trip to Halong Bay can enjoy participating in various activities including cruising to the islands, exploring the Sung Sot Cave, Kayaking, visiting the floating villages, and taking photographs of the amazing surrounding sceneries.
Ideal Duration: 1 day
Entry Fee: ₹ 993
Timings: 7 AM – 8 AM departure time, 5 PM – 6 PM return time
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
10. Enjoy Hanoi’s Coffee Culture
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Enjoying the coffee culture is one of the best things to do in Hanoi in January for tourists to try out the various unique flavours of Vietnamese coffee. Some of the popular flavours tourists can try out include cà phê trứng also known as egg coffee, coconut coffee, and yogurt coffee, making it a unique experience. Tourists can also get to witness the local communities gathering at coffee shops to enjoy the drinks as they chat and enjoy the ambience.
Ideal Duration: 4 – 7 days
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi in January is ideal for tourists to enjoy various activities and immerse themselves in the local way of life as they enjoy the favourable weather conditions offered during this period. There are several things to do in Hanoi in January, for tourists to enjoy the amazing surrounding views and have extensive and unique experiences. Plan your trip today with TripXL and get to experience the local culture.
Cover Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons