Ciao! vorremmo tantissimo venire a visitare il Vietnam dal 26 dicembre al 6 gennaio, partendo da nord e finendo al sud! dici che possiamo trovare...
Winter in Hanoi possesses a subtle magic that few travelers imagine. Here, the cold is never biting but soft and enveloping, tinged with a light mist that floats over the lakes and drifts through the alleys of the Old Quarter. The trees shed their leaves, the residents put on their wool jackets, and the aroma of hot coffee mixes with that of roasted chestnuts on the street corners. Under this silvery-gray veil, Hanoi reveals a poetic, intimate, and nostalgic beauty—a city that invites one to wander, to dream, and to rediscover Vietnam in its winter gentleness.
Table of Content[Hide]
1. When is Winter in Hanoi and what is it like?
From December to February, winter in Hanoi is marked by an atmosphere that is both soft and mysterious. Temperatures generally fluctuate between 59–68°F (15–20°C), but the humid cold can feel more penetrating than one might imagine. The city often wakes up beneath a light veil of mist, sometimes accompanied by a fine drizzle. This delicate rain gives the capital a melancholy charm, as if suspended in time.
Mornings are cool, afternoons are pearl-gray, and evenings invite people to take shelter in a café to savor a hot coffee or a steaming bowl of pho. It never snows in Hanoi, but the humid cold of the North contrasts sharply with the warmth of the South, offering a unique winter experience in Vietnam. To fully enjoy the season, it is advisable to wear warm, light clothing—a windbreaker, a scarf, and a sweater are more than sufficient.
2. Best things to do in Hanoi in Winter
Warming up with a bowl of Pho
Nothing better embodies Hanoian winter than a piping hot bowl of pho savored in the morning. In the alleys still enveloped in mist, steam rises from the large pots, filling the air with the aromas of ginger and cinnamon. Sitting on a small plastic stool, hands warmed by the steaming bowl, you savor every bite like a morning hug. The clear broth, fresh herbs, and tender meat offer a perfect harmony—simple, authentic, and comforting, much like Hanoi itself.
Strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is the soul of Hanoi, and in winter, it takes on an almost unreal beauty. From the first hours of the day, a fine mist floats over the water, softening the contours of the legendary Turtle Tower. Residents walk slowly, bundled up in their coats, while the bare trees reflect upon the silvery surface of the lake. It is a perfect place to lose oneself in thought, feel the peaceful rhythm of the city, and watch Hanoi breathe gently under the veil of winter.
Relaxing in a cozy café
When the humid cold begins to set in, nothing is more pleasant than taking refuge in a typical Hanoian café. Behind the fogged-up windows, the soft lighting reveals yellowed walls, wooden chairs, and the gentle aroma of freshly ground coffee. Try the famous egg coffee, that creamy and sweet specialty unique to the capital. People linger there, a book in hand or in silence, simply to listen to the light rain and watch life pass by. A suspended moment, full of gentleness and nostalgia.
Exploring the Old Quarter and local markets
In winter, Hanoi’s Old Quarter retains its usual bustle, but with a more intimate touch. Street stalls are steaming, and the market stands overflow with exotic fruits and colorful scarves. At Dong Xuan Market, vendors offer warm clothes, decorations for Tet (Lunar New Year), and winter dishes to take away. Strolling through the narrow alleys, you can smell the aroma of roasted chestnuts and grilled corn mixing with that of fresh flowers. It is a true sensory spectacle that reveals Hanoian daily life in all its sincerity.
Tasting the flavors of Hanoi in Winter
Winter in Hanoi is a season for food lovers. On every street corner, you discover dishes that warm the heart: steamed rice rolls, crab noodle soup, hot sweet soup, or sticky rice balls flavored with ginger. These simple and generous flavors recall family warmth and Northern culinary traditions. Savoring these dishes on a sidewalk, hands grasping a still-steaming bowl while the light rain gently falls—that is the very essence of Hanoi's winter charm.
Experiencing the magic of Christmas
In December, Hanoi lights up and adorns itself with a thousand colors. In the streets of the Old Quarter, garlands twinkle above the colonial facades, and cafés play Christmas melodies. Hang Ma Street becomes the beating heart of this period: every shop overflows with decorations, golden stars, and sparkling little Christmas trees. The atmosphere there is both festive and gentle, mixing Western traditions and Vietnamese charm. Strolling through these bustling alleys at nightfall, a cup of hot chocolate in hand, is a delightful way to discover another face of Hanoi.
Witnessing the preparations for Vietnamese Tet
As January advances, the city changes its appearance. Christmas trees give way to kumquat trees, peach blossom branches, and red lanterns. Markets fill up with flowers and ingredients for Lunar New Year meals. Families prepare banh chung cake, clean, and decorate their homes to welcome the new year with prosperity. The atmosphere becomes electric, full of anticipation and simple happiness. Witnessing these preparations is like plunging into the heart of the Vietnamese soul—where tradition, family, and joy meet to celebrate a renewal.
3. What to eat during Winter in Hanoi
- Pho - The soul of Hanoi
It is difficult to imagine winter in Hanoi without pho. This steaming bowl of rice noodles, tender beef, and clear broth perfumed with spices—ginger, cinnamon, star anise—is the soul of the capital. At dawn, in the cold mist, the steam from the broth mixes with the fog, creating a quintessentially Hanoian scene.
- Bun Oc Chuoi Dau – A Northern flavor not to be missed
Slowly simmered with snails, fried tofu, and green bananas, this dish gives off a rich and slightly tangy aroma. Served piping hot, it embodies the quintessential Northern flavors: rustic, balanced, and deeply comforting.
- Chao Suon (Pork Rib Porridge) – Comfort food of winter mornings
A creamy rice porridge, sprinkled with small pieces of pork ribs and a hint of pepper. Simple but nourishing, this smooth soup is the favorite breakfast of Hanoians when the mist covers the city.
- Banh Gio – The savory pyramid cake
This pyramidal cake of glutinous rice paste stuffed with pork and mushrooms is best savored warm. The gentle aroma of the banana leaf, blended with the soft filling, evokes family cooking and childhood memories.
- Banh Chung Ran – Crispy winter nostalgia
Hanoians pan-fry the small banh chung (sticky rice cake) until it becomes golden and crispy on the outside, and meltingly soft on the inside. Served with pickled vegetables, it evokes the flavors of the Vietnamese New Year in the heart of winter.
- Banh Troi Tau – Ginger sticky rice balls
These small glutinous rice balls, filled with black sesame or mung bean paste, are served in a steaming ginger syrup. Their chewy texture and the spicy aroma of ginger create a gentle warmth, perfect for cold evenings.
- Khoai Nuong & Ngo Nuong – Street Snacks by the Fire
On the sidewalks, street vendors grill corn and sweet potatoes over glowing embers. The sweet, smoky aroma drifts through the chilly air: a simple, popular, and deliciously nostalgic experience of Hanoian winter.
- Egg coffee
Invented in the 1940s, this unique coffee blends strong espresso with a creamy foam made from egg yolk and condensed milk. Served hot, it is simultaneously rich, creamy, and sweet—a caress against the cold.
- Ginger tea
Infused with fresh ginger and sometimes a little honey, this piping hot tea warms the body and releases an invigorating aroma. It is the ultimate grandmother's drink: simple, natural, and full of goodness.
4. Tips for enjoying Winter in Hanoi
Book your accommodation in advance: Winter is a popular season in Hanoi, especially during the year-end holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). The nicest hotels fill up quickly, so it is better to plan early to avoid unwelcome surprises.
Dress lightly but warmly: Mornings and evenings can be chilly. Pack a light jacket, a scarf, and comfortable shoes for your walks on the cobbled streets and around the lakes.
Explore the city on foot: Hanoi is best discovered slowly. Stroll through the Old Quarter, along Hoan Kiem Lake, or in the misty parks: every street corner reveals a poetic facet of the city.
Taste the seasonal specialties: Do not miss a steaming bowl of phở, a comforting pork rib porridge, or grilled sweet potatoes on the street corner. In winter, street food becomes the best way to warm up.
Take time for a coffee break: Settle into a small downtown café to savor an egg coffee or ginger tea. The cozy atmosphere and the view of the street create a quintessentially Hanoian charm.
Capture the winter light: Between December and February, the light is soft, almost silvery. This is the ideal season for photography: the reflections on the lakes and the morning mist offer a unique atmosphere.
Winter in Hanoi is like an invitation to reverie. It is not a season to flee, but an emotion to experience. Beneath the delicate mist and the aroma of hot coffee, the capital reveals an intimate, almost melancholy beauty that touches the heart of those who take the time to contemplate it. Between quiet strolls, steaming dishes, and shared moments of gentleness, Hanoi in winter is an invitation to slow down, to feel, and to fall in love with Vietnam differently—in its silence, its poetry, and its human warmth.
See more:
TRAVELERS' CHOICE 2025 
