Top 6 Things To Do In Hanoi In December

Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam, is one of the most ancient and peaceful capitals in the world. It not only has the richest history but also has many remarkably architectural. Therefore, Hanoi has become the top destination in Vietnam all year round. However, traveling to Hanoi in December is a good idea because of the low temperatures, dry air, and piercing cold wind. In this article, Asianwaytravel will provide you top 6 things to do in Hanoi in December.

The Weather in Hanoi in December

The temperature

In December, the weather has an average temperature range from 15°C - 22°C. Particularly, at night and in the early morning, the temperature seems to drop significantly. Fog and hoarfrost add to the impression of biting cold and hurt the exposed body parts. You should frequently check the weather in Hanoi in December to prevent drizzles and dress warmly while venturing outside.

Humidity and precipitation

The humidity drops to 70% under the impact of the cold, dry wind, which makes the temperature fairly pleasant but also easily leads to various skin or respiratory illnesses.

With just around 5 days of rain and an average of 15 to 20mm of precipitation for the whole month of December, the amount of rainfall and the number of wet days are both fairly low. Even when it does rain, it generally drizzles or is only light enough to briefly soak the ground. December is one of the greatest times to visit Hanoi because of the dry, cool weather that makes it possible to engage in more outdoor activities like motorbike riding, cycling around city lakes, and sightseeing at well-known landmarks.

Top 6 Things To Do in Hanoi in December

Immersing in the rapeseed flower

In December, the weather in Hanoi experiences dry and chilly, and most trees have lost their old leaves. However, the sub-urban of Hanoi still has vast fields of yellow rapeseed flowers, especially around the Red River. Visit some of the addresses listed below to observe the rapeseed flower in bloom:

• Yen Vien rapeseed garden: Yen Vien commune, Gia Lam district (16km from Hanoi center)
• Tay Tuu flower village: Tay Tuu ward, Bac Tu Liem district (18km from the Hanoi center)
• Trau Quy rapeseed garden: Agriculture Academy 1, Trau Quy town, Gia Lam district (17km from Hanoi center)

If you want beautiful photos, you should visit the gardens in the morning when the fields are not too crowded. You may easily snap photographs and stroll through the heart of the sprawling rapeseed fields while paying just 10,000 VND ($0.4). This location has the striking beauty of the countryside in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, with a sweet, relaxing flower aroma that offers a sense of idyllic and refresh.

Celebrate Christmas

The capital of Vietnam - Hanoi is a great place for tourism to celebrate Christmas. The weather in Hanoi at this time is chilly, dry, and cold. It is a good idea for strolling around and taking in the holiday spirit. Beginning in early December, the whole city is decked up in dazzling Christmas patterns and decorations that make you feel at home.


When you visit Hanoi in December, you can notice how nicely decorated the city's streets are for Christmas, especially Hang Ma street. All of the city's economic hubs, entertainment districts, churches, and chapels, especially the Catholic ones, are vividly and colorfully adorned. 

Particularly magnificent as it gets closer to Christmas Eve, St. Joseph's Cathedral is a sight in Hanoi that should not be missed throughout the month of December. You can snap really gorgeous check-in photographs against a backdrop of grand pine trees, Santa Claus, a reindeer sleigh, and sparkling lights.

Strolling Around the Old Quarter

The "36 streets of Hanoi" is named for the themed streets that make up the Vietnamese capital. These 36 streets still bear the names of the specialty enterprises they originally housed, with the majority of them being in the Old Quarter today.

The Old Quarter, the center of Hanoi's history, is distinguished by its maze-like network of historic alleyways that are alive with activity.

Silk Street, Blacksmith Street, Herbal Medicine Street, Sugar Street, Dried Fish Street, Bamboo Street, etc. are just a few examples of streets with names that reflect the trades they are renowned for.

Go Shopping at Dong Xuan Market

The Dong Xuan Market, which dates back to the late 19th century, is housed in a four-story communist-style structure on the outskirts of the Old Quarter.

It is the largest indoor market in Hanoi, which is also one of the greatest places to go shopping. What can be found is simply amazing. Whatever you're searching for, whether it's some local food, souvenirs, or a laptop, chances are a hidden seller has it.


Dong Xuan Market, like other markets in Southeast Asia, features a sector of the market dedicated to meat, fish, vegetables, and flowers from all across Vietnam. Here, you'll discover some of Hanoi's greatest street cuisine. Also, you find some souvenirs like purses, textiles, and handicrafts.

Address: Dong Xuan, Hoan Kiem

Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 AM – 6 PM

Eat local street foods

For tourists, street food is one of the biggest reasons to visit Vietnam. In Vietnam, Hanoi is regarded as a culinary paradise with a vast array of foods to sample. One of the most fun things to do in Hanoi in December is to enjoy hot foods like hot pots and noodle soup in the chilly weather. Typical Hanoians' favorites include the following dishes:


Sticky rice ball dessert

Sweet soup is part of Vietnam's traditional cuisine, and northerners appreciate it in winter as a late-afternoon snack or after-dinner dessert.

Many people like the chewy rice balls produced from rice flour and green bean powder, but the most important part of this meal is the ginger-brown sugar broth that keeps people warm and preserves their throats and lungs. You can find this delicious cuisine in the old quarter of Hanoi

Grilled corn, sweet potato, and egg on the cob

These street delicacies are maize, sweet potatoes, and eggs roasted over a fire. Many say the greatest spot to savor these modest winter street meals is in Sapa town on a cold winter night. Gathering around a little flame, eating something hot and simple to grasp with two hands, conversing, and sipping corn wine may warm many people's bodies and hearts.

Porridge with pork ribs

Cháo sườn is a uniquely Hanoian dish that is unavailable in any other southern region. One scoop will convince you that a bowl containing simple ingredients such as oatmeal, pork ribs, and pork shreds can be so wonderful.

The meal is frequently served with crispy, fatty, hot crullers to enhance its taste. If you notice a large pot and a dozen plastic seats surrounded by a large crowd in Hanoi, there may be a seller serving cháo sn nearby.

Hot pot

The piercing cold of North's winter provides an excellent opportunity to savor hot pot, a wintertime favorite among residents. There are several types of hot pot available in Hanoi, including beef, chicken, fish, frogs, snails, duck, and goat, among others. Meat, fresh vegetables, tofu skin, mushrooms, wontons, taro, and egg dumplings are traditional hotpot ingredients.

On cold days, there is nothing more enjoyable than sharing a pot of boiling soup with family and friends. When winter arrives, you should surely sample this well-known dish.

Enjoy Some Peace and Quiet at West Lake

West Lake known locally as Ho Tay, is Hanoi's largest lake. It is a highly well-liked attraction since it offers a contrast from the Old Quarter's busy pace. The lake provides visitors with the chance to explore an off-the-beaten-path temple or to relax with a cold beer or cup of coffee while taking in the view. While cycling around the lake, you may stop for a meal at one of the sidewalk cafes.

Final Thoughts

It is the best idea to travel to Hanoi in December, you can take in the city's various beautiful landscapes and vibrant flowers as well as its delectable delicacies. To make the most of your trip and enjoy participating in festivals and street events in comfort, remember to pack warm clothing. With the above advice, visitors will hopefully have a nice trip to Hanoi in December and at other seasons of the year.