Weather and how to explore Hanoi in January

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is home to around eight million people, which is over 8 percent of Vietnam’s overall population. This area of Asia has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather in Summer but it is completely different in Winter, the temperature sometimes goes down to 8°C. The best weather is in Spring which is from January to March, there is sunshine and warm temperatures. In January, the sun shines for at least 9 hours per day with temperatures generally settling between 18°C and 25°C.

Where to stay.

It only takes one Google click to find thousands of accommodation suggestions in Hanoi. While families are more in favor of shiny, spacious, fully-furnished, good-located hotels, youngsters, on the other hand, only need a decent bed where they can rest comfortably at night. There are also resorts and luxury 5-star hotels for those who want a little bit extra for their vacation. The great thing about visiting Hanoi in January is that you don’t have to worry about the hot tropical climates temperature that melts your bed. In this weather, a cozy, warm-toned homestay with the old Hanoi vibe is the best option. With an average price for one night per person of $35, you can enjoy yourself like a true local in a well-decorated, fully-furnished house. Some of the well-known homestays and hostels in Hanoi:

Reach to Hanoi closer with a Hanoi One Day Tour.

Things to do.

The capital of Vietnam is a place that is always busy and bustling. A trip to this cultural capital is like walking through an area forgotten by time. Famed for vibrancy and decadence, Hanoi is a popular holiday destination that guarantees a good time to be had by all. Those searching for a variety of sightseeing options will be pleasantly satisfied with what the city has to offer.

We’ll continue to see Hanoi Old Quarter where you will discover traditional products from clothes to food and drinks. This place also offers lots of souvenirs, ornaments and accessories to get home as travel gifts. You will also be able to explore the Hoan Kiem lake, which is always full with open street activities. Furthermore, you will be taken to Ho Tay, the biggest freshwater lake of northwest center of Hanoi, where you can enjoy Hanoi city by night with cup of hot chocolate.

Restaurants and nightlife.

Hanoi, we discovered, is also famous for its street food culture. Street food stalls are popular and we had some of our best and surprising local food experiences on the sidewalks with locals and not in restaurants.

What to do in Hanoi night in a Hanoi Street Food Tour?

Bún Chả  – Barbecued Pork with Rice Vermicelli.

Bún chả, is one northern Vietnamese food that quickly became our favorite. It is also a specialty from Hanoi, that cannot be missed. The dish consists of grilled pork strips and balls or chả served over a bed of rice vermicelli noodles or bún. It typically comes with a plate of fresh Vietnamese herbs and a bowl of dipping sauce.  Pickled vegetables, like cabbage, carrots, onion or green papaya served with additional meatballs on the side.

The sauce is made of the famous Vietnamese fish sauce or Nuoc Mam combined with vinegar, lime, sugar, garlic and chili.

Nem Cua Be – Crab Spring Rolls.

Nem Cua Be, or crab spring rolls are the perfect complement to bún chả.  These are fried rolls filled with sea crab and vermicelli noodles. Fresh and lightly fried, these rolls melt in the mouth and are to be savored. These crab spring rolls are sold by the roll, where one roll is cut into three smaller pieces. They are eaten as an appetizer while waiting for the bún chả meal or dipped into the savory bún chả soup.

Cha Ca – Grilled Fish with Dill and Tumeric.

Cha Ca is one of the unique specialties of the Hanoi people and definitely a must eat in Hanoi. So important is this local specialty, that it even has a street named after it – Cha Ca street. We loved this dish so much and can absolutely say it is a dish worth flying for. World-renowned, The New York Times followed its history from Vietnam to the United State.  “Hanoians even have a saying that … “someone should try this once in their life before leaving this world.”

Taste the true Hanoi in a Hanoi Food Tour.

Pho – Vietnamese Noodle Soup.

Pho is the classic dish of Hanoi, and one that you cannot miss.

Delicious and satisfying Pho Tai Nam. Yum!

Let’s just say you don’t want to miss this aromatic soup, filled with slices of beef, rice noodles and a plateful of fresh herbs. There are many places that sell pho, our must eat in Hanoi pho restaurant is the one listed below. Be sure to go early, as there is usually a long line!

Also, at the end of the month there is Lunar New Year (also known as Tet), so in January, families start to decorate their houses with blossoms flowers, traditional foods, fireworks, etc. Nowadays people also pre-celebrate the festival with loud parties across the city, and there is a strong Western influence in the festivities. This time of the year is when you can be exposed to all the Vietnamese customs and immerse yourself in Eastern culture.