Hanoi’s tropical climate often brings sudden rain showers, especially during the rainy season from May to July, that’s why visitors might ask what to do in Hanoi when it rains. However, don’t let the rain ruin your vacation. This city offers many indoor activities that allow you to immerse yourself in its rich culture and vibrant lifestyle, even when it’s raining. Here are some top Chapter recommendations for making the most of your time in Hanoi during rainy days.
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Explore Hanoi’s museums & cultural sites
Apparently, rain cannot stop explorers in Hanoi. This city boasts numerous museums that provide deep insights into Vietnam’s history and culture. Therefore, visitors have plenty of options to explore in Hanoi on rainy days, whether they are enthusiasts of history, culture, ethnology, or art.
Hoa Lo Prison: Constructed by the French during the war, this site was a detention center for political prisoners. Today, it operates as a museum, providing visitors with a sobering look into Vietnam’s tumultuous history. Witnessing the historical evidence here offers deeper insight into the pride and self-respect of the Vietnamese people.
Fine Arts Museum of Vietnam: Appreciate over 2,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The collection highlights the evolution of Vietnamese art from prehistoric times through the modern era. A visit to this museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s artistic development. Additionally, the museum features an on-site café, offering a cozy spot to relax after reflecting on the artworks, one of the best things to do in Hanoi when it rains.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: Offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Inside, visitors can explore a vast array of artifacts, including traditional clothing, tools, musical instruments, and religious objects. With architecture inspired by the traditional Dong Son drum, symbolizing Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, the museum’s indoor exhibitions are extensive and thoughtfully curated, allowing visitors to fully engage. It is a perfect choice for an enriching indoor activity when it rains in Hanoi.
Indulge in Hanoi’s café culture
In addition to museums, cafés serve as ideal retreats in Hanoi during rainy days. Enjoying a fragrant, warm cup of Vietnamese coffee while watching the capital under the rain is a romantic and memorable experience. Whether you’re sipping coffee alone, with a partner or friends, don’t miss the recommended cafés below:
Habakuk Fine Coffee & Bistro: Nestled in a tranquil Phan Huy Chu alley, this Michelin Bib Gourmand café offers a serene escape from the bustling city center. The quiet, cozy atmosphere creates an inviting space to relax and unwind, making it an ideal spot for both work and intimate conversations. Habakuk also serves lunch and dinner, allowing guests to enjoy meals before or after their coffee.
Cong Ca Phe: A well-known coffee brand in Vietnam, the café’s decor features vintage furnishings, old books, and propaganda art, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Notably, Cong is famous for its creamy coconut coffee – a delightful blend of robust coffee and rich coconut milk that perfectly complements Hanoi’s rainy ambiance.
Giang Cafe: When discussing the birthplace of egg coffee, one must mention Giang Cafe. Established in 1946, Giang Cafe is beloved by locals for its rich coffee topped with a creamy, whipped egg yolk mixture. Savoring this coffee in its cozy and unpretentious setting makes it a must-visit destination during the rainy season in Hanoi.
Relax with a spa & massage session
When it rains in Hanoi, there’s no better way to spend your time than relaxing in a luxurious spa experience. Here are 3 top-rated spas in Hanoi that offer the perfect escape from the rain:
Serene Spa Hanoi: This spa offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city streets. The spa’s serene ambiance, characterized by warm lighting and soothing decor. Guests can choose from a variety of treatments: aromatherapy massages, hot stone therapies, revitalizing facials. The staff ensures a personalized experience, allowing you to select your preferred massage oils. After your treatment, unwind with a cup of herbal tea, feeling rejuvenated and ready to embrace the rest of your day.
L’essence Spa: A haven of elegance and comfort, the spa seamlessly blends Eastern and Western wellness philosophies. Each treatment is tailored to meet individual needs, from traditional massages to luxurious body wraps and facials. The spa is evident in its meticulously maintained facilities and the professionalism of its therapists.
La Belle Vie Spa: The spa’s interior is adorned with elegant furnishings and soft lighting. Specializing in treatments that incorporate traditional Vietnamese herbal remedies, this spa offers services such as bamboo massages and four-hand therapies. As the rain patters outside in Hanoi, immerse yourself in the soothing ambiance in these spas.
Take a craft workshop
Engaging in craft workshops is an excellent way to know more about the rich cultural heritage, the best indoor things to do when it rains in Hanoi. These activities offer hands-on experiences that connect you with traditional Vietnamese arts.
Bat Trang Pottery Class: These classes bring the renowned Bat Trang ceramics village directly to you. It’s a chance to learn about the history and techniques of Vietnamese pottery. Under the guidance of experienced artisans, participants can create their own ceramic pieces using electric pottery wheels. The hands-on experience is both educational and therapeutic, making it an ideal activity during Hanoi’s rainy season.
Silk Painting Art Workshop: Silk painting is a traditional Vietnamese art form combining delicate materials and vibrant colors. You can find this workshop in serene studios around Hanoi. The workshop guides participants through the process of creating their own silk paintings using traditional dyeing and washing techniques.
Cooking Class Hanoi: Exploring Vietnamese cuisine through a cooking class is a delightful way to spend a rainy day in Hanoi. These classes offer hands-on instruction in preparing traditional dishes, such as pho and spring rolls. Participants gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culinary traditions and ingredients. The interactive nature of cooking classes makes them both educational and enjoyable. You can refer to: Blue Butterfly Cooking Class or Cooking class with Chef Hungazit for more information.
Enjoy cultural shows
During the rainy season in Hanoi, one of the best things to do is to watch traditional shows. It’s the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre: Near Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s a beacon of Vietnam’s unique artistic traditions. Water puppetry is an art form where puppets dance atop water, manipulated by skilled puppeteers hidden behind a screen. Each 50-minute performance is a vibrant portrayal of Vietnamese folklore, daily life, and legends, accompanied by live traditional music that enhances the storytelling.
Hanoi Opera House: Beyond its stunning façade, the opera house hosts a diverse array of performances: classical concerts, contemporary productions. Attending a show here offers more than just entertainment; it’s an immersion into the fusion of Eastern and Western artistic expressions.
Sip cocktails at a bar or pub in Hanoi
When the rain starts falling in Hanoi, there’s no better excuse to slow down, cozy up indoors, and enjoy a well-crafted drink. The city’s bar scene is not just about nightlife – it’s an experience in itself, especially in uniquely designed cocktail bars that blend creativity with comfort.
Gallery Bespoke Cocktail Bar: Hidden down a narrow alley in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this bar is a true gem for those seeking sophistication and artistry. The bar is known for its intimate ambiance, refined decor, and personalized drinks that feel like works of art. You can sit back and watch skilled bartenders craft drinks tailored to your mood and taste.
USE bar: It’s an unconventional spot that surprises guests with a quirky yet polished design and a menu full of unique flavor combinations. This bar is a favorite among young locals and curious travelers. Their inventive drinks are very tasty, perfect for whiling away a rainy afternoon or evening.
Workshop14: This modern yet relaxed bar attracts Hanoi’s creative crowd and offers a great selection of cocktails and wines. The staff is very friendly and professional. Drinks are also very diverse and delicious, promising to bring chill moments even though the Hanoi weather is bad.
Experience fine dining in Hanoi Old Quarter
When the Hanoi Old Quarter glistens with rain, the cozy, elegant atmosphere of fine dining becomes even more inviting. You can slow down, savor intricate dishes, and enjoy the warmth of refined interiors away from the hustle outside.
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the bustling street, Chapter Dining is more than just a restaurant. It’s a curated gastronomic experience. Soft lighting, elegant décor, and large windows that frame the rain-soaked streets create a romantic, introspective vibe. It’s the kind of place where the sound of rain becomes part of the experience.
Its hyper-local ingredients make your fine dining experience become a journey through Northern Vietnam. Each course feels like a story, accompanied by a postcard, unfolding with complex flavors and beautiful presentation. Unlike noisy outdoor eateries, this fine dining space offers comfort, quiet, and personalized service — perfect for when the weather encourages a slower pace.
During a rainy day in Hanoi, nothing complements a fine meal better than a thoughtfully chosen wine. Chapter Dining boasts an impressive selection and expert pairings to warm the soul. Whether you’re seeking the best indoor things to do in Hanoi when it rains, Chapter Dining is an unforgettable stop on your itinerary.
Please explore the Chapter menu here.
Travel tips in Hanoi when it rains
- Carry a compact umbrella or raincoat: Weather in Hanoi can shift quickly, so having a small, foldable umbrella or a light rain jacket in your daypack is a smart way to stay dry.
- Use grab or taxi: Avoid walking in heavy rain by booking a ride through the Grab app or calling trusted taxi services like Ha Noi Taxi (04.38.53.53.53) – Taxi Hanoi Tourist (04.38.56.56.56).
- Wear waterproof clothing: Water-resistant shoes, a waterproof backpack cover, and a hat will help protect your belongings and keep you dry during the rainy season in Hanoi.
- Be cautious of slippery streets: Sidewalks and roads can get slick, especially in the Old Quarter. So walk slowly and watch your step, particularly near curbs and tiled pavements.
