We all know that when it rains, it pours in Asia, and Vietnam is no different. If you are going here during rainy season you will most definitely get days when it rains a lot. But don’t worry – if you are in Hanoi, there are plenty of things to do that will keep you occupied.
Visit a museum
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hanoi, Vietnam
If you like museums then you are in luck. There are plenty of museums in Hanoi and most of them are in walking distance from the Old Quarter. Learn more about Vietnam’s turbulent history and rich culture, go to art museums, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and you must go to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum where you can get to know Ho Chi Minh, the revolutionary leader of the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam. It’s also for free so if you are on a tight budget, it’s a great option to spend a rainy day at.
Go to a shopping mall
Trang Tien Shopping Mall, Hanoi
Shopping malls are always good on rainy days and thankfully Hanoi has some great options when you need to escape the downpour. Watch a movie in the cinema, go shopping, find souvenirs to bring back home, sit in a restaurant or enjoy a cup of coffee while you sit back and relax. If you want to go shopping in Vietnam, Hanoi is probably one of the best options for you.
Divulge in hot pot – or other yummy things!
The Vietnamese Lau, or as we call it Hot Pot, is a very popular thing to eat when it’s winter, raining, or any season to be honest. Hot Pot is a soup which includes things like leaf vegetables, mushrooms, wontons, egg dumplings, seafood, tofu or thinly sliced meat. But you can choose whatever you’d like to put in. If Hot Pot isn’t your thing, go to one of many restaurants in Hanoi, sit down and try some of Vietnam’s most famous dishes such as pho, summer spring rolls, banh mi or seafood.
Read a book at a café
Hanoi has some of the nicest cafés in Vietnam and if it’s raining hard, bring a book with you and get comfortable in one of the cafés. There are a lot of different and cozy cafés in Hanoi to choose from when the rain hits the city so this is a great thing to do.
Go for a massage
Why not treat yourself while you are in Vietnam? The spa packages are usually quite cheap and you can get a massage for 1-3 hours, depending on the package you choose. Hanoi La Belle Spa is one of the most popular places to go to if you are looking for a good massage place. Their highly skilled therapists offers oriental techniques with Vietnamese herbal scents which will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Getting a massage is always good, no matter the weather.
Before you plan your trip to Vietnam you should make sure that you apply for a Vietnam visa in good time. It is required by most citizens to get a Vietnam visa, but if you are not sure then check on our website or contact your local embassy. You have three options: one is to get a Visa on Arrival, the other is to contact your local or nearest Vietnam Embassy or Consulate and the third is to apply for an E-Visa. The last option is only available for certain countries though.
