Best Indoor Activities in Hanoi When You Cannot Go Outside

Hanoi's weather is interestingly unique, but sometimes it can be tricky do deal with. The excessive heat of summer or sudden rains in spring may shy you away from outdoor activities, but don't worry, Hanoi has so many other options for you to enjoy just as much. Here is our recommendation for the best indoor activities in Hanoi that you should not miss on a "rainy day".

Explore Hanoi's Museum Scene

The featured museums in our list below are home to many unique artifacts and photographs, detailed historical stories and artworks, that will guarantee you an amazing time!

Vietnam Military History Museum

Address: 28A Dien Bien Phu Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8 AM - 11:30 AM and 1 PM - 4:30 PM (closed Mondays and Fridays)
Entrance fee: VND 40,000/person (VND 30,000/camera)

The U.S helicopters, tanks, crashed aircraft at the Vietnam Military History Museum will help you picture the scale of the Vietnam war. The museum also exhibits a collection of ancient artifacts, maps, pictures and documents that mark the evolution of Vietnam's military. If you're keen on learning the real wartime stories, we suggest hiring a local guide or an audio tour.

A display of ancient axe blades

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Address: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entrance fee: VND 40,000/person (free for students under 6 and discounted for students)

As an effort to preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-cultural diversity, Hanoi opened the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering a look into 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam. A wide range of items is on display at the museum such as clothes, jewelry which relate to weddings, funeral ceremonies, and other spiritual rituals. The museum offers fun and family-friendly activities in Hanoi since there's plenty for kids to run around.

A traditional home of the Kinh ethnicity

Vietnamese Women's Museum

Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: Daily 8 AM - 5 PM
Entrance fee: VND 40,000/person

Visiting the museum, you will have a chance to see how the role, the significance of women has interpreted into Vietnam's vibrant cultures. Vietnam Women's Museum holds a five-story display covering three sectors – women in the family, women in history, and women's fashions. 

Garments and accessories of traditional Vietnamese women

Get Lost in Hanoi's Cafe And Pubs Scene

When in Hanoi, you are never too far from a great cup of coffee or fresh "bia hoi". When the weather isn't supporting, grab a seat, and enjoy one of the best indoor activities in Hanoi. Here are some of our local recommendations:

The Note Coffee

Address: 64 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 11 PM

The Note Cafe serves a wide range of coffee, from the traditional Vietnamese milk coffee to Hanoi's specialty - the famous egg coffee. The coffee shop also features friendly staff, a great view of Hoan Kiem Lake, and some of the coziest decor.

Colorful sticky notes on the walls and tables, hence the name, The Note Coffee

Hanoi Social Club

Address: 6 Hoi Vu Alley, Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 8 AM - 11 PM

The Hanoi Social Club is the city's most vibrant cafe. It is located in a quiet alleyway, an ideal spot for a coffee break from the outside. It also serves plenty of dishes, including vegetarian dishes such as mango curry.

The Social Club is located in a peaceful alleyway

Read more on Hanoi Top-rated night-clubs, bars and pubs

Spend Your Time Shopping

Nothing beats shopping when it comes to indoor activities in Hanoi. The city is famous for its traditional markets and narrow shophouses, but for a more "weather-proof" option, we highly recommend these shopping malls:

Trang Tien Plaza

Address: 24 Hai Ba Trung Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM and Sat-Sun 9:30 AM - 10 PM

Located at the heart of Hanoi, Trang Tien Plaza is renowned for its luxury shopping, which includes famous brands like Dior, Burberry, Louis Vuitton...This shopping mall features an elegant design and stunning decoration during holidays.

Trang Tien Plaza's design viewed from afar

Vincom Mega Mall Royal City

Address: 72A Nguyen Trai Street, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 AM - 10 PM

This underground shopping mall is not just all about shopping. It houses an indoor skating rink, a cinema, and a virtual-reality based games complex. Contemporary art exhibitions by Vietnamese artists are also organized here monthly to serve many art enthusiasts out there. 

Vincom Mega Mall Royal City lies underneath a modern complex

Immerse in Hanoi Artistic Side

Next on our list of indoor activities in Hanoi is visiting art galleries. 

Manzi

Address: 14 Phan Huy Ich Street, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Opening hours: Daily 8 AM - 10:30 PM

Both a cool art gallery and a fashionable cafe and bar, Manzi is worth seeking out for a day in. Originally is a French villa, Manzi hosts several collections of painting and photography, and a side-featured courtyard garden is perfect for a fun afternoon with friends.

Manzi is as much a gallery as it is a coffee place.

Work Room Four

Address: 10/67 To Ngoc Van Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 AM - 5 PM and Sat-Sun 9 AM - 5 PM

Work Room Four is a multidisciplinary art and design studio, who works in art, design, and education. They exhibit their workpieces from daily products, interiors to fashion and graphic. 

Join a Spa Session

When the weather is not ideal for outdoor exploration, join a spa session for fun indoor activities in Hanoi! Here are some of the city's finest spas:

Ciel Spa Hanoi

Address: 40 Gia Ngu Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: Daily 9 AM - 10:30 PM

Located inside the Tirant Hotel Hanoi, this spa center combines Asian-style massage techniques with Vietnamese nature herbal products, performed by expert therapists, to ensure the most relaxing and comfortable experience. 

The interiors of the spa bring a sense of comfort

Anam-QT Spa Hanoi

Address: 26-28 Le Thai To Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Opening hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

Consistent world-class services by masseurs and sincere attitude are what many tourists have said about this spa. Anam-QT Spa Hanoi is an award-winning establishment that offers quality treatments with highly-skilled staff. The spa also close to numerous attractions in the Old Quarter, perfect for making a quick retreat from the weather!

Look for top-rated hotels in Hanoi below:

A Day Indoor Can Be More Fun Than You Think!

These fun indoor activities in Hanoi that we've just listed above once more prove the city's ability to cater to visitors' needs. It offers various opportunities for you to try, to experience, and to fall in love with its way of life. 

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