Buzz
As the cicadas' buzz fades away and lotus flowers reach their end, as phoenix flowers fall, heralding the arrival of autumn - the most beautiful season of the year in the land of Hanoi. It would be a waste not to travel under such pristine skies, wouldn't it? Let's take a glimpse at the romantic and poetic autumn tourist spots in Hanoi.
Autumn Moments in Hanoi
'Is August the beginning of autumn with its golden leaves?'
The opening lines of the poem 'Are you the autumn of Hanoi?' answer those who wonder, 'which month is autumn in Hanoi?'. Another August is about to arrive on the dark brown roofs of ancient houses. Autumn in Hanoi is so fleeting, only at the end of August does it truly arrive, and it swiftly bids farewell after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Yet autumn is the most beautiful and affectionate season, the one worth visiting the most in Hanoi.
In autumn, Hanoi sheds the harshness of summer heat, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, and the sunlight takes on a fresh golden hue like newly harvested straw. Gentle breezes return, bringing a cool, refreshing sensation, just enough for everyone to don an extra light jacket.
Top Autumn Tourist Destinations in Hanoi
Hanoi's autumn paints the streets with shades of gold, replacing the cicadas' buzz with the chirping of birds, the fragrant scent of milk flowers, the turning leaves of banyan trees and flame trees, the aroma of freshly-made green rice flakes.... Let's join Mytour in exploring the beauty of autumn in Hanoi!
Hoan Kiem Lake
One of the most famous beautiful photo spots in Hanoi during autumn is Hoan Kiem Lake. Located in the heart of the capital, Hoan Kiem Lake is where numerous green trees, bustling streets, and ancient villas converge, offering a rare view of the lake. Autumn at Hoan Kiem Lake is signaled by the changing colors of the trees along the banks. Besides the longstanding trees like Barringtonia acutangula, Ficus benghalensis, Dracontomelon duperreanum, there are also two ancient Barringtonia acutangula trees on the lake shore, which turn bright yellow leaves every autumn, creating an incredibly beautiful scene.
Hoan Kiem Lake is 'painted' gold by the changing foliage in autumn. (Photo: Internet)
A corner of the lake shines golden like autumn in Europe. From afar, you can already see two brilliant yellow silhouettes, standing out against the blue sky and green water. The two golden Barringtonia acutangula trees by Hoan Kiem Lake are beautiful spots in Hanoi during autumn, a favorite photo spot for many Hanoians and tourists alike.
Hanoi Old Quarter
When visiting Hanoi, you must stroll through the Old Quarter. The Hanoi Old Quarter is widely known, many think of Hanoi as just the ancient streets. Autumn drapes the 36 streets in a melancholic, nostalgic vibe, quintessentially Hanoi. The narrow, meandering streets, reminiscent of chessboard squares, carry the scent of milk flowers, a fragrance considered a specialty of Hanoi in autumn. Some corners are adorned with rows of red-leafed flame trees, like a hallmark of autumn tourist spots in Hanoi.
Flame trees change color in autumn days. (Photo: Internet)
Taking a stroll from Ma May, passing through Ta Hien, Dinh Liet, to Luong Van Can then out to Hang Buom, O Quan Chuong... you'll see drops of gold falling, feel the autumn essence on every street. If you were to pick one of the most beautiful streets in Hanoi during autumn, Phan Dinh Phung would be one of the top contenders. Located in the north of the Old Quarter, near West Lake and the North Gate of Hanoi (the only remaining intact gate of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel), Phan Dinh Phung Street is beloved for its shady green trees throughout the four seasons and dozens of French colonial villas.
The golden carpet of leaves brings a peaceful beauty to the Old Quarter. (Photo: Internet)
When the golden carpet of leaves covers both sides of the wide sidewalks and the street vendors selling sấu disappear, the people of Hanoi know that autumn has arrived on this street. Autumn on Phan Dinh Phung Street is slower and more serene than in the Old Quarter. The one-way street is still shaded by trees, but now there are more figures in pink, adorned with stylish outfits, posing on the golden carpet of leaves to capture beautiful photos of Hanoi in autumn.
West Lake
'Autumn evening at West Lake, the golden water surface beckons from afar. The nostalgic misty hue, small flocks of birds flapping their wings in the sun.'. The autumn evenings at West Lake, under the golden evening glow on the vast mirror-like surface, are one of the most common frames at beautiful spots in Hanoi during autumn. It can be affirmed that West Lake is the most beautiful autumn tourist spot in Hanoi, with its large water surface, surrounded by many beautiful scenes. From Thanh Nien Road with its willow-lined path along the lake to Tran Quoc Pagoda, imbued with solemnity, along with hundreds of charming cafes and unique temples along the lake.
A peaceful morning by West Lake as autumn arrives. (Photo: Nguyen Van Cuong)
The lotus ponds in autumn no longer boast vibrant colors, but somewhere, you can still spot late-blooming lotuses, nestled among the delicate pink buds under the fallen leaves. The dawn at West Lake is a gift for early risers. A serene beauty enveloped in misty haze blankets the lake, dreamlike, stirring many hearts. Before the natural scenery of Tay Ho, you will further understand another beautiful aspect of Hanoi: Hanoi's autumn veiled in misty paths, full of classic charm, like a watercolor painting.
>>Book cheap Hanoi hotels for autumn stays here
Memorable autumn dishes in Hanoi
What makes autumn in Hanoi special? Besides the autumnal essence, the warmth of autumn pervading every breath, the gentle breezes, the soul of Hanoi's autumn is also wrapped in the gifts of autumn in Hanoi.
Vong Village Green Rice Flakes
Named after its place of origin, the quintessential gift of autumn, Vong Village (Dich Vong Hau, Cau Giay, Hanoi). This delicacy, neither too sweet nor too cool, leaves an indelible impression on anyone who has tasted it even once. The aroma of freshly harvested young rice is fragrant and delicate, with a hint of lotus leaf scent. The texture of the rice flakes is both chewy and fatty, accompanied by ripe bananas, rich and delicious. The charming little stalls of green rice flakes line the streets, with the soft call of 'Green rice here' creating a beautiful image of autumn in Hanoi.
Vong Village Green Rice Flakes - A distinctive taste of Hanoi in autumn. (Photo: Internet)
Ripe Sấu (Dracontomelon fruit)
Sấu, typically a fruit of summer, the old sấu trees along Tran Phu and Phan Dinh Phung streets have witnessed the changes of the city. However, the remaining ripe sấu fruits are a popular early autumn treat, cherished in the mobile stalls around Hanoi's Old Quarter. These ripe, golden sấu fruits, peeled and cut into wedges, are enjoyed dipped in salt and pepper or as pickled slices. Simple, easy to make, yet addictive, this snack only appears once a year at the beginning of autumn in Hanoi.
Ripe Sấu (Dracontomelon fruit) - A specialty of Hanoi's autumn. (Photo: Internet)
Cha Ruoi (Earthworm Omelette)
'September's twentieth, October's fifth', the proverb tells us about a specialty of Hanoi in autumn, appearing for just 15 days, yet contributing to the essence of the capital's cuisine. Rươi usually only appears at night and is quite difficult to catch, so every autumn, Hanoians seize the opportunity to have a meal. Missing it means missing out on a delicious delicacy. The best dish made from rươi in Hanoi is rươi omelette. Mixed with minced meat, eggs, a bit of grated orange peel, then scooped into a frying pan until golden on both sides, the fragrant aroma of rươi fills the air as the omelette cooks.
Rươi omelette - Delicious dish of Hanoi's autumn. (Photo: Internet)
In the coolness of autumn, a bowl of hot rice eaten with a plate of fragrant rươi omelette, along with sweet and sour fish sauce, and a plate of fresh greens, completes a meal that is both delicious and comforting, eagerly anticipating the next rươi season.
Peaceful autumn in Hanoi. (Photo: Internet)
And there are still plenty, plenty of tourist attractions in Hanoi during autumn, delicious dishes in Hanoi during autumn. Contact Mytour for advice on Hanoi autumn tours in 2019, with attractive prices for this year's autumn season.
