Unlike the Perception of Hanoi Residents
As a native of the southern region, this is my first time visiting the capital during autumn, and I am truly amazed—Hanoi is extraordinarily beautiful, and the people are incredibly simple and kind. Contrary to the "rumors" I had heard before, like "Hanoi is crowded and chaotic," "Hanoi is expensive and noisy," "Hanoians are unfriendly," my experience was quite different. Hanoi in the autumn is beautiful and romantic; the streets are not as crowded or bustling as those in Saigon, and life here is peaceful, passing by so gently. The people of Hanoi are so warm and welcoming, and I find myself loving life in Hanoi.
The Peaceful Streets of the Old Quarter
Hanoi, with its ancient charm and 36 streets, is stunningly beautiful during autumn. The old houses, adorned with a touch of "time's color" from green moss and the golden hue of leaves, create an incredibly romantic scene. Although Hanoi's Old Quarter may not be as impressive or captivating as Hoi An's, strolling through the Old Quarter during autumn will help you understand why Hanoi's 36 streets once made waves in literary circles.
Longing for the Gentle Autumn Breeze
In the South, where I live, there is no autumn, only rainy and sunny seasons, so the feeling of experiencing Hanoi's autumn breeze for the first time was quite strange to me. The gentle winds, though not enough to make me feel cold, still stirred something inside me. Surely, those who are far from Hanoi must deeply miss the gentle, clear autumn breezes of the city's skies.
And the Fragrance of Milk Flowers and Vòng Green Rice
The late musician Trịnh Công Sơn once expressed his feelings when "Remembering Hanoi's Autumn" with:
"...the season of milk flowers brings fragrance to the wind, the season of green rice comes, fragrant in small hands, milk rice on the sidewalk, fragrant as footsteps pass by..."
Speaking of Hanoi's autumn, it wouldn't be complete without mentioning Vòng green rice and milk flowers. Knowing this, I took a stroll around the streets of the capital, soaking in the rich scent of milk flowers in the wind and the fragrant aroma of green rice from the street vendors. These are the simplest yet most fascinating things about the capital that everyone finds delightful when visiting Hanoi in autumn. On a sunny afternoon, wandering along the streets of Nguyễn Du, Quang Trung, and Phan Đình Phùng... inhaling the scent of milk flowers and feeling the peace of life makes me love this land even more.
The Serene Sunset at West Lake
Hanoi has many lakes, but West Lake is the place I wanted to visit the most. The vast space here made me feel relaxed, helping me forget the worries and fatigue of life. Especially standing before the sunset at West Lake, watching the last golden rays of the day reflect on the water, slowly fading away on the horizon—it was truly impressive. I chose to ride a bike around the lake, admiring the tree-lined Thanh Niên Street, visiting Trấn Quốc Pagoda, then stopping at a tea shop by the lake, breathing in the fresh air, and watching the sunset in the chilly autumn air—it was incredibly enjoyable.
Street Vendors Carrying the "Autumn Sky of Hanoi"
Traveling to Hanoi in autumn is not just about admiring the romantic old streets in the scene of falling yellow leaves or feeling the crisp air, but also about witnessing the street vendors carrying the "autumn sky of Hanoi." You can easily spot street vendors all over the capital's streets, carrying flowers characteristic of Hanoi's autumn: daisy, yellow chrysanthemum, aster, lily... Or the simple street vendors bringing you the typical gifts of the capital, Vòng green rice, green bean rice cake, dracontomelon, persimmon...
The Ancient Charm of Timeless Structures
I had read a lot about them in books, seen them in movies, and heard my Hanoi friends talk many times about the famous structures in Hanoi. But this was my first time visiting, seeing them with my own eyes, and it was incredibly moving. Especially when visiting Ba Đình Square, paying respects at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, touring the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, St. Joseph's Cathedral, or admiring the "color of time" covering Long Biên Bridge.