The charm of Hanoi’s autumn

Update: Oct 24, 2025

Hanoi in the fall is the time when golden leaves and rich traditions come alive in a season full of charm and culture. Autumn is the most beautiful season of the year and in Hanoi, it casts a particularly poetic spell, gently transforming the capital into a landscape of golden foliage and cool breezes.

Yellow leaves scattered across every street transform Hanoi into an Instagram-worthy tourist attraction. Photos: The Hanoi Times

As the city breathes in this season of change, its streets become a tapestry of falling yellow leaves, soft fragrances and tranquil scenery - a dream for photographers and lovers of nostalgia alike.

Walking through Hanoi in the fall, especially along the historic avenues of Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu, or Dien Bien Phu, one can feel nature’s gentle transformation. These streets, lined with ancient trees and colonial-era buildings, seem to echo the footsteps of the past.

The beauty here is not visual, it resonates deeply as if each breeze carries with it whispers of the city’s history.

Autumn in historical memory

Autumn in Hanoi is not only a season of romance but also one deeply woven into the fabric of Vietnam’s history. It witnessed two of the nation’s most pivotal milestones.

In the autumn of 1945, the country erupted in celebration following the success of the August Revolution on August 19, paving the way for Vietnam’s independence on September 2. In the fall of 1954, Hanoi once again stood at the heart of national pride as the capital marked its historic Liberation Day on October 10.

A vivid reenactment of the historic day when the army liberated Hanoi on October 10, 1954. Photo: VOV

Those autumn days were painted with patriotism and pride. Under clear skies and golden sunlight, red flags with yellow stars fluttered across rooftops.

Over the past 71 years, the capital has evolved into a dynamic and modern metropolis, yet beneath the canopy of ancient dragonplum and acacia trees, the spirit of the city’s past lingers.

Each breeze brings with it echoes of liberation and renewal.

A living treasury of memories

For longtime residents like 91-year-old Nguyen Dinh Tan of Hang Bai Street, autumn is more than a season, it’s a living memory.

“Back then, the city awoke to the calls of street vendors, the clatter of wooden clogs and the clang of electric trams. Hanoi was elegant, dreamy and refined – lined with lakes, ancient trees and soft-spoken people,” he recalled.

His words reflect the city’s enduring soul, one that continues to enchant despite the passage of time.

The cool autumn air, bathed in gentle sunlight, creates the perfect ambiance for strolling Hanoi’s charming streets.

Indeed, autumn here is painted in the hues of yellow leaves and the rich reds of flags and flowers. It’s a season that revives national pride, stirring emotions as chilly winds begin to blow. Each corner, tree and street seems to whisper stories of the past, anchoring the present in a deeper cultural tapestry.

Hanoi’s autumn has long been a source of inspiration for artists. The beloved song “Remembering Hanoi’s Autumn” by Trinh Cong Son captures the capital’s third season through its imagery of golden hackberries, red-leafed almonds, and ancient rooftops. Composed during his 1985 visit to Hanoi, the song has become a cultural emblem.

For residents like Dieu Minh of Cua Nam Ward, the season is a sensory journey. She enjoys evening walks through the Old Quarter, indulging in treats like gingery soy pudding and stir-fried young sticky rice, each dish imbued with flavors and memories of old Hanoi.

“When tamarind leaves fall on Ngo Quyen Street, and the scent of milk flowers fills the air, I feel like I’m walking through the past. It’s not just about the scenery, it’s about the way autumn connects generations through shared experiences."

In autumn, Hoan Kiem Lake becomes an idyllic spot, favored by many to capture Hanoi’s stunning seasonal beauty.

The same feelings are seen among foreign visitors too. Australian traveler Bill Nolan shared: “This is my fourth time in Hanoi, and every visit in autumn brings special feelings. I love the food, coffee and especially the warmth of the people. Autumn here is vibrant yet peaceful.”

Autumn in Hanoi is also a season of joyful traditions. During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the rhythmic beat of lion dance drums, the fragrant aroma of young sticky rice from Vong Village and the glowing lanterns along Hang Ma Street come together to create a warm, vibrant celebration of life, culture and heritage.

The British magazine Time Out named the city one of the best places in Asia to experience autumn foliage, praising its nostalgic ambiance and deep cultural richness.

Even amid a fast-paced, modern world, Hanoians continue to embrace a lifestyle of “slow living”- cycling around tranquil lakes, sipping tea at sidewalk cafés, or simply watching the leaves drift gently to the ground. It is this graceful balance between tradition and change that gives Hanoi its enduring soul.

Tourism and the creative economy

Autumn softens the bustling city, bringing a gentle rhythm to everyday life.

Autumn’s charm has brought about economic values as well. This season presents an opportunity for Hanoi to expand its tourism and creative industries.

According to the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the capital welcomed over 26 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025, including 5.54 million international tourists, generating nearly VND98.36 trillion (US$4 billion) in revenue.

Tourism initiatives such as “Hanoi Ao Dai Festival”, “Hanoi Autumn Festival”, or “Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival” have turned autumn into a canvas for creativity. Cultural spaces like the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter festivals draw in both locals and tourists, offering a perfect blend of the modern and the traditional.

The annual Hanoi Autumn Festival bursts with colors, lighting up the heart of Vietnam’s capital.

To preserve this timeless allure, experts advocate for sustainable tourism development that protects green spaces, minimizes over-commercialization, and curates authentic experiences such as dedicated “autumn streets,” where visitors can savor tea, sample local cuisine and immerse themselves in Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage all in one journey.

Autumn in Hanoi is a cultural treasure, not just a season. It’s a collection of sensory memories: the comforting warmth of Pho, the distinct scent of young sticky rice, the genuine laughter in the streets and the stories carried on the cool breeze. Preserve this beauty is to safeguard a vital piece of Vietnam’s soul- the charm that consistently welcomes visitors and reignites a deep love for the city among its people.