Embracing the Season of Autumn in Hanoi: 7 Experiences to Enjoy

by Tao Nguyen

Autumn is a season of enchantment, and nowhere is this more evident than in the vibrant city of Hanoi. As summer fades away, Hanoi dons its most captivating colors and offers a myriad of experiences that capture the essence of this magical time of year. From picturesque streets adorned with golden leaves to cultural festivals and culinary delights, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of autumn in Hanoi. In this comprehensive guide, Palm Vietnam Travel will introduce you to the top experiences that will make your visit to Hanoi during autumn truly unforgettable.

1. Photographing the appeal of Hanoi is an excellent way to capture its intriguing character.

For years, the Old Quarter of Hanoi has been drawing people in with its classic French buildings. Recently, the area’s photogenic atmosphere has been heightened with the presence of flower sellers on bikes, a frequent sight on the roads of Phan Dinh Phung, Thuy Khue, Hoang Dieu, and Thanh Nien. Both residents and visitors have been making use of these colorful images for their own photographs.

In the city of Hanoi, a popular sight during autumn is the bicycles adorning the streets, selling seasonal blossoms like lotuses, baby’s breath, roses, sunflowers, carnations, and hydrangeas. This serves as a beautiful backdrop for taking photographs.

Late Autumn in Hanoi
Late Autumn in Hanoi
In the autumn season, you can behold the delightful spectacle of flower vendor bicycles decorated with an array of blossoms.
In the autumn season, you can behold the delightful spectacle of flower vendor bicycles decorated with an array of blossoms.

2. Enjoy the taste of newly harvested rice

Autumn in Hanoi is accompanied by the delicate, fragrant delicacy of com, the local young green rice. This dish, closely linked to the season, is a culinary delight that is cherished in the city and evokes the artistry of poets and musicians.

The streets of Hanoi are home to street vendors who offer young green rice, a traditional and rustic delicacy. Vong and Me Tri villages are the two primary centers for its production. This treat is made from early-harvested young rice which is carefully prepared. It is incredibly tender and has a subtle sweetness akin to milk. It is then wrapped in dong and lotus leaves, and tied with rice straw. Com can be enjoyed as-is, or it can be incorporated into various dishes, such as sticky rice, sweet soup, and stir-fries.

In the past, Hanoi’s citizens traditionally enjoyed green rice with ripe bananas and hot tea. However, the younger generations have now started to embrace the union of green rice and egg coffee, a delectable combination that is unique to Hanoi.

At a Hanoi shop, you'll find young green rice, accompanied by fried rice cakes, all elegantly presented on a lotus leaf, along with a serving of tea.
At a Hanoi shop, you’ll find young green rice, accompanied by fried rice cakes, all elegantly presented on a lotus leaf, along with a serving of tea.

3. Enjoy a cup of coffee

In Hanoi, autumn is renowned for its temperate climate and sunny days, which make it the ideal time of year for enjoying coffee al fresco while taking in the surroundings and chatting with friends. From lively cafes in the traditional Old Quarter to peaceful retreats concealed in the courtyards of old villas, there is something for everyone to experience.

Those who would rather have a relaxed ambiance can explore the peaceful alleys or the delightful courtyards of old villas and find cafes. Here are some ideas for places to go:

– Located at 19 Cao Ba Quat Street in the Ba Dinh District, you’ll find Tranquil Books & Coffee.

– Located on 184 Quan Thanh Street in Ba Dinh District, Yen can be found.

– Located on Ly Quoc Su Street in Hoan Kiem District is Hanoi House.

– In the Ba Dinh District, 18 Hoang Dieu Coffee can be found at 19C Hoang Dieu Street, located within the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.

– You can find The Sipping Bar at 30 Phan Ke Binh Street, located within the bounds of Thong Nhat Park in Ba Dinh District.

– Located at 80 Yen Phu Street in the Ba Dinh District of Hanoi is the MAY Kitchenware & Coffeeshop.

– At 10 Da Tuong Street in the Hoan Kiem District, you can find 8 Coffee.

– Located at Dinh Le Street, the KOHIBITO can be found in the Hoan Kiem District.

Savoring a cup of coffee along with a bit of sticky rice is a perfect way to start a new day.
Savoring a cup of coffee along with a bit of sticky rice is a perfect way to start a new day.

4. Treat yourself to snails

In Hanoi, the gastronomic options are less comprehensive than those found in Saigon, however, the snail cuisine is nothing short of delicious. The typical Hanoi snail restaurant offers boiled snails in lemon leaves, spiced with lemongrass and accompanied by a ginger-infused fish sauce, sure to tantalize the taste buds of even the most refined diners.

The arrival of autumn brings snails, juicy and crunchy, to the table. The combination of ginger, lemongrass, and chili in the accompanying dipping sauce produces a perfect harmony of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.

These are some things to consider:

– The address of Dinh Liet Snail is located on 1A Dinh Liet Street, within Hoan Kiem District.

– The residence of Tong Duy Tan is located at 5 Tong Duy Tan Street, in Hoan Kiem District.

– At 88 Cua Bac Street in Ba Dinh District is the residence of Ms Le.

– The address of Ton That Thiep is 14 Ton That Thiep, located in Ba Dinh District.

A bowl of snails is a perfect complement to the chilly autumn atmosphere.
A bowl of snails is a perfect complement to the chilly autumn atmosphere.

5. Treat yourself to a unique perspective of Hanoi by taking a tour on a double-decker bus.

Introduced in 2018, the double-decker open-top bus has become a hit with tourists, particularly during the enjoyable autumn months. It takes passengers along Hanoi’s iconic tourist spots and pretty avenues lined with trees. Most passengers choose to sit on the top deck to appreciate the fresh air and get a bird’s-eye view of the city.

The most budget-friendly and popular option is the 4-hour ticket, which is available at VND300,000 ($12) per person. This ticket grants passengers the ability to board and disembark the bus at multiple stops. To make the most of the experience, it is suggested to buy tickets in the afternoon in order to avoid the heat of the day and to witness the gorgeous sunset while on the journey through the picturesque West Lake area.

Experience the autumnal charm of Hanoi from an elevated vantage point on a double-decker bus.
Experience the autumnal charm of Hanoi from an elevated vantage point on a double-decker bus.

6. Enjoy the delightful flavor of Trang Tien ice cream

A new flavor, pink guava, was recently added to Trang Tien Ice Cream’s menu. This flavor stands out due to its bright pink color. Courtesy of Trang Tien Ice Cream is an accompanying image.

Since 1958, Trang Tien ice cream has been a beloved staple in Hanoi, located conveniently near Hoan Kiem Lake on Trang Tien Street. Customers often take advantage of the cozy environment to savor the classic treat, harkening back to a more simplistic era and adding to its special allure.

Classic tastes, like chocolate, coconut milk, green rice, green beans, and taro, are all featured on the menu in the form of ice cream cones and popsicles. In September, Trang Tien released a pink guava flavor that became an instant hit on social media, with many people giving it rave reviews.

Tràng Tiền ice cream - A cultural hallmark of Hanoi, a specialty of Hanoi.
Tràng Tiền ice cream – A cultural hallmark of Hanoi, a specialty of Hanoi.

7. Admire the sun setting over the West Lake

Exploring West Lake in Hanoi should not be passed up, as it is renowned for its beautiful sunsets. With the consistently clear skies and occasional clouds of the season, it becomes possible to experience them almost daily.

The fall air is invigorating, and one can join the locals and vacationers who gather in the cafes around the lake or along the walking path to take in the sunset. For those looking for some activity, renting a bike to explore the lake’s surroundings or just enjoying the splendid view of the lake from a high vantage point are just a few of the options.

Sunset at West Lake is a captivating spot for many young people, a must-experience destination when visiting Hanoi.
Sunset at West Lake is a captivating spot for many young people, a must-experience destination when visiting Hanoi.

According to Booking, Hanoi is one of the premier spots for solo travelers to visit. This city in Vietnam has earned a spot among the world’s best destinations for those who are traveling alone.

Booking.com, a Dutch online travel agency, conducted a survey of 50,000 readers and determined that Hanoi is among the top 5 best places in the world for solo travelers.

The Autumn period of the year brings with it an array of special dishes in the city of Hanoi. A number of signature delicacies are available to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.

As the days of summer come to an end, the city of Hanoi welcomes autumn, one of the best times to experience a variety of scrumptious delicacies.

10 Must-Try Dishes in Vietnam

Tao Nguyen

Written by Tao Nguyen