Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is the most beautiful in autumn, which is from late August to November. Traveling to Hanoi in autumn can be one of the most fantastic experiences for your trip to Vietnam. Let’s find out why you should consider visiting Hanoi in Autumn with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Here are 05 reasons why Autumn is the best time to visit Hanoi.

Flavor weather conditions

During the autumn months, Hanoi’s weather is extremely delightful with medium temperatures, making autumn a popular time for tourists to visit the city. The sky is clear, and the sunlight is not as strong as in summer anymore. Visiting Hanoi in autumn, you can expect a cool and mild climate. The average daytime temperature ranges from 25 to 28 Celcius degrees, while the nighttime temperature is around 20 Celcius degrees. This weather condition is especially beneficial for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and photography. 

Hanoi in Autumn

Besides the temperature, the humidity at this time is also pleasant. Relative humidity decreases compared to the summer months, making the air feel more comfortable. Autumn is also characterized by a decrease in rainfall compared to the peak of the rainy season in summer. However, there might still be sudden rain, so remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat with you.

Overall, Hanoi’s weather in autumn is extremely comfortable and enjoyable for exploring the city’s attractions, and scenic beauty with amazing experiences. Let’s keep reading for more reasons to visit Hanoi in autumn!

Scenic beauty

Hanoi in autumn is exceptionally charming with vibrant colors. The streets are flooded with falling yellow, red, and orange leaves, creating a picturesque and romantic atmosphere. The city becomes a canvas of warm and inviting hues, providing a feast for the eyes. Phan Dinh Phung Street is among the most popular streets to see falling leaves in Hanoi. Driving along the street, you can immerse yourself in a romantic scene of rows of trees on both sides of the road. 

Falling leaves in Phan Dinh Phung Street, cre: Blog Cua Rot

Also, in this season, Hanoi becomes very fresh with various blooming flowers, such as chrysanthemums, daisies, heather flowers, and sunflowers. Walking around Hanoi's crowded streets in autumn days, you will catch up with various street vendors selling different types of flowers. 

Street vendors selling flowers in Hanoi

Street vendors selling flowers in Hanoi

The scenic beauty of Hanoi in autumn offers great chances to take stunning photos. If you are a photography enthusiast, don’t miss out on the opportunity to travel to Hanoi in autumn to capture stunning images. The combination of the colorful foliage and the city's historical architecture can make for some breathtaking shots. 

In summary, autumn is a great time to enjoy Hanoi’s impressive scenery and atmosphere. Let’s travel to Hanoi in autumn and admire the stunning landscape. 

Diverse exciting experiences

Besides flavorful weather conditions and beautiful scenery, Hanoi in autumn also appeals to tourists through exciting experiences offered. Here are some amazing things to do in Hanoi in autumn. 

Strolling through the Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter is worth visiting at any time of the year. However, it becomes more brilliant during the autumn months. The narrow streets are full of colorful foliage, creating a charming atmosphere. You can wander through the bustling markets, visit ancient temples, and try local street food while enjoying the picturesque surroundings. 

Hang Ma Street in autumn

Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake

Visiting Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Sword Lake), the heart of Hanoi, is among the exciting things to do in Hanoi in autumn. It is not only a cultural and historical symbol of the capital but also a favorite destination for tourists when traveling to Hanoi. The lake is exceptionally enchanting in autumn with its surrounding trees changing colors. The iconic red bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple provides an idyllic spot to take photos and soak in the serene beauty.

Hoan Kiem Lake in autumn

Hoan Kiem Lake in autumn

The Huc Bridge

Taking a Cyclo tour

Taking a cyclo tour is an ideal way to explore Hanoi’s historic sites and bustling streets. The pleasant weather of Hanoi in autumn makes this a comfortable and enjoyable way to immerse yourself in Hanoi's vibrant urban life.

Taking a cyclo tour in Hanoi

Biking in the countryside

The cooler autumn temperatures make biking through rural landscapes and villages a delightful experience. You may want to rent a bicycle and venture outside the city to explore the charming countryside. Duong Lam Ancient Village, about 44 kilometers to the West of Hanoi, is an ideal place for biking. You can refer to our tour package for a complete experience in Duong Lam: The quaint ride from Ba Vi to Duong Lam. 

Cycling around Duong Lam Village

Relaxing by the West Lake

Relaxing by the West Lake, the largest lake in Hanoi, is also an interesting activity to do in Hanoi in autumn. You can rent a paddleboat, enjoy a lakeside meal, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shore. Sunset falls, making the surface of West Lake sparkle brilliantly in the sunset light. The sparkling beauty of the lake's surface makes everyone stunned. You can just feel the cool breezes, enjoy a drink, chat with friends, and watch the sunset. 

Joining the Mid-Autumn festival (Full moon festival)

Mid-Autumn festival is among the most popular festivals in Vietnam, marking the time when the moon is full and brightest on the 15th of lunar August. If you visit Hanoi this time, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the crowded atmosphere of the festival. You will catch up with vivid streets full of colorful lanterns and decorative lights. Besides, you will have a chance to see colorful parades, enjoy traditional music, and lion dances. Don’t forget to try the mooncakes, the seasonal delicacy. 

Lion dance in the Mid-Autumn festival

In summary, Hanoi in autumn offers a range of activities that capitalize on the comfortable weather, cultural celebrations, and the city's natural and historical beauty. Let’s visit Hanoi in autumn and have your own experiences!

Unforgettable fragrances 

Hanoi in autumn is not only a visual delight but also a sensory experience. The season brings with it a unique blend of fragrances that add to the charm of the city. Hanoi in autumn is characterized by the faint scent of milk flowers. The scent of milk flowers adds a poetic and nostalgic dimension to Hanoi's autumn experience. The aroma of the milk flower is distinct and memorable. Its sweet and slightly floral scent fills the air, especially during the early mornings and evenings, creating an immersive sensory experience for anyone walking through the city. 

Milk flower in Hanoi

Besides milk flowers, the subtle, earthy aroma of crisp leaves underfoot is also a hallmark of autumn in Hanoi. 

Typical local foods

Hanoi’s cuisine is rich and diverse, and in autumn, the city offers a unique array of dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients. Visiting Hanoi in autumn, you will have a chance to enjoy these typical local foods below. 

Hanoi nuggets (Cốm Hà Nội)

Hanoi nuggets or young sticky rice is a seasonal delicacy, primarily available during the autumn months when the young rice is harvested. Therefore, it's recommended to try this food if you're visiting Hanoi during this time of the year to experience its unique taste and cultural significance. Walking along Hanoi streets, you can find many street vendors selling nuggets. This food can be enjoyed on its own as a snack or dessert, or it can be incorporated into other dishes. Especially, green sticky rice (“xôi cốm” in Vietnamese) and green rice sweet soup (“chè cốm” in Vietnamese) are especially popular. 

Green sticky rice in Hanoi

Vietnamese crab noodle soup (Bún riêu cua)

Vietnamese crab noodle soup is made with a flavorful crab-based broth. The dish includes rice vermicelli noodles, a tomato-based broth, and a mixture of crab meat, tofu, and various herbs. It's a comforting and hearty choice for cooler autumn days.

Vietnamese crab noodle soup

Ripen dracontomelon (Sấu chín)

Autumn is the season of ripen dracontomelon. Visiting Hanoi in autumn, you should not miss trying this unique specialty. The dracontomelon’s sour and tangy flavor can add a refreshing and tart element to culinary dishes and beverages. You can enjoy ripened dracontomelon with a sprinkle of salt or sugar to balance out the flavor. 

Ripen dracontomelon

Sandworm omelet (Chả rươi)

Sandworm omelet is available all year round; however, it is more delicious when you try it in autumn. "Chả rươi" has a unique flavor profile due to the combination of sandworms and other ingredients. Although this dish might not be for everyone due to its unconventional main ingredient, you should try it if you want to explore local cuisine and authentic flavors. 

Sandworm omelet 

Egg coffee

Egg coffee is also extremely delicious when you try it under the cool weather of autumn. This type of coffee has a unique trait among many concoctions, from mixing to how to enjoy it. The black coffee harmonizing with the egg yolk creates an attractive golden brown coffee cup. Cafe Giang, Cafe Dinh, and Cafe Lam are some best cafés to try egg coffee in Hanoi. 

Egg coffee 

It can be said that whether you're enjoying street food, dining in local eateries, or exploring the city's markets, you will find an array of dishes that capture the essence of Hanoi's cuisine during the autumn months. 

In conclusion, Hanoi in autumn has a blend of pleasant weather, breathtaking scenery, exciting activities offered, and culinary delights. No matter if you want to explore historical sites, capture stunning pictures, or enjoy the atmosphere, Hanoi in autumn offers you all. Let’s visit Hanoi in autumn and enrich your travel experience!