1. Why is autumn an ideal time to visit Hanoi?
From September to December, Hanoi enters its most enchanting season - autumn. Hanoi's weather in September and other autumn months is dry and pleasantly cool, averaging 18-25°C with low humidity.
Notably, Hanoi ranks fifth among Asia’s most beautiful destinations to admire autumn foliage, according to Time Out (UK) in 2025. Hanoi’s autumn is a time of romance and nostalgia celebrated in Vietnamese music and literature for centuries. Visitors can wander down leaf-strewn streets, enjoy the scent of milk flowers, savor seasonal treats, and join in the festive cultural activities.
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2. Highlights of autumn in Hanoi
2.1. Charming streets
A walk through the charming streets of Hanoi in autumn is a must. As the season arrives, sunlight softens and bathes the city in a golden glow, giving its ancient charm a dreamlike beauty. Tree-lined avenues turn shades of red, yellow, and brown, painting a poetic scene across roads like Phan Dinh Phung and the Hanoi Old Quarter.
The air carries the sweet scent of milk flowers and the aroma of green rice. Autumn is also Hanoi’s most photogenic season - sunlight filters through crimson leaves, vendors pedal past with baskets of daisies, and street hawkers balance their shoulder poles filled with seasonal gifts like ripe dracontomelon and green rice.
2.2. Blooming flowers
With the gentle chill of autumn winds, Hanoi bursts into bloom. The city’s signature milk flowers (blackboard tree’s flower, or ‘hoa sua’) spread their sweet, powerful fragrance through the streets, inspiring countless songs and poems.
Alongside them, other blossoms, such as daisies, asters, globe amaranths, and cosmos flowers, bloom vibrantly, adding brilliant color to the cool season. These flowers create a timeless beauty that lingers in the memory of anyone who has ever visited Hanoi in this season.
2.3. Peaceful lakesides
The charm of Hanoi in autumn is also evident along its tranquil lakes, including Hoan Kiem, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake. Visitors can stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a cultural landmark surrounded by historical sites like Turtle Tower, and watch the golden leaves fall gently over the streets.
At West Lake, you can take a walk, cycle, or kayak to soak in the scenery: cool breezes and a dazzling reflection of yellow trees on the water. The glowing autumn sunset over West Lake, framed by golden canopies, is one of Hanoi’s most beloved photo backdrops.
2.4. Mid-Autumn festive atmosphere
Beyond its natural beauty, Hanoi in autumn is filled with cultural vibrancy during the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th of the eighth lunar month (often late September or early October). It’s an enchanting experience to visit Hang Ma Street, where pop-up toy stalls overflow with colorful masks and red lanterns.
Mooncake shops appear everywhere, offering intricately designed cakes in countless flavors. As night falls, streets come alive with lion dance performances - children carrying lanterns, drums echoing through alleys, and acrobats bringing giant colorful lions to life.
2.5. Hanoi Liberation Day celebration
Hanoi in autumn is not only poetic but also patriotic. It commemorates Hanoi Liberation Day (October 10th) - a deeply meaningful occasion for locals. Each October, the capital is adorned with flags, banners, and flowers, while cultural and artistic events fill the streets.
For over 70 years, this celebration has drawn both locals and visitors to exhibitions, documentary screenings, and free city tours. During this season, the city’s beauty intertwines with its spirit - graceful, festive, and full of pride.
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3. What to eat in Hanoi in autumn?
3.1. Seasonal foods
Autumn in Hanoi, Vietnam, is inseparable from its seasonal delicacies - unique, refined treats available only for a short time each year.
- Green sticky rice (com): The signature dish of Hanoi’s autumn. These soft, fragrant grains are wrapped in lotus leaves, giving off a gentle aroma. Variations include sweet soup, patties, and more.
- Persimmons (hong): These crisp, yellow-green fruits are found everywhere during this season. They have a firm texture and a sweet, refreshing taste.
- Ripe dracontomelon (sau chin): A nostalgic snack of Hanoi in autumn. Tangy and mildly sweet, it is often mixed with sugar, chili, and salt for a balance of flavors.
- Sand worm (ruoi): A rare autumn delicacy. It can be steamed or made into fritters, known for their crispy crust, rich filling, and fragrant hints of tangerine peel and dill.
- Mooncakes: A staple among Mid-Autumn Festival foods, mooncakes come with either savory fillings like mixed nuts and sausage or sweet ones such as mung bean.
- Sweet meat pie (banh cha): A traditional Hanoi pastry with flaky crust and rich filling of candied winter melon and pork fat, lightly scented with lime leaves.
3.2. Local treats
Beyond seasonal specialties, autumn’s cool air makes it ideal to enjoy Hanoi’s comforting local dishes:
- Boiled snails (oc luoc): Snails are boiled with lemongrass, ginger, and lime leaves for a fragrant aroma. It is served with a spicy dipping sauce of chili and ginger.
- Pork rib porridge (chao suon): A perfect dish for chilly evenings. The porridge is creamy, topped with tender ribs, crispy fried dough sticks, and savory pork floss.
- Egg coffee: It is Hanoi’s iconic drink - the creamy richness of whipped egg yolk blending with strong, aromatic coffee.
- Vietnamese shrimp cake (banh tom): A West Lake specialty made of crunchy fried batter topped with juicy shrimp, served with sweet-and-sour fish sauce and herbs.
- Snail noodle soup (bun oc): A classic street dish featuring chewy snails, tangy tomato broth, and fragrant herbs - light yet flavorful.
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4. What to wear to Hanoi in autumn?
There are many stylish outfit choices for those visiting Hanoi in autumn. Women can wear traditional ao dai or silk tops with skirts, floral dresses, knit off-shoulder tops, or shirts with wide-leg trousers for a chic look. A light cardigan or blazer is ideal for layering and keeping warm.
Men can stay warm and stylish with sweaters, hoodies, or shirts paired with jeans or khakis. For a refined style, add a vest, blazer, or cardigan, while active travelers can choose windbreakers or tracksuits. A bomber, leather, or long coat completes any autumn look.
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5. Popular Hanoi autumn tours
Visiting Hanoi in autumn, travelers can take advantage of the refreshing weather to explore the city’s iconic landmarks such as The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple, Pen Tower, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Dong Xuan Market, Van Phuc Silk Village, and Duong Lam Ancient Village. To make the most of your trip, consider joining reputable autumn-themed Hanoi tours.
Tour | Transport | Duration | Itinerary | Price (per person) |
Hanoi Autumn Senses Tour | Walking | Half day |
| from 500,000 VND |
Hanoi Autumn Photography Tour | Walking | Half day |
| from 300,000 VND |
Hanoi Food Tour | Motorbike, walking | Half day |
| from 700,000 VND |
Van Phuc Silk Village Tour | Motorbike, car | Half day |
| from 700,000 VND |
Duong Lam Ancient Village Tour | Car | Full day |
| from 1,200,000 VND |
Hanoi City Tour | Sky train, bus | Half day |
| from 500,000 VND |
Traditional Craft Village Tour | Car, motorbike | Full day |
| from 800,000 VND |
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FAQs about Hanoi in autumn
When is autumn in Hanoi?
Autumn season in Hanoi generally lasts from September to November, when the city enjoys its most pleasant weather of the year.
What is the weather like in Hanoi during autumn?
Temperatures usually range between 20°C and 28°C, with low humidity and clear blue skies.
What are the top things to do in Hanoi in autumn?
Take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, capture the golden scenery on Phan Dinh Phung Street, taste seasonal treats like green rice, and join the Mid-Autumn Festival.
What should I wear in Hanoi during autumn?
Opt for light layers, such as a comfortable shirt or blouse paired with a thin jacket for the cool mornings and evenings, along with sturdy shoes.
Which flowers bloom in Hanoi in autumn?
Hanoi’s charm is enhanced by the scent of milk flowers and the gentle beauty of daisies and lotus adorning parks, lakesides, and streets.
Are there any local festivals in Hanoi during autumn?
Yes. The Mid-Autumn Festival is the highlight, marked by glowing lanterns, mooncakes, and lively family celebrations throughout the city.
Where are the best places to see autumn scenery in Hanoi?
Head to Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Phan Dinh Phung Street, and Thanh Nien Road to enjoy tree-lined paths bathed in soft golden light - Hanoi at its most romantic.
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Hanoi in autumn captures the city at its most poetic, with golden trees, gentle breezes, and the scent of milk flowers in the air. It is a season that blends romance, culture, and nostalgia, leaving every visitor with unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s timeless capital.
After exploring the charm of Hanoi in autumn, consider taking day trips from Hanoi to nearby destinations. Just a 30-minute drive east of the capital, Grand World offers endless entertainment with diverse dining, shopping, cultural performances, and stunning architecture. Meanwhile, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park captivates visitors with thrilling water slides, refreshing pools, and idyllic white-sand beaches.
Book tickets of VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park
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