Enjoying Hanoi’s Autumn in the Cool Breeze and Golden Sunlight of Late Afternoon

11/10/2024

Phan Đình Phùng Street and the Old Quarter are bustling all day as people of all ages in Hanoi gather to have breakfast, drink coffee, and take photos on this beautiful autumn day.

Hanoi is entering one of the most beautiful times of the year. The autumn weather is mild, with white clouds and golden sunshine, perfect for leisurely activities on weekends.

Phan Đình Phùng Street is one of the roads that Hanoi locals affectionately refer to as “the most beautiful street” or “the most romantic street” in the capital, thanks to its shade-providing ancient sấu trees. This street is also home to bustling coffee shops that are always crowded on weekends.

From 7 AM, Phan Đình Phùng Street starts to fill with people. The peak time is around 10 AM, especially in areas like the gate of Phan Đình Phùng High School, the Cửa Bắc historical site, and the intersection with Nguyễn Biểu Street, where traffic congestion occurs.

Photographer Trung Thành shared, “Since the beginning of October, my schedule for shooting in Hanoi has been fully booked every day, with some days having two sessions. Phan Đình Phùng Street and West Lake are the two locations most requested by clients.”

Mobile flower vendors are bustling with customers. Popular flower varieties include white lotus, daisies, and thạch thảo (aster), priced from 80,000 to 150,000 VND per bunch.

Xôi Cốm (Green Sticky Rice) is a quintessential autumn dish in Hanoi. You can find it sold at street vendors around the Old Quarter, particularly at the beginning of Phan Đình Phùng Street and Lý Quốc Sư Street.

Another distinctive feature of Hanoi during this time is the fragrant sữa flowers. During the day, you may not notice them, but in the evening, wandering through the streets, the aroma of sữa flowers will captivate passersby. The subtle scent of sữa flowers evokes memories for many long-time residents of Hanoi who have had to leave this beloved place.