In a list of Asia's most beautiful autumn foliage destinations published by the UK travel magazine Time Out on September 15th, Hanoi was the sole representative from Vietnam. The thousand-year-old capital was ranked 5th, alongside famous names like Nami Island (South Korea), Kyoto (Japan), and Jiuzhaigou (China).

According to Time Out, Hanoi "has its own special autumn," which is completely different from other destinations in the region. While Nami Island captivates tourists with its golden ginkgo trees and Kyoto is famous for its crimson maple forests, Hanoi's autumn is a harmonious blend of natural beauty and distinctive cultural ambiance.

"Strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, visitors can easily spot trees with changing yellow and red leaves, brightening the cool late-year atmosphere," wrote Time Out. Streets like Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu, and Thanh Nien have become favorite spots for many tourists and photographers to capture the moments of Hanoi in autumn. This beautiful scenery is an essential part of Vietnam's travel experience.

A Deep Dive into Hanoi's Autumn Culture

Beyond its natural splendor, Hanoi's autumn is also linked with unique cultural experiences. This is when Northern Vietnam enters its harvest season and is also the time for the Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished festival tied to the childhood memories of many generations.

Time Out suggests that visitors to Hanoi during this season will be immersed in a festive atmosphere, from lion dances and folk music performances to the taste of traditional mooncakes filled with lotus seeds, salted eggs, and green beans. When night falls, the streets, especially in the Old Quarter and Hang Ma, are illuminated by thousands of colorful lanterns, creating a magical and unforgettable scene. "All these elements combine to create a Hanoi autumn experience that is both romantic and culturally rich," the article emphasized. According to Time Out's recommendation, October is the most beautiful time for tourists to fully enjoy Hanoi's autumn. The weather is cool, the air is clear, the golden sun is gentle, and the leaves are in their most brilliant phase. It's truly a sight to behold and a testament to the beauty of Vietnam.

Savoring Hanoi's Autumn Cuisine

In addition to sightseeing and taking photos, visitors can also indulge in the capital's signature autumn dishes, such as Vong village green rice flakes, ripe dracontomelon, hot snails, 'banh cha', and 'cha ruoi' (fried ragworm omelette), flavors that contribute to Hanoi's unique autumn charm.

It is no coincidence that Vietnam's capital has been honored by international media on many occasions. Before this, Hanoi was on TripAdvisor's list of the "25 most favorite destinations in the world" and has been featured in numerous prestigious travel publications. With its 5th place ranking, Hanoi continues to affirm its appeal as a destination that combines captivating natural beauty with unique historical and cultural values. Every autumn, Hanoi puts on a poetic new coat: a clear blue sky, soft golden sunlight, streets lined with trees changing leaves, and the fragrant scent of fresh green rice flakes. This blend of nature and culture is perhaps what makes Hanoi's autumn so special in the eyes of international tourists—and truly worthy of a spot on the list of Asia's most beautiful destinations for autumn foliage.