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Having marked more than a thousand years of history, Hanoi is on the bucket list for those craving to travel to Vietnam. Offering a rich blend of French and Indochina values, this city is full of nostalgic beauty, in fall especially. Therefore, CNN recently voted Hanoi in the top 12 most romantic destinations to go for fall in the whole world. 

Located by the Red river bank, Hanoi gets perfect weather during fall months, which is typically cool and dry.  As one of the best times of year to visit Hanoi, it  has all features of an ideal travel timing including comfortable climate, stunning nature scenery, tasty local cuisine and a tempting selection of things to do. 

If you are looking for a handpicked itinerary, here is how to explore the whole city just like a local. 

@vietnamnet

1. Reason why you must visit Hanoi in fall

Unlike other cities in the south of Vietnam, Hanoi has four different seasons. While spring is cool but humid, summer is unbearably hot, winter is really cold for most Vietnamese, fall in Hanoi is basically sunny, cool and dry. Lasting from September to November, it brings chilly and gentle wind, golden sunlight and ideal temperature (from 18°C to 25°C). 

When fall comes, the whole city is changing into new cloth with yellow and red leaves falling down creating such a romantic, colorful and poetic picture. Besides, this is the blooming season of milk flowers, heather, butterfly flowers and daisies which carry special fragrances and palettes. 

@TuanMinhNguyen

The food in Hanoi is fantastic throughout the year but it becomes more worth-trying when the leaves are turning colors. If you are a foodie, you can not miss Com (green sticky rice), dracontomelon and persimmon. Not only do they appear in the food stores across the city but they are also in the typical meals of local families as an irreplaceable part of Hanoi culture. 

@travelmag

2. Things to do in Hanoi in fall 

Not only the ideal time to explore Hanoi, fall is also the best time to visit Vietnam for good weather. If you want to embrace the fall in this city, here are a few ideas to live it up during this season. 

Explore the city by cyclo 

Taking a cyclo ride around the city is a great start to be obsessed with the fall here. It normally takes an hour to go through the popular spots of the city such as the Old quarter, West lake, Quan Thanh temple, Lenin park, Mausoleum, etc. The price is quite reasonable and cyclo drivers are anywhere to be found. 

Wander in the Old quarter 

Besides taking a cyclo tour, you should pay a visit to the old Quarter on foot. Consisting of 36 old streets, it is a reflection of the bustling daily life of local traders. If you spend 24 hours exploring this area, you can experience most of the interesting things you ever could ranging from shopping, eating and cultural learning.  

@VnExpress  

Take pictures of fall features

Fall is not only the best time of year to visit Hanoi but also the most ideal time to take pictures. In addition to the beautiful weather, the streets filled with colorful flowers and golden leaves create the romantic background for photography. If you are looking for the best sites to take photos, pay a visit to Hoan Kiem lake, West lake, Kim Ma, Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Hoa Tham or Nguyen Tri Phuong street. 

@VnExpress

Take a food tour

There are thousands of food stalls and restaurants scattered around the city but the best ones are found at the street level. Must-try dishes in fall include com (green sticky rice) in Vong village or you can buy from the sellers carrying baskets in Yen Hoa street, dracontomelon and persimmon in local markets. Besides seasonal cuisines, bun cha, banh goi, pho, banh cuon, egg coffee, fresh beer, Trang Tien ice cream, etc are popular ones that you can not miss.

@willyforfood 

See and smell the milk flower

It is said that milk flower is one of the specialities of Hanoi in fall. You may find a lot of Hanoian walking around and taking photos along Nguyen Du, Quan Thanh and Le Duan streets. When the milk flower fully blooms, the white and tiny flower clusters cover the whole streets partnered with a soft passionate scent. 

@zingnews

3. Top must-visit destination in Hanoi for fall

Hanoi offers plenty of destinations for fully experiencing the fall vibe in Vietnam. For those seeking a set of suggestions, here are must-visit places in this city. 

Hoan Kiem lake 

Located in the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem lake is the most beautiful when fall comes. Covered with red leaves and colorful flowers, this historical destination has been given a facelift. You should take a stroll around this place in the early morning or before sunset to encounter Turtle tower, Ngoc Son temple and The Huc bridge.  

@vietnamdrive

The Old Quarter

Dating back to the 11th century, the Old Quarter established itself as a center of art, craft and trade. Until now, it has become an iconic destination for travelholics to experience a glimpse of timelessness and modernisation. Besides taking a tour around the Old Quarter, you may find a selection of interesting things to do including a water puppet show, sidewalk coffee, shopping at Dong Xuan Market, etc. 

@vietnamonline

The French quarter 

As its name suggests, it was born when the French replaced the old buildings with luxurious French-style houses during the war in the 19th century. Therefore, this area brings a sense of little France with special architectural traits and dozens of high-class spots. You can pay a visit to Hoa Lo prison, National Museum of History, St. Joseph’s Cathedral or Hanoi Opera House. 

@internet

Dinh Le book street   

Not only does it attract a huge number of book lovers but it is also a nostalgic destination for travelholics to fall for. Located in a crowded area which is next to Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Le street is named the bookstore of Hanoi.  You can find any titles, topics, languages books or even ones no longer reprinted here. 

@monsimi

Long Bien bridge 

Designed by the French during their occupation of the country, Long Bien was not only the first steel bridge across the Red river but also the oldest one. This is the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset in Hanoi. If you want to take a walk and enjoy daily life like a Hanoian, pay a visit to this place. 

@internet

Defying its reputation as a nostalgic capital with harmony between old and new, Hanoi is blossoming with  both natural and cultural experiences. In particular, the game-changing culinary and outdoor activities in fall are attracting travelholics as well as contemporary art lovers. As a result, this romantic season will always be the best time of year to visit Hanoi Vietnam.