Lanterns, Pho, and Golden Leaves: Discovering Hanoi in Autumn 2025

As the leaves change colour, Hanoi is covered in an enchanting beauty that inspires warm feelings of nostalgia and golden sunlight. After months of humid heat, the air turns crisp, the sky becomes an endless blue, and the aroma of milk flowers travels through the streets. The natives consider this time of year to be the most poetic. This is the perfect time for tourists to see Hanoi at its most beautiful.

>>> If you enjoy discovering hidden gems in Hanoi, this Hidden Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour is the best for you.

When you go around Hoan Kiem Lake in the autumn, you might as well be entering a watercolour picture. You are transported to the city’s spiritual core by the Ngoc Son Bridge, whose soft golden glow reflects the vivid red leaves on the peaceful lake. At a short distance, you’ll find the French Quarter, which reveals a unique side of Hanoi. Here, you’ll see colonial-era architecture contrasted with lively modernism, as well as graceful yellow homes sheltered by towering trees.

>>> If you like coffee, history and architecture, this walking tour in the French Quarter is perfect for you

The Mid-fall Festival, or Trung Thu, is an essential part of Hanoi’s fall season. Brightly coloured lights, paper masks, and joyful drumming adorn the narrow alleys of Hang Ma Street. Under the moonlight, kids playfully chase each other, while families enjoy a night of storytelling and mooncakes. One of the most authentic pleasures of being in Hanoi at this time of year is participating in the festival, which captures the spirit of playful childhood and the welcoming embrace of a community.

Another great time to experience the city is in the autumn. The famous ice cream that has been enjoyed by Hanoians for many years is Kem Tràng Tiền. You should have a cone of it. Enjoy in a crispy bánh tôm while gazing out at the lake, try a golden bánh gối from a street seller, or savour a hot bowl of phở at Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư, where every spoonful is like a hug. Afterwards, take an easy walk through the Old Quarter or Đồng Xuân Market, where each corner reveals an aspect of Hanoi’s essence – ancient yet vibrant, chaotic yet attractive.

Hanoi in the autumn is more than simply a place to visit; it’s an experience — one that fills you with joy as you see the sun glint through the trees, hear the sound of laughter reverberating through the streets, and halt for moments that make you to smile. Every Hanoian holds this season in their heart forever, and if you visit once, you’ll understand why.

If you’re ready to see beyond the usual sights and discover the real story of Hanoi, come and join us. We’ll explore the city’s incredible history through a new, local perspective—a conversation that brings the past to life. You won’t just leave with photos; you’ll leave with a deeper understanding and stories you’ll never forget.

To truly appreciate the stories hidden within Hanoi’s streets, understanding the history that shaped them is key. If Vietnam is your next destination, diving into the country’s past will give you a powerful head start and enrich your entire experience.

>>> Read more: 6 fiction books about Vietnam you should read before going

Until then, see you!