Ten reasons Hanoi is greatest during autumn

1. National Day. On September 2, the city streets are lined with the red and yellow colourful national flag and virtually every nook and cranny festooned with red ribbons and banners.

2. Sunny very nice weather. Beautiful, cool, clear, sunny days with a light breeze are the norm for Hanoi during autumn.

3. Autumn breezes. Hanoians enjoy living in the moment of cool autumn breezes.

4. Cuisine. Traditional dishes just taste better in autumn, especially ‘com’ (young, green rice), a specialty that has been popular for ages.

5. Season of sudden rains. Autumn is the season of refreshingly cool sudden rains.

6. Sidewalk cafes. Sitting at a sidewalk cafe in the cool romantic autumn days enjoying a cup of coffee with friends is not only a city, but a national pastime.

7. Dragontomelon fruit. Along with the winds of autumn come dracontomelon fruit sold by vendors along the city streets, packed chock full of memories for so many.

8. Gold leaves. The streets piled high with yellow leaves are always a source of inspiration for many budding poets, songwriters, painters and photographers.  

9. Early autumn mornings. A lovely morning, the bright sunshine and fresh air tantalize the senses in autumn.

10. Seasonal flowers. The fragrant Hoa Sua or ‘milk flower’ has symbolized autumn in song and poetry in Hanoi for centuries.