Residents of the capital city find this time of year most wonderful and romantic with the mild climate, clear blue skies, and streets piled high with yellow leaves - a source of inspiration for budding artists.

Mention the Hanoi autumn, and they often think of the fragrant Hoa Sua or “milk flower” - the symbol of autumn in Hanoi for generations. Blossoming when fall arrives, the Hoa Sua is a classic topic in songs, poems about Hanoi, and delights everyone who loves the city. The trees line streets, perfuming the night air and creating an area of romance for boys and girls meeting on a date.

Many couples are inspired to celebrate their weddings when the trees are in blossom. So you can see the newly weds taking photos in the old quarter and other beautiful places such as parks, the Opera House, the cathedral, Hoan Kiem lake, Ho Tay lake, the Temple of Literature, Xuan Dieu, Kim Ma or Thanh Nien, or “Korea” street, where the Milk Flower is at its best.

In autumn there are not only pretty flowers but also different kinds of traditional food, especially those made of "Com" (young, green rice), a Hanoi specialty which has become popular for ages. Visitors to the city often buy Com products for their family, relatives, and friends back home. Com is typically green and made from premature rice using many meticulous processes to produce a wide variety of seasonal delicacies. With their clever hands, Com-makers create Com cakes, sweet Com porridge, Com ice-cream, Com candy and many other specialties, each imbued with the unique taste of Com and reminiscent of the glorious autumn season.

For me Hanoi comes alive in autumn. As I stroll along Hanoi’s charming tree-lined boulevards, the fragrant Hoa Sua flower reminds me that there is no other city like this one in autumn, and I feel a sense of calm and wellbeing.

                                                                                                                                                  By Phuong Anh