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Hanoi in September: A Beautiful Transition into Autumn

Is September in Hanoi actually fall? One cannot say for sure exactly. In Hanoi, autumn does not have a set beginning month or date. It surprises you; one morning you feel the cool, crisp breeze or catch a scent of the sweet, fragrant milk blossoms while you are walking through the streets. Let MOTOGO Tours epxlore this ideal time to discover the hidden as well as famous treasures of the city.

Hanoi in September
It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when autumn begins in Hanoi. ( Source: Collected)

Where is Hanoi Most Beautiful in September?

Hoan Kiem Lake Walking Street

  • Location: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

September’s Hoan Kiem Lake strolling street is a site where autumn’s charm unfolds. Visitors walking through it experience as though they have entered another planet. The mild aroma of hoa sữa combined with fresh cốm permeates the cold, clear air, lightening and at rest the heart. The trees lining the streets change colors; their leaves become a brilliant golden yellow, producing an idyllic view little less than lovely.

Hanoi in September
The Hoan Kiem Lake walking street in September is a place where the romance of autumn unfolds. ( Source: Collected)

Hoan Kiem Lake’s splendor gets much more appealing as fall arrives. The lake’s surface reflects the golden leaves from the trees, while the soft fall sunshine dances between the foliage to create dreamy, ethereal character for the complete image.

Red River Flower Garden

  • Location: End of Alley 264 Au Co, Nhat Tan, Tay Ho, Hanoi

A hidden treasure in the outskirts of metropolitan Hanoi, the Red River Flower Garden is just under thirty-minute drive. This fall valley has a calm and rejuvenating beauty that contrasts peacefully with the busy city. Over several hectares, the garden boasts a range of romantic settings ideal for picture chances. Among fields of chrysanthemums, who might turn away from the beauty of the scene?

Hanoi in September
Just under a 30-minute drive from central Hanoi, the Red River Flower Garden is a hidden gem in the city’s outskirts. ( Source: Collected)

Not far from here, the West Lake Flower Valley, sometimes known as the “paradise garden” of Hanoi, features an amazing show of hundreds of blooms. With a 50,000 VND entrance price, this is a must-see.

>>> Explore Best Time to Visit Hanoi: A Seasonal Guide to Vietnam’s Capital

Phung Hung Mural Street

  • Location: Phung Hung Street, Hoan Kiem

Phung Hung Mural Street is a free and magical location with 19 amazing murals bringing the past to life. From women carrying baskets of goods to streetcars clanking and calligraphers providing their work, these vibrant murals highlight Hanoi’s traditional life. The paintings capture the spirit of old Hanoi together with the cool autumn breeze, so inspiring a nostalgic memory that carries you back in time.

Hanoi in September
Phung Hung Mural Street is a free and enchanting place to visit ( Source: Collected)

19/12 Book Street

  • Location: 19/12, Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
  • Opening hours: 8 AM – 10 PM daily

Comprising more than sixteen book booths from famous Vietnamese publishers, Book Street 19/12 is a lovely location with a great range of literature, science, economics, and more. Book enthusiasts will find heaven on the street, and its friendly colors and quiet environment make it a special spot to relax. This street is a welcome place because of the small booksellers and the open, broad lanes away from city traffic.

Hanoi in September
Book Street 19/12 is a charming spot, with over 16 book stalls from prestigious Vietnamese publishers ( Source: Collected)

Sunset at West Lake

Following a demanding day of discovery, a West Lake café is the ideal spot to unwind and view the sunset. One of the most romantic locations in Hanoi to see the sunset is West Lake, whose surface reflects the golden light to produce an amazing view.

Hanoi in September
West Lake is one of the most romantic spots in Hanoi to watch the sunset ( Source: Collected)

What Makes Hanoi Special in September?

The Season of “Thị” Fruit

On the streets of Hanoi, the “Thị” fruit is a common, basic but distinctive sight. Under the weight of merchants, ripe golden “Thị” fruits shine like little lanterns, their sweet, delicate scent and cool flavor livening the streets of the city. These fruits bring more vibrant hues to Hanoi, therefore accentuating the beauty of the fall.

Hanoi in September
The “Thị” fruit, a golden, lantern-like fruit, is a familiar and unique sight in Hanoi’s streets. ( Source: Collected)

Green “Cốm” – Hanoi’s Autumn Specialty

Hanoi’s famed “Cốm,” (fresh green sticky rice) starts to show as late summer gives way to early October. It sells everywhere, from sidewalks to little lanes. With its unique green hue laced with gold, “Cốm” is maybe the most famous delight of Hanoi’s fall. The fragrance is subtle and combines lotus leaves with the aroma of ripe rice. Consumed, “Cốm” has a chewy texture, a modest sweetness, and a pleasing, unforgettable taste.

Hanoi in September
Com is the most iconic treat of Hanoi’s autumn. ( Source: Collected)

There are several ways one could enjoy “cốm”. The easiest is to consume it straight, dipped in sesame salt or accompanied by ripe bananas. From “cháo cốm,” (rice porridge), “chè cốm,” (sweet soup), “bánh cốm,” (cakes), or “xôi cốm,” (sticky rice), it is also utilized in a lot of cuisines. Since “Cốm” only keeps fresh for roughly one day, without preservatives, connoisseurs prefer to buy just a small piece (between 100 and 200 grams) savoring it over time.

Scent of “Hoa Sữa” (Milk Flowers) – Hanoi’s Signature Fragrance

When you picture Hanoi in the fall, you will surely smell “Hoa Sữa.” These little yellow-white blossoms are well-known for their strong aroma, which fills the air and makes one homesick for the city. Though some would find the smell overwhelming, Hanoi’s fall is clearly remembered in music and poems. For everyone who has lived in Hanoi, “Hoa Sữa” has evolved into a symbol of remembrance and passion that defines the fall.

Hanoi in September
When you think of autumn in Hanoi, you can’t ignore hoa sữa. ( Source: Collected)

Ripe Sau – A Taste of Hanoi’s Fall

September brings the crisp, tangy-sweet flavor of ripe “Sau” fruits, a sort of tropical fruit, flooding Hanoi’s streets. These previously green but now golden fruits herald the coming of fall in Hanoi. Old Hanoi streets including Phan Dinh Phung, Tran Hung Dao, and Hai Ba Trung feature “crocodile” fruits rather frequently. Often converted into mouthwatering delicacies, “pickled crocodile” is the most well-known among them since it combines sour fruit with sweet sugar, hot chile, and salted salt to produce a very distinctive taste.

Hanoi in September
Hanoi’s autumn isn’t just visually stunning—it’s also a time for flavorful fruits like the ripe “sấu” ( Source: Collected)

Red Persimmons

Another seasonal joy of Hanoi in September are persimmons, whose orange tint reflects the golden tones of autumn. Little yet exceedingly sweet, hanoi’s persimmons are a wonderfully delicate and aromatic pleasure. These fruits are sold by sellers on the streets of Hanoi; their vivid hue accentuates the seasonal appeal.

Hanoi in September
Persimmons are another seasonal delight in September ( Source: Collected)

What Flowers Bloom in Hanoi in September?

“Hoa Sữa” – The Fragrance of Fall

As said before, the smell of “Hoa Sữa” defines Hanoi’s autumn. September brings these tiny, yellowish-white blossoms, whose scent permeates the streets and evokes memories and feeling. Inspired by the strong emotions connected with Hanoi’s autumn, the aroma of “Hoa Sữa” has been a muse for innumerable poems, songs, and pieces of art.

Hanoi in September
Hoa sữa is a quintessential symbol of Hanoi’s autumn. ( Source: Collected)

Chrysanthemums – “Cúc Họa Mi”

“Cúc Họa Mi,” (daisy), is another bloom adorns Hanoi’s fall. Clustering these tiny white blossoms with vivid yellow centers produces an amazing show of white patches all over the city. You will find merchants offering them on the streets in October; their scent gently beautifies the air.

Hanoi in September
The delicate, white chrysanthemums (cúc họa mi) are another flower that defines Hanoi’s autumn. ( Source: Collected)

A valued component of Hanoi’s cultural character, chrysanthemums represent simplicity, purity, and loyalty. Visit sites like Tây Tựu Village, Nhật Tân Village, or the gardens along the Red River to witness them; the flowering season is just two to three weeks.

What to Do in Hanoi in September: The Best Way to Explore

Motorbike is the only better way to see Hanoi in September. You can really appreciate the beauty of the city when you are riding your own bike throughout its meandering lanes. If you are merely sitting in a taxi, you will miss the little yet lovely changes throughout Hanoi.

Hanoi in September
In September, there’s no better way to explore Hanoi than by motorbike. ( Source: Collected)

Sometimes the fall appeal of Hanoi is so strong that all it takes to fall in love with the city is a mild breeze on a peaceful afternoon. Imagine riding in the clear, fresh air and breathing in the sweet aroma of fall bloom flowers. Imagine yourself strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, where the willow trees softly sweep the moss-covered waters, or marveling before the architectural wonder of time, St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The little flower merchants riding bicycles bring a certain touch not found in busy cities like Saigon.

Hanoi in September
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, an architectural gem that stands the test of time. ( Source: Collected)

Renting a motorbike in Hanoi is simple and reasonably priced for those arriving from vast distances. Each day the rental fee falls between 130,000 and 200,000 VND. Just be sure the bike is in good condition before you leave the rental business. For those who like to improve their experience, organized trips like Hanoi Motorbike Tour can provide a closer view of the energetic September scene of Hanoi.

Hanoi in September
For travelers coming from afar, renting a motorbike in Hanoi is easy and affordable. ( Source: Collected)

To be really honest, Hanoi is fascinating in any season—not only the fall. But the cool air following a sweltering summer, the romantic ambiance permeating every street, and the golden leaves inspiring memories and desire make Hanoi in September really unique. That’s the time of year when you just must desire to return to Hanoi.

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