Hanoi in autumn is a sight to behold, with its cool weather and romantic scenery that has inspired poetry, music, and art. This season paints the city in a captivating light, enticing both local and foreign travelers to explore its streets.
A City That Beckons Travelers
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The mild autumn climate in Hanoi is perfect for outdoor activities. One popular choice is a cyclo tour around the charming Old Quarter, offering a unique perspective of the city’s rich history. Photo: Tra My |
Hanoi’s autumnal allure extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. The season provides an opportunity to delve into the city’s cultural and historical depths. Visitors can meander through the Old Quarter, taking in the ancient architecture, including the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, bathed in the warm glow of golden sunlight. The crisp autumn air also brings forth seasonal delights, such as green rice flakes and ripe persimmons, adding a delectable dimension to the Hanoi experience.
Le Ba Dung, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, highlights the serene charm of Hanoi in autumn, which presents a unique opportunity for tourism product development. Travel agencies have crafted autumn-specific itineraries, allowing visitors to explore iconic destinations such as the Temple of Literature, West Lake, and the Imperial Citadel, along with the floral splendor of Ly Thai To Flower Garden and the historic Phan Dinh Phung Street.
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An idyllic autumn afternoon by Hoan Kiem Lake, one of Hanoi’s iconic landmarks. Photo: Dong Duc |
From a business perspective, Hanoi’s autumn offers a broader range of experiences for international visitors. Nguyen Thi Van, Deputy General Director of Hanoitourist Corporation, notes that while international tourists typically spend one to two nights in Hanoi, the autumn season encourages longer stays and a desire for more immersive experiences, such as capturing memorable moments on the picturesque Phan Dinh Phung Street, lined with golden dragon plum leaves.
Nguyen Tran Quang, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Agency (HPA), underscores the unique appeal of Hanoi’s autumn, stating that it is a distinctive product of the city, attracting travelers from near and far.
“Hanoi has recently been recognized by CNN as one of the top 12 fall destinations globally,” Quang shares. “The city’s tourism industry is leveraging this unique seasonal advantage to develop creative and captivating tourism offerings.”
Unveiling a Plethora of New Experiences
According to industry experts, Hanoi has immense potential to become a top fall destination. However, to fully captivate travelers, the city must offer a diverse range of tours and cultural events, fostering the creation of new tourism products.
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Autumn in Hanoi also marks the season for delectable street food experiences, with a variety of seasonal treats to indulge in. Photo: autumnhanoi |
Flamingo Redtours JSC, for instance, has launched four innovative Hanoi fall tourism products focusing on history, culture, and architecture: ‘Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh Era’, ‘A Glimpse of Europe in the Heart of Hanoi’, ‘Hanoi – 36 Streets’, and ‘One Day Exploring West Lake.’
Tran Thi Thuy Lan, Deputy Head of the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, emphasizes their annual autumn attractions, including the Old Quarter Mid-Autumn Festival, electric car tours, and the opportunity to step back in time at the Heritage House on Ma May Street.
Chu Ngoc Quan, Deputy Director of Ba Vi National Park, reveals their plans to unlock the area’s tourism potential with experiential travel products, such as a tree marigold flower festival in October and adventure sports like cycling and mountaineering.
To further entice visitors to the city this season, HPA is preparing for the Hanoi Autumn Festival 2024, a celebration to be held in the walking space around Hoan Kiem Lake. This festival will showcase the very best of Hanoi’s culture, history, and culinary delights.
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The recently opened Nhan Dan Cafeteria by Hoan Kiem Lake offers a refreshing respite for travelers exploring the city. Photo: Dinh Xuan Tien |
According to Nguyen Huu Viet, Head of HPA’s Tourism Promotion Department, the festival will feature 150 booths and various promotional spaces highlighting Hanoi’s cultural richness. The event will also commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation with special exhibitions and culinary delights.
During the festival, the Hanoi Tourism Association will introduce seven captivating tours associated with Hanoi’s fall, including a food tour, a photo tour, and an exploration of Duong Lam Ancient Village, showcasing the essence of Northern Vietnam. An elevated urban railway tour will also provide a unique perspective of the city.
The 2024 Hanoi Autumn Festival will not only promote the city’s tourism products but also showcase the skills of artisans and craftsmen from Hanoi’s renowned craft villages. Artisan Nguyen Van Su highlights how these performances will allow visitors to discover the exquisite handicrafts of Hanoian craft villages, such as Giang Cao ceramics, Ha Thai lacquerware, and Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo weaving.
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Hanoi’s autumn is the perfect time to indulge in rustic flavors and enjoy the gentle sunshine. Photo: Nguyen Thi Gai |
Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, emphasizes the city’s commitment to supporting travel businesses in attracting tourists. To this end, the department has designed a series of annual autumn events, including the Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024, which will celebrate the elegance of Vietnamese culture and the liberation of the capital through performances, exhibitions, and promotional activities.
“Our goal is to establish Hanoi’s fall season as a prominent brand in the tourism industry,” affirms Giang. “In addition to organizing annual autumn events, we will enhance promotion and cooperation with localities and travel businesses to develop fresh and enticing tourism products, ensuring Hanoi remains a must-visit destination.”
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Hanoi Autumn Festival 2024: Unveiling the Captivating Charm of Hanoi’s Tourism and Cultural Panorama
Over 50,000 revelers flocked to the heart of Hanoi, as the city hosted its annual Autumn Festival for the second time. The four-day event, which took place from September 19 to 22, transformed the pedestrian streets surrounding the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake into a vibrant celebration of culture and community.