Everyone knows that Hanoi’s autumn is beautiful, beautiful in a gentle, shy, and humble way that makes everyone excited. If we had to “peel” that beauty into small parts, there would be a part of the sunny afternoons with light breezes, a part of the rustic green rice stalls, of the fragrant ripe star apples in the market baskets, and of the pure white color of the daisies.
The streets are filled with white
In the last days of November and the beginning of December, when the earth and sky are changing from autumn to winter, people often see trucks full of pure white flowers, concentrated mainly on the roads around Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Thanh Nien, and Phan Dinh Phung. It turns out that a season of daisies has returned, covering the city with a pure white coat to prepare for the cold of the end of the year.
Daisies on the streets of Hanoi (Photo: Unsplash)
Not as brilliant as sunflowers, nor as strikingly purple as aster, daisies gently add a gentle white-yellow color to the streets, making everyone passing by turn back. Some people stop to take a few photos, others stop by to buy a bunch or two to bring a bit of autumn home. The delicate flowers are carefully wrapped in newspaper by the seller, gently swaying in the gentle breeze of the end of the season.
No one knows since when this flower has become so closely associated with the streets of Hanoi. It is not because it exists “exclusively” here, but perhaps because its white petals and small, pretty yellow pistils “suit” Hanoi so well – a discreet and beautiful Hanoi in the minds and memories of many people.
A symbol of autumn and winter
The daisy season only lasts for 2-3 weeks. If not taken care of carefully, the flowers will quickly wither and wilt. However, that does not seem to bother flower lovers. On the contrary, it is this fragile beauty that makes the daisy more loved, because it urges people to quickly enjoy the beautiful days before the cold wind blows back.
Daisy is a symbol of late autumn (Photo: Fridei)
“Every late autumn, my friends and I invite each other to spend a weekend enjoying all the specialties of Hanoi’s autumn. We start with a cup of egg coffee and a fragrant sticky rice package, sipping and chatting while watching the streets at a familiar cafe. Then we go buy a big bouquet of daisies to stop by West Lake to take photos with the sunset. It’s like an experience package that anyone living in this city is eager to enjoy when autumn comes” – Phuong Anh, currently living in Hanoi, shared.
The remaining beauty of Hanoi's autumn (Photo: Phuong Thao)
Just like West Lake, along Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoang Dieu is also a place where many young people come to buy flowers and capture beautiful moments. There are rows of tall shady trees, the ancient Thang Long Imperial Citadel with its sacred historical atmosphere, the Cua Bac Church, and ancient houses imbued with the capital's character. People come here wearing white ao dai, holding bouquets of blooming daisies. The beauty of the late autumn and early winter days is suddenly wrapped up in simple yet heartbreakingly intimate moments.
This year, the capital Hanoi was ranked by CNN Travel of the United States as one of the 12 best places in the world to travel in the fall.
Many people who are in love with autumn say that this season has a lingering sadness.
Many people who are in love with the late autumn and early winter say that this season here has a very lingering sadness. Every time they go out on the street and wander around, whether alone or with others, they imagine it until their souls are dyed with a quiet look.
Sometimes, people feel a vague sadness in their hearts when thinking about the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Besides, Hanoi autumn also has many things to keep gourmets satisfied. "Cha ca" (fish cooked with turmeric and dill) is so famous that there is a street named after the dish. Hanoi-style shrimp cakes are another must-try dish when visiting Tay Ho Palace.
