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As the gentle sunlight illuminates the ancient rooftops, Hanoi on a weekend morning radiates a beauty that is both peaceful and vibrant. The city seems to have its own way of inviting locals and tourists alike to savor every moment. "Hanoi can't be rushed"—this familiar saying seems to perfectly reflect how people enjoy a weekend morning here.
Peaceful morning
Early morning in Hanoi - a moment of peace.
For Nguyen My Linh, a photographer originally from Hanoi, experiencing a weekend morning here is not just about enjoying familiar foods, but also about slowing down and appreciating the city's beauty. Weekend mornings in Hanoi always begin with very familiar sounds. On weekends, the city becomes peaceful, free from the blaring car horns and bustling crowds, replaced instead by very relaxing activities.
Hanoi on weekends usually begins with familiar, peaceful sounds and sights.
“People wake up early to go jogging, then they go out for breakfast or coffee with family or friends, chatting and watching the streets and the people passing by,” Linh shared. Steaming bowls of pho, soft and fragrant rice rolls, or a rich cup of egg coffee – all these pieces create a peaceful picture of Hanoi's early morning. Weekend morning activities unfold at a leisurely pace, as a way for Hanoians to enjoy each moment and recharge after a stressful week of work,” Linh shared.
Hanoi delicacies
Hanoi in the morning through the eyes of a photographer.
For a photography enthusiast like Nguyen My Linh, a weekend morning is not just a time to relax, but also a time to explore and capture everyday moments in Hanoi. Despite living and working all week in a hectic pace, Linh always makes time for weekend mornings to "chill."
“Sometimes I wake up really early, go to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then stop by Phan Dinh Phung to take pictures of the sunbeams, walk through the Old Quarter to photograph street vendors, old walls, and feel a truly peaceful Hanoi. On rainy days, I often go to the Grand Cathedral, sit and sip lemon tea and watch the streets through the window,” Linh confided.
The essence of autumn is encapsulated in a single leaf.
Take your time, sip slowly, and enjoy a weekend morning.
With its shady green trees, ancient walls, and gentle sunlight filtering through the leaves, Phan Dinh Phung Street is always a must-visit spot for her whenever she wants to find creative inspiration. "There, I can encounter very ordinary scenes that only Hanoi has – from street vendors and pedestrians to rare peaceful moments in the heart of the city," Linh says.
These flower floats are a characteristic feature of Hanoi.
Sunlight filtering through the lush green trees creates a dreamy scene, making anyone want to stop and take a picture.
Hanoi and its unique weekend characteristics.
Linh believes that weekends in Hanoi always have a special quality, unlike anywhere else. Hanoians have a unique sense of leisure. Not only young people like Linh, but also older generations dedicate their entire weekend mornings to enjoying Hanoi in their own way. From jogging around Hoan Kiem Lake, strolling along Phan Dinh Phung Street, taking photos with flowers, to enjoying sticky rice with green rice flakes and lemon tea at a small cafe near the Grand Cathedral. According to Linh, that's an essential combination for autumn in Hanoi.
Each generation enjoys Hanoi in its own unique way.
Places like West Lake, St. Joseph's Cathedral, Ho Guom pedestrian street, and Phan Dinh Phung street all become more bustling on weekends, as locals and tourists alike enjoy the beauty of the capital city.
If you're a tourist looking to explore Hanoi on a weekend morning, Nguyen My Linh has a few suggestions. "Start by strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake in the early morning, then enjoy a bowl of pho or a plate of banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) at a street food stall. Don't forget to visit Hanoi's iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoa Lo Prison, or the Temple of Literature," she shared.
Experience waking up early to watch the flag-raising ceremony at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Or wander around the streets and take photos.
Linh also advises that tourists should try sitting at a small cafe, sipping on Hanoi's famous egg coffee and watching the streets go by. Hanoi is a city of antiquity and tranquility; you will feel all of that through the everyday scenes, just slow down and enjoy.
