When the gentle sunlight shines on each ancient street roof, Hanoi on a weekend morning glows with a beauty that is both peaceful and full of life. It seems that this city always has its own way of inviting people and tourists to enjoy every moment. "Hanoi is not in a hurry" - that familiar saying seems to be most clearly reflected in the way people enjoy a weekend morning here.
Peaceful morning
Hanoi early morning - a moment of peace
For Nguyen My Linh - a photographer originally from Hanoi, experiencing a weekend morning here is not only about enjoying familiar dishes but also about living slowly and feeling the beauty of the city. Weekend mornings in Hanoi always start with very familiar sounds. This city on weekends becomes quiet, without the loud car horns or the hustle and bustle of people, but instead there are very "chill" activities.
Hanoi weekends often begin with familiar, simple sounds and images.
“People get up early to jog, then go out with family or friends to have breakfast, drink coffee, chat, and watch the streets and people passing by,” Linh shared. Steaming bowls of pho, a plate of soft and fragrant banh cuon or a cup of strong egg coffee - all are like pieces of a puzzle that create a peaceful picture of Hanoi’s early morning. Weekend morning activities all take place very slowly, as a way for the capital’s residents to enjoy every moment and recharge after a stressful work week,” Linh shared.
Hanoi gifts
Hanoi morning through the eyes of a photographer
For a photography lover like Nguyen My Linh, a weekend morning is not only a time to rest, but also a time for her to explore and capture everyday moments of Hanoi. Despite living and working all week in a hectic pace, Linh always takes time on weekend mornings to "chill".
“Some days I wake up really early, go to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then stop by Phan Dinh Phung to take pictures of the sun rays, walk through the old quarter to take pictures of street vendors, old walls and feel a truly peaceful Hanoi. On rainy days, I often go to the Great Church, sit and sip lemon tea and watch the streets through the window,” Linh confided.
Autumn wrapped up in a leaf
Enjoy a leisurely sip on a weekend morning
Phan Dinh Phung with its shady green trees, ancient walls, and gentle sunlight filtering through the leaves is always a place she cannot miss whenever she wants to find creative inspiration. "There, I can encounter very ordinary images that only Hanoi has - from street vendors, people walking to rare peaceful scenes in the heart of the city," Linh said.
Typical flower cars of Hanoi
The sunlight through the green trees creates a poetic scene, making anyone want to stop to take pictures.
Hanoi and its weekend features
Linh believes that weekends in Hanoi are always special, unlike anywhere else. Hanoians have their own leisurely lifestyle. Not only young people like Linh, but also the elderly spend the whole weekend morning enjoying Hanoi in their own way. From jogging around Hoan Kiem Lake, walking on Phan Dinh Phung Street, taking pictures with flowers, to the moments of eating sticky rice and drinking lemon tea at a small cafe near the Great Church. According to Linh, that is an indispensable combo for autumn in Hanoi.
Every generation has its own way of enjoying Hanoi.
Places like West Lake, the Great Church, Hoan Kiem Lake walking street, or Phan Dinh Phung all become more bustling on weekends, when locals and tourists enjoy the beauty of the capital.
If you are a tourist who wants to explore Hanoi on a weekend morning, Nguyen My Linh has a few small suggestions. "Start by walking around Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake in the early morning, then enjoy a bowl of pho or a plate of banh cuon at a sidewalk restaurant. Don't forget to visit iconic places of Hanoi such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hoa Lo Prison or Temple of Literature," she shared.
Experience waking up early to watch the flag raising ceremony at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum
Or hang out on street corners to check-in
Linh also recommends that visitors should try sitting at a small cafe, sipping a cup of Hanoi's famous egg coffee and watching the streets. Hanoi is a city of antiquity and peace, you will feel all of that through every picture of everyday life, just slow down and enjoy.
