Autumn in Vietnam is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, bringing a sense of comfort and tranquility. Vietnam’s autumn is not only characterized by the cool weather but also by its unique cultural aspects, customs, and landscapes. Here are some prominent features of autumn in Vietnam:
1. Autumn Weather
Cool Climate: Autumn in Vietnam typically begins from August to November, when the climate transitions from the hot summer to a cooler, more comfortable temperature. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 28°C in the North and around 28°C to 32°C in the South.
Autumn Wind: The autumn wind blows gently, creating a chilly feeling, especially in the early mornings and evenings. The autumn breeze makes the air refreshing and pleasant, perfect for strolling and enjoying nature.
2. Autumn Scenery
Golden Leaves: In the North, especially in Hanoi, autumn is the time when trees begin to shed their leaves. Trees such as phoenix, maple, sấu, and hoa sữa turn golden and red. The fallen leaves on the streets create a very beautiful and romantic scene.
Lakes and Rivers: Autumn is also when the lakes and rivers in Vietnam become calmer and more poetic. Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi) and West Lake are especially enchanting in autumn, with early morning mist covering the water, creating a dreamy picture.
Autumn Rice Fields: In the rural areas of the North, autumn is the harvest season, and the rice fields turn golden. It is the perfect time to admire the vast rice fields, especially in regions like Mù Cang Chải, Sapa, or Hoa Binh.
3. Autumn Cuisine
Com (Green Sticky Rice): Com is a specialty of autumn in Northern Vietnam, made from young rice. It has a fragrant, sweet taste and is often eaten with ripe bananas or made into com cakes. This is a familiar food in autumn and symbolizes tranquility.
Che Sau (Sour Soup): When autumn arrives, sấu fruit (which has a mild sour taste) ripens, creating a delicious and refreshing che sau, perfect for the cool autumn days.
Bánh Cuốn (Rolled Rice Cakes): This dish is quite popular in autumn when the weather is cool. Bánh cuốn with fillings of pork, mushrooms, served with Vietnamese sausage and special fish sauce makes a delightful meal.
Mooncakes: Autumn is also the season for Mid-Autumn Festival, when various mooncakes with fillings such as mixed ingredients, green beans, lotus seeds, or even savory meat are sold everywhere, enriching the autumn specialties.
4. Autumn Activities and Festivals
Mid-Autumn Festival: The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional celebration of autumn in Vietnam, usually taking place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This is a time for children to play, carry star-shaped lanterns, and break the mooncakes. The festival is also an occasion for families to gather and enjoy each other’s company.
Strolling and Sightseeing: Autumn is an ideal time for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or taking a trip to enjoy the autumn scenery. Major cities such as Hanoi, Hue, Da Lat, and Sapa all offer beautiful and poetic autumn landscapes.
5. Autumn Customs and Culture
Rice Harvest: Autumn is the rice harvest season, especially in the Red River Delta and the Northern regions. The sight of farmers harvesting rice in the fields, accompanied by joyful chatter, creates a typical rural picture.
Autumn in Poetry: Autumn is also an endless source of inspiration in Vietnamese culture, especially in poetry. Poets like Xuân Diệu, Hàn Mặc Tử, and Vũ Hoàng Chương have written famous poems about autumn, describing the romantic and serene beauty of the season.
