Afterward, the group parked their motorbikes and wandered through nearby streets such as Tho Xuong, Ngo Huyen, Phu Doan, and Chan Cam to experience Hanoi's ancient architecture. These relaxed hours brought her a sense of peace.

In the afternoon of 8/8, Tran Thanh Thao, 34, along with three friends, strolled through the Old Quarter, capturing moments of Hanoi's nascent autumn.

Their first stop was the Big Church, a place that consistently draws both Hanoians and tourists who come to enjoy coffee, eat green sticky rice, and admire the streets from early morning until late evening.

Around the church area, grilled fermented pork roll eateries also attract young people. Grilled fermented pork rolls here are typically served with iced kumquat tea, iced sour plum, or seasonal drinks and sliced fruits. A set for two to three people costs approximately 200,000-300,000 VND.

"Normally, whenever I visit the Old Quarter, I only stop by the Big Church area for a quick photo before leaving. This is my first time exploring the small alleys to find 'a different Hanoi'," Thao shared. The further she went, the more Thao was surprised by the moss-covered rooftops, small shops, and vibrant flag banners. "If I had just passed by, I probably wouldn't have noticed", she said.

Thao also noticed an elderly couple strolling hand-in-hand, laughing. "Their smiles were truly warm", she said. A young couple holding hands while walking the streets also caught Thao's eye.

This weekend afternoon stroll served as a personal reward for Thao after a busy period at work.

The above photo was taken in Tho Xuong alley.

Autumn is also associated with familiar fruits and delicacies in Hanoi, such as persimmons and green sticky rice. The price of one kilogram of persimmons is around 80,000 VND. Thao enjoys buying persimmons to display at home each autumn for their fragrance. Hanoi's famous specialty, Vong village green sticky rice, also appears frequently on the streets.

After over two hours of taking photos, Thao and her friends rode their motorbikes to West Lake to "hunt" for the sunset. The photo was taken in the Thanh Nien street area. About two months ago, the trend of chasing West Lake sunsets attracted many young Hanoians after work.

Phuong Anh

Photos: Tran Thanh Thao