Hanoi Autumn Festival 2025 opens in a symphony of culture and memories

THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi Department of Tourism has opened the 3rd Hanoi Autumn Festival, transforming Tran Nhan Tong walking street and Thong Nhat Park into a living tapestry of memories, colors and culture.

With its theme “Hanoi Autumn – Autumn of Memories,” the festival invites visitors on a three-day journey through the emotional and cultural landscapes of the capital.

Held from November 21 to 23, the event blends the nostalgia of old Hanoi with the dynamism of a modern metropolis, offering a multi-layered festival experience shaped by travel businesses, artisans, craft villages, cultural organizations and creators from across the country.

In his opening remarks, Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said this year’s edition aims to “rediscover Hanoi’s beauty through many layers of memory,” while positioning autumn as a defining tourism identity for the capital in the years ahead.

“This vision reflects the tourism sector’s commitment to renewing how Hanoi’s identity is celebrated and promoted, especially during a time when the city is advancing rapidly on its development path,” said Hieu.

Carrying this spirit into every corner, the festival features 150 booths representing provinces, travel businesses, craft villages, artisans and cultural organizations.

Each exhibition space serves as a “window of memory,” evoking the elegance of old Hanoi while introducing creative, contemporary tourism offerings. From autumn-themed travel products and hands-on experiences to new tour models and destination highlights, visitors are invited to immerse themselves fully in Hanoi’s charm as the city transitions gently into early winter.

The festival opened in a crescendo of art and emotion with “Hanoi Autumn Melody,” a performance crafted like a symphony of light and sound. The show transported audiences from nostalgic echoes of the past to the youthful pulse of today’s Hanoi, creating an atmosphere that perfectly set the tone for the days ahead.

Strengthening the festival’s modern dimension, the highlight of this year’s edition is the virtual reality zone by Thien Quang Lake, where visitors can step into vivid 5D journeys through iconic Hanoi sites such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the Temple of Literature, bringing heritage to life in an entirely new way.

Complementing the immersive experiences, the photo exhibition “Hanoi - Autumn Seen Through the Lens” offers a gentle visual narrative of the city, told through the perspectives of photographers and lovers of Hanoi. Their works reveal a capital that is both delicate and profound, familiar yet ever full of surprises.

Adding cultural vibrancy, the morning of November 23 will feature a special arts program at Tran Nhan Tong walking street. Folk art troupes from various localities, including Thanh Oai lion and dragon dances, Te Tieu puppetry, Dan Phuong cheo (folk singing) performances and northern folk quintessence will come together with lively student and children’s dance groups to create a colorful and emotionally rich cultural showcase.

In harmony with the festival’s celebratory spirit, tourism businesses are also contributing to the excitement through new tour packages, promotional gifts and special discounts.

Nguyen Thi Van, General Director of Hanoitourist, shared that more than 60 domestic and international tours are being introduced, with a strong focus on destinations across the Northeastern region.

Unique offerings, including tours to Antarctica, journeys along the Central Asian Silk Road and explorations of Central and South America are expected to attract adventurous travelers. Visitors booking during the festival period may enjoy gifts or discounts of up to 10%.

With its blend of tradition and innovation, memory and creativity, the 2025 Hanoi Autumn Festival 2025 not only celebrates the capital’s most beautiful season but also affirms Hanoi’s position as a vibrant cultural- tourism destination, one that continues to inspire, captivate and welcome travelers from near and far.