Hanoi is adorned with a carpet of Ban (Bauhinia) flowers in purple colour spreading around Hoan Kiem Lake and along Thanh Nien and Bac Son Roads.

The ancient lecythidaceae trees by Hoan Kiem lake are shedding their leaves.

Hoa Sua, also known as Dalbergia bouruana gagu flowers, have become an integral part of Hanoiains.

Hanoi has an old quarter of 36 streets of which names are attached to a traditional trade, such as Hang Muoi Street selling salt and Hang Manh Street selling bamboo curtains.

Tet is arriving, and the streets of Hanoi are bustling with colours, crowds and and sound.

Hanoi is host to one of the most unusual markets in Vietnam: open only once a week, on Saturday, and then for only a few hours, 9:00 to 12:30.

Phung Nghi village, in Hanoi’s Hoang Mai District, is famous for their tradition of making incense sticks.