Hanoi is known as the greenest of all Vietnamese cities, with many old almond trees. Its red leaves evoke emotions among Hanoians and serve as a distinctive element of the thousand-year-old capital every late winter.

The old friend, the almond tree, which has also seen many changes in Hanoi in the past and present, helps purify the air and, as a legacy of Hanoi, adorns the city with its beauty and vibrant color during the leaf-changing season.

The beauty of trees is even praised in art and poetry and is often depicted in the most beautiful paintings of Hanoi by many famous local artists.

With its broad canopy and large leaves, the graceful tree is said to have been planted by the French in various streets of Hanoi in the early 19th century. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times

The trees are available on many old roads, such as Cua Nam, Hang Bong, Phung Hung, Hang Chieu, Hang Ma, and others.

The bright red leaves stand against the yellow walls of the French-style houses in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Hanoi's streets seem brighter on dark winter days thanks to the brilliant red almond leaves.

The season of red leaves in Hanoi is fleeting, lasting just three weeks. As soon as the first drops of spring rainfall, these old leaves will be replaced by young and green ones.

The red almond adds to the beauty of the city.