Guom Lake. Photograph by vietnguyenbui

The shade of autumn at Hoan Kiem Lake. Photograph by vietnguyenbui

Hanoi has been listed among 12 best places in the world to go for fall by American news channel CNN, as it gets drier and cooler after the monsoon season.

CNN suggests that visitors stroll around the city’s Old Quarter, famous for historical streets specializing in a particular trade like jewelry, fabrics and flowers where visitors can try signature dishes including cha ca (fried catfish with turmeric and dill) or banh tom (fried shrimp cake).

La Vong Restaurant, which has been serving cha ca for over a century inside the Old Quarter, might be the most famous address in Hanoi to try this dish.

A motorbike tour through the quarter that is dotted with ancient houses, French colonial buildings, cafes and food stalls, is also a must-try experience, CNN said.

CNN also suggested visitors drop by Dong Ngac, around 10 kilometers northeast of Hanoi and dubbed a “village of scholars.”

It’s one of a few villages in Hanoi to retain its cultural features and historical architectural style despite the impacts of rapid urbanization.

The CNN list also included Mexico, Madrid, Egypt, Cape Town, Hawaii, Polynesian island country Samoa, Greenville in the U.S., U.S.-Canada Atlantic cruises, Bavaria in Germany, Buenos Aires in Argentina, and Azores Island in Portugal.