With the festival peaking on the full-moon day of the eighth lunar month, thousands of people flocked to traditional markets in Hang Luoc and Hang Ma streets in Hoan Kiem District to stroll and shop for lanterns and toys, creating a bustling scene.
As in previous years, this area remains the most popular gathering spot in Hanoi during the festival, which is celebrated in many Asian countries.
Streets surrounding the Old Quarter, including Luong Van Can, Hang Can, Hang Ma, Hang Luoc, Hang Dao, and Hang Chieu, were packed with visitors.
Many parents had to carry their children on their shoulders to prevent them from getting lost or overwhelmed in the crush of people.
Shop staff selling toys and decorations for Mid-Autumn added to the festive atmosphere by shooting bubbles into the street, much to the delight of children who eagerly reached out to pop them.
Nguyen Anh Tu in Gia Lam District spent nearly an hour strolling around Hang Ma Street.
"This is the first year my whole family celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival in the Old Quarter. Taking the kids out is fun, but also quite tiring because of the heat and overcrowding. I bought a butterfly costume for my daughter, which cost VND170,000 (US$7)," he said.
Nguyen Hong Hanh and her boyfriend arrived at Hang Ma Street at 8:30 p.m.
She purchased a mini lantern for VND50,000 as a photo prop.
"This is my first time celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with my boyfriend here. Before coming, we walked around and enjoyed some food at nearby spots in the Old Quarter. The atmosphere is very lively, but it's also quite hot and challenging to move around," Hanh said.
Pham Gia Huy, a resident of Hoang Mai District, spent VND170,000 buying a lion head toy to celebrate the festival.
At 9 p.m., Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square was packed with people. The large crowds made the area more vibrant and lively than ever.
Hanoi is recovering from severe impacts from typhoon Yagi, the strongest to hit Asia this year. The typhoon swept through Hanoi on the night of Sept. 7, felling tens of thousands of trees and triggering downpours that forced the city to scramble in its worst flooding in 20 years.
