Many people working on the streets in Hanoi had to start fires to keep themselves warm during the chilly weather.

The first cold spell descended on the north and causing snow in mountainous places such Sapa and Dong Van District. Temperatures in Hanoi reached as low as 10 Celsius.

"This is the coldest weather we've had since winter started, but it won't last long. Weather in Hanoi be warmer starting December 17. The mountainous normally have colder weather so everyone must be prepared for hail." said Le Thanh Hai, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

In the meantime, many people that work outdoors in Hanoi, such as vendors or motorbike taxi drivers, have started using open air fires to get through the day.

Some of the photos:

Fire provides some heat for the street vendor

Motorbike taxi drivers wait for customers

Starting a fire

Lack of customers due to the cold and rain

Day labourer wait for work