Foreigners dress in Ao dai to enjoy Lunar New Year celebrations
Vietnam’s national costume, the Ao dai, is one of the country’s most iconic symbols of beauty. Over centuries, it has evolved alongside Vietnam, transforming from royal attire to everyday wear, from simplicity to high fashion, and back again. Cherished by both the young and the old, the Ao dai’s graceful design complements men and women alike, reflecting timeless elegance and cultural pride.
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Vietnamese women love wearing Ao dai for photo shoots in beautiful settings. Golden Autumn days in Hanoi call for photo sessions around Hoan Kiem Lake. A wedding is the perfect time to wear one’s best Ao dai. In Vietnam, the bride and groom and the wedding entourage will wear elaborate Ao dai at the traditional ceremony, then guests will show up for the reception in simpler but equally colourful designs. During Tet (Lunar New Year) you’ll see the dress in all its glory as women wear it to visit friends and family and pay tribute at temples and shrines.
Nowadays, Ao dai is no longer exclusive to Vietnamese people, as foreigners have also been increasingly attracted to wearing it, especially ahead of the Lunar New Year.
Numerous foreigners have fallen in love with the Ao dai. Some have said that wearing the Ao dai makes them look like royal family members.
There is a growing trend of foreigners donning Ao dai for spring outings in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City ahead of next month’s Lunar New Year.
On social media platforms, keywords such as “Ao dai Viet Nam” and “Tet holiday in Viet Nam” have risen in searches, boosting demand for rental services.
This trend as a positive sign that Vietnam is strengthening its image as a cultural destination.
The social media trends and promotions by key opinion leaders have encouraged hands-on cultural experiences, contributing to getting foreign visitors to Vietnam.
Not only showcased in national costume competitions such as Miss Vietnam, but the Ao dai also has gradually spread around the world as a symbol of Vietnamese culture. On May 6, 2001, Vietnamese traditional dress was introduced for the first time during City Tours in France, attracting around 300 enthusiasts of Vietnamese culture. Today, the Ao dai is widely regarded as an intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.
At major international events held in Vietnam, the Ao dai has often been chosen as the official attire for heads of state, notably at the 2006 APEC Summit in Hanoi. In 2007, contestants of Miss Earth from various countries were fascinated by this unique national costume and had the opportunity to appear gracefully in Ao dai paired with palm-leaf conical hats in Ho Chi Minh City. The Ao dai has also featured prominently in other beauty contests such as Miss Lady 2009.
Modern Ao dai designs are more form-fitting, tailored closely to the body to highlight elegance and femininity. The dress consists of two long panels in the front and back, extending from the neck to the ankles, worn over loose trousers that lightly touch the ground. To achieve a perfect fit, Ao dai must be custom-made based on individual body measurements, with each piece carefully sewn by hand. The materials used are rich and diverse, often adorned with delicate lines, embroidery, or handcrafted patterns.
In recent years, the Ao dai has undergone many creative transformations, blending traditional cultural elements with modern fashion trends. These innovations have helped the Ao dai stand out at international fashion weeks, cultural festivals, and beauty contests both in Vietnam and abroad. Together, they contribute to promoting the Ao dai as a cultural icon of Vietnam — the beloved S-shaped country.
Sources: Collected
Photos: Collected
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