Hanoi’s Festival of the Ao Dai: A Cultural Celebration to Inspire and Promote Tourism

This autumn, Hanoi is set to celebrate the iconic ao dai, a timeless symbol of Vietnamese cultural identity. The city will host a series of cultural events, honoring the traditional dress and its enduring appeal, while also attracting tourists eager to immerse themselves in this rich cultural heritage.

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As Hanoi commemorates its 70th anniversary of liberation, the Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival 2024 celebrates Vietnamese cultural heritage, with the elegant ao dai taking center stage.

Honoring the Ao Dai: A Symbol of Vietnamese Culture and Elegance



The festival showcases the unique beauty of Vietnam’s traditional ao dai, a symbol of grace and cultural pride. Photo: Bui Lan Huong

From October 4 to 6, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center will host a celebration of Hanoi’s cultural heritage, with the ao dai as its shining star. The festival, themed “Hanoi – The Quintessence of Ao Dai,” aims to become an annual autumn attraction, drawing visitors to explore the city’s rich cultural offerings.

According to Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, the event has become a beloved tradition that honors the ao dai while promoting local tourism. The ao dai, with its elegant lines and rich history, is a source of national pride and a unique souvenir for visitors to cherish.

Through diverse activities and performances, Hanoi’s tourism sector showcases the ao dai as a “tourism ambassador.” This iconic garment will help spread the charm of Vietnam to international visitors, positioning Hanoi as a “Safe, Friendly, Quality, and Attractive” destination.



The Ao Dai Collection by renowned designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam, a celebration of Vietnamese elegance.

The opening ceremony, “Hanoi – The Quintessence of Ao Dai,” blends music, lighting, and epic songs, taking guests on a journey through Hanoi’s 70-year history of liberation.

The festival will feature a spectacular ao dai collection parade, showcasing the creations of 70 designers from across Vietnam. Brands such as OZ Design House, Ao Dai La Hang, and Do Trinh Hoai Nam will grace the runway, accompanied by a photo exhibition and tourism offerings centered around this iconic garment.

Ngoc Han, Miss Vietnam 2010, presented her latest collection at the festival, featuring dozens of exquisite ao dai designs. “This festival provides a platform for young designers to showcase their talent and contribute to the global recognition of Vietnamese ao dai,” she shared. “It is our generation’s goal to see the ao dai celebrated worldwide.”



Beauty, grace, and tradition seamlessly blend in this ao dai design by Ngoc Han. Photo: Ngoc Han Boutique

Artisan Nguyen Van Su, from the Association of Craft, Ancient and Cultural Villages, shared that the event will feature demonstrations by artisans from traditional craft villages, such as Trach Xa Ao Dai Village and Van Phuc Silk Village. Visitors will also indulge in Hanoi’s culinary delights, featuring the theme “Thang Long’s Five Flavors.”

Hanoi’s Ao Dai Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Community



Members of the Dinh Lang Viet Club, proudly wearing the ao dai, participate in the Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2024. Photo: Nguyen Duc Binh

Nguyen Thu Thuy, from Vietnam National University, highlighted the ao dai‘s potential in promoting Vietnam’s tourism. She suggested specialized tours that allow visitors to engage in experiential activities, such as fabric dyeing or embellishing their own ao dai. These interactive experiences will create lasting memories and encourage word-of-mouth promotion of Hanoi’s unique cultural offerings.

Nguyen Duc Binh, chairman of the Vietnamese Village Communal House Club, emphasized the importance of promoting the ao dai in preserving and celebrating Vietnamese cultural history. He suggested exhibitions in Hanoi’s old quarter and artisan villages, showcasing the ao dai‘s evolution and significance. Binh also proposed costume shows, photo tours, and opportunities for visitors to try on both traditional and modern ao dai at iconic destinations, creating unforgettable cultural experiences.



The “Quintessence of Ao Dai” bus offers a unique perspective of Hanoi’s beauty, combining history and fashion. Photo: Hanoi Tourism Department

Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, commended the festival for its contribution to Hanoi’s tourism appeal. He noted that the event showcases the city’s unique and attractive travel offerings, drawing visitors from near and far. The Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival opens new horizons, solidifying Hanoi and Vietnam as must-visit destinations.

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