Photo by Dung Anh on Unsplash

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The beauty of Ao Dai (Vietnamese Dress)

A Tet New Year Celebration at Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi

Gil Van Dyke
3 min readJan 6, 2025

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Vietnam’s traditional dress, the Ao Dai, is a symbol of elegance, culture, and national pride. This flowing, figure-hugging garment, usually made from silk of other delicate fabrics, is often adorned with intricate embroidery of patterns. The Ao Dai’s design accentuates the beauty of the wearer while maintaining a graceful modesty, making it a timeless piece of Vietnamese fashion.

Photo by Dung Anh on Unsplash

One of the most spectacular displays of the Ao Dai can be witnessed during the Tet New Year celebrations in Hanoi, particularly around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. Tet, the Vietnamese lunar New Year, is the most significant holiday in Vietnam. Marked by plenty festivities, family reunions, and cultural traditions.

In the days leading up to Tet, Hoan Kiem Lake becomes a vibrant hub of activity. This past year, the lake was transformed into a sea of colors and elegance as thousands of women, dressed in their finest Ao Dai, gathered to celebrate. The sight was nothing short of breathtaking. The traditional dresses, in a myriad of colors and designs, flowed gently in the breeze, reflecting the rich…

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Gil Van Dyke
Gil Van Dyke

Written by Gil Van Dyke

As a Dutch solo traveler, I share cultural, demographic, political, and historical insights via engaging blogs. Support me at buymeacoffee.com/gilvandyke

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