Ao Dai tells stories of heritage within Hanoi’s iconic historical site
Graceful Vietnamese traditional attire of Ao Dai shines on a strike night in the Temple of Literature.
THE HANOI TIMES — The fashion art program entitled “Ao Dai on the Heritage Trail” unfolded like a moving painting, celebrating the timeless beauty of Vietnam’s cultural heritage through the iconic Ao Dai.
This evocative performance on November 2 marked a highlight of the Thang Long - Hanoi Festival 2025, which will continue throughout November, a month dedicated to honoring the soul of the capital and the diverse traditions that shape the Vietnamese identity.
From Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh, the cradle of the ancient Dai Co Viet Kingdom, to Thang Long - Hanoi, and then to Hue and the majestic Central Highlands, every catwalk step paid tribute to the skillful artisans and visionary designers who continue to weave Vietnam’s heritage into modern life.
The Ho Van Lake sparkles with lanterns and water, transforming into a living stage where the thousand-year-old spirit of Hanoi comes alive.
The show opened with the chorus "Con duong cai quan" (the The Great Trunk Road of Vietnam).
Audiences follow the visual rhythm, from the tranquil Ngo Dong River in Trang An (Ninh Binh) to Hanoi, where history whispered through the rustle of silk.
Designer Trinh Bich Thuy’s quilted silk Ao Dai collection evoke the early morning cries of street vendors a tender portrait of Hanoi’s everyday poetry.
Charming models showcase colorful, modernized Ao Dai, blending tradition with contemporary style.
The “Hang Trong - Dong Ho Paintings” collection is vibrant under stage lights, turning folk art into fashion that breaths with new life.
A dreamy purple glow fills the space, where Vietnamese women in Ao dai evoke the timeless beauty of Hue’s royal heritage.
Audiences journey through the forests of the Central Highlands, where the brocade and Zeng weaving traditions of the Ta Oi, M’nong and Jrai peoples come alive in vivid color and texture.
Even as gentle rain began to fall, local and international visitors remain captivated by the poetic harmony of music, light and tradition.
“Ao Dai on the Heritage Road” is an artistic pilgrimage, a vivid encounter with Vietnam’s living heritage.
In the heart of Hanoi, amid soft reflections on the water, the Ao Dai once again told stories of memory, pride and the enduring beauty of Vietnamese culture.
