Traditional attire parade 2025: Heritage in motion in modern Hanoi
Thousands of participants filled the streets around Hoan Kiem Lake, creating a vibrant cultural spectacle that captivated both locals and visitors.
THE HANOI TIMES —This year’s “Ao dai” and “Bach hoa bo hanh” parade offered a visual feast and a fresh connection to Vietnam’s heritage.
As part of the Hanoi Ao Dai Tourism Festival 2025, the Ao Dai and Royal Costume Parade of Vietnam’s feudal dynasties moved along the pedestrian streets around Hoan Kiem Lake on the afternoon of November 15.
The event energized weekend travelers and residents and reaffirmed the Ao dai as a treasured intangible cultural heritage and a symbol of Hanoi’s tourism identity.
As the festival’s grand finale, the parade concluded days of lively cultural activities that drew strong public participation and showcased the beauty of Vietnamese traditions while linking heritage preservation with tourism development. It also helped promote Vietnam’s cultural image to international visitors.
A lively dragon dance opens the parade, setting an energetic tone for the procession of Ao Dai and royal costumes. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times
The event was organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism, reinforcing the city’s commitment to cultural promotion and heritage tourism.
Young women in 19th-century civilian attire introduce viewers to Vietnam’s everyday elegance of the past.
Modern Ao Dai designs appear with graceful, stylized hats, blending contemporary fashion with time-honored aesthetics.
The Phuong Bao, a resplendent royal gown once worn by Nguyen Dynasty queens, captivates spectators with its intricate embroidery and regal presence.
Vietnam’s ethnic diversity takes center stage, with groups showcasing traditional attire from across the country.
Tay ethnic women perform the soft melodies of the Then singing, bringing the soundscape of Vietnam’s northern mountains into the heart of the capital.
A girl in vivid traditional dress of H’Mong ethnic minority draws admiration with the community’s signature textiles.
A young Ede boy appears in the distinctive attire of the Central Highlands, offering a glimpse into the region’s bold cultural identity.
Royal attire of Nguyen kings and queens adds majestic flair to the parade, evoking images of Vietnam’s imperial past.
Pa Then ethnic costumes are known for their striking red patterns.
The vibrant parade captivated both locals and visitors in Hanoi over the weekend.
