Ao Dai, the quintessential symbol of Vietnamese culture, will once again take center stage at the year’s most captivating cultural tourism event – the Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival. Now in its 11th year, the festival is not only a highly anticipated annual highlight but also a source of constant innovation, offering increasingly unique and profound experiences for both locals and tourists. The 2025 HCMC Ao Dai Festival promises to be a landmark edition, celebrating the ascendance of the Vietnamese Ao Dai and sharing its beauty and cultural significance with the world.
Ngu Than and Nhat Binh Ao Dai designs by Nam Tuyen showcased at the Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival – Photo by HOAI PHUONG
New Highlights: Ancient Costume Parade & Diverse Cultural Experiences
Building on a decade of resounding success, the 2025 HCMC Ao Dai Festival returns with the theme “Vietnamese Ao Dai – Vietnam Ascending,” anticipating an even more vibrant and culturally rich celebration. This year’s special highlight is the debut of the ancient costume parade within the festival. Over 500 participants will don Ngu Than and Nhat Binh Ao Dai, showcasing the beauty of traditional Vietnamese attire through different historical eras. More than just a visual spectacle, this parade offers the public, especially younger generations, a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance woven into every detail of the garment.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the HCMC Department of Tourism, emphasized, “Over the past decade, the HCMC Ao Dai Festival has been instrumental in preserving, maintaining, honoring, and affirming the Ao Dai as uniquely Vietnamese. This year, we are focusing on enhancing experiential activities, enabling people to not just admire, but truly immerse themselves in the cultural world of the Ao Dai.”
Impressive contemporary Ao Dai design by Trung Dinh featured at the HCMC Ao Dai Festival – Photo by HOAI PHUONG
In addition to the ancient costume parade, this year’s festival will feature a diverse array of activities, catering to all cultural enthusiasts:
- Ao Dai Folk Dance Performance: With the participation of 3,000 people on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street and thousands more at other locations, this performance promises to create a vibrant space filled with the colors of Ao Dai, harmonizing with the lively melodies of “Dat Nuoc Tron Niem Vui” (The Country Achieves Complete Joy) and “Mua Xuan Tren TP.HCM” (Spring in HCMC).
- Ao Dai Art Program: An evening event celebrating the beauty of Ao Dai through the latest collections from over 50 leading Vietnamese designers, combined with unique artistic performances, promising a feast for the eyes and uplifting emotions.
- “Charm of Ao Dai HCMC” Contest: A meaningful platform for groups to participate, spreading the love for Ao Dai within the community, honoring the graceful and elegant beauty of Vietnamese women in traditional attire.
- Ao Dai Painting Contest and Online Beautiful Ao Dai Photo Contest: Sparking creativity and artistic passion among young people, while creating opportunities for everyone to express their love for Ao Dai through their unique perspectives.
- Ao Dai Exhibition and Interactive Space: Visitors can learn about the traditional weaving and dyeing process, try on Ao Dai, participate in exciting interactive activities, and explore the world of Ao Dai in a lively and engaging way.
- Ao Dai Donation Program: A meaningful activity demonstrating community care and sharing, bringing Ao Dai closer to women in difficult circumstances and female workers, contributing to spreading the beauty of Ao Dai across all social strata.
Celebrating Vietnamese Design Excellence & Spreading Ao Dai Love
The 2025 HCMC Ao Dai Festival proudly features over 50 talented Ao Dai designers, a 60% increase from last year, highlighting the festival’s growing appeal within the fashion world. Leading names such as Do Trinh Hoai Nam, Vo Viet Chung, Viet Hung, Nam Tuyen, Trung Dinh, Ngo Nhat Huy, Vu Thao Giang, and Vu Viet Ha, among others, will present unique and striking Ao Dai collections, showcasing boundless creativity and a profound passion for Vietnamese cultural heritage.
Beyond designers, the festival also enjoys the support of numerous artists and celebrities, who serve as ambassadors, spreading the love for Ao Dai to the wider public. Artist Kim Xuan, a long-time festival ambassador, shared, “I am overjoyed to see more and more Vietnamese people wearing Ao Dai for holidays, Tet celebrations, and important events. This shows that our advocacy efforts are yielding positive results.”
The 2025 HCMC Ao Dai Festival is scheduled from March 1st to 9th, with a grand opening ceremony on the evening of March 7th at President Ho Chi Minh Monument Park and Nguyen Hue Walking Street. More than just a captivating cultural tourism event, it’s an opportunity for every Vietnamese person to express national pride, collectively celebrating and promoting the beauty of the Vietnamese Ao Dai to the world. Come and immerse yourself in a festival atmosphere brimming with color, music, and unique cultural experiences, and fully appreciate the beauty and significance of the Vietnamese Ao Dai!