Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – The 9th Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival 2023 is set to take place from March 3rd to March 31st, and this year it is more special than ever before.The festival is a celebratory sign of Ho Chi Minh City’s determination to revive its tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic, and promises to be an unforgettable occasion for visitors from all over the world. 

The iconic dresses display in Ao Dai Festival 2023

On 03 March 2023, Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City Women’s Union have officially commenced the 9th Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival at Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where visitors can admire 21 outstanding collections from famous designers with over 500 Ao Dai models. 

The Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival is a month-long celebration of the traditional Vietnamese garment known as the Ao Dai. This year, the festival will showcase the best of Vietnamese fashion, culture, and history with a series of events, exhibitions, and performances taking place throughout the city. The festival aims to showcase Vietnam’s rich culture and heritage to visitors and locals alike.

Visitors from all over the world are invited to experience the festival and explore the city. The festival organizers have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of visitors, including adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.

Showcase of Ao Dai throughout Vietnam’s history in the opening ceremony 

The highlight of the festival is the vibrant parade of stunning Ao Dai designs that will take place on March 5, 2023, along a pedestrian route from Nguyen Hue to Le Loi, Dong Khoi and other popular tourist attractions. Visitors will be enchanted by the colorful and lively parade, which will showcase a wide range of Ao Dai designs, from the traditional to the modern. The parade will be a true spectacle, embodying the festival’s festive spirit and promoting Vietnam’s rich culture and heritage.

At the ceremony, Mr. Duc Anh Duong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, emphasized the significance of Ao Dai as a recognizable symbol of Vietnam worldwide. Ao Dai not only showcases the beauty of Vietnamese women, but also serves as a symbol of Vietnam’s friendliness. Mr. Duong highlighted that the festival’s purpose extends beyond preserving and advancing the tradition of the Ao Dai. It also serves as an excellent opportunity to showcase Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic and distinct identity to international visitors, providing them with unforgettable experiences and emotions.

This year’s Festival boasts a remarkable highlight, which is that visitors can also experience the intersection of Ao Dai with technology, including an online interactive application that allows them to see themselves in Vietnamese traditional costumes with images of characters wearing Ao Dai strolling through the city’s unique tourist attractions.

Miss Annabelle Mae McDonnell – First Runner-up of Miss Charm 2023, Ambassador of Ao Dai Festival 2023

Moreover, the festival offers a range of other performances and events, including traditional music and dance performances, street performances, art exhibitions, and cultural exchanges. There will also be workshops where visitors can learn about traditional crafts such as silk weaving, embroidery, and lacquering.

According to Ms. Hoa Anh Thi Nguyen, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, after the festival, the city’s tourism industry plans to promote the Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival at the ITB Asia International Travel Fair 2023 in Singapore in October 2023, with the aim of showcasing the festival to the international market and making it an attractive destination for foreign tourists.

The 9th Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival in 2023 is more than just a celebration of Vietnamese culture, it’s an invitation to experience the vibrancy and diversity of Ho Chi Minh City itself. With its doors open to tourism, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for visitors from all over the world. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unique and exciting event, as Ho Chi Minh City welcomes you with open arms to discover the beauty and charm of its people and culture.

More information can be found at http://lehoiaodaitphcm.com.vn

Editor’s Notes:

About Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism: 

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism is a specialized agency under the City People’s Committee in Vietnam. It was established in 1993 and is responsible for advising and assisting the City People’s Committee in the management of tourism in the city.

The Department has several departments that are responsible for different tasks such as managing tourist accommodations, overseeing tourist areas, managing tourist information, and promoting tourism in the city.

The Department is managed by a Board of Directors that includes a Deputy Director and other professionals and employees. It is also subject to the professional direction, guidance, inspection, and service of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

The Department’s main functions include implementing state management in the field of tourism, planning and conducting research in the field of tourism, undertaking statistical work, financial work, inspections and inspection work, and implementing international cooperation in the field of tourism according to regulations and the assignment of the City People’s Committee.

Website: http://sodulich.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/ 

About the Ho Chi Minh city Ao Dai Festival:

The Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival is an annual cultural and tourism event held in March to celebrate International Women’s Day and promote the traditional Ao Dai costume. It has grown significantly since its debut in 2014, with diverse and interactive activities that spread throughout the community, including joint performances and inspirational transmissions in popular tourist spots. The festival attracts famous ambassadors and designers, both domestic and foreign, and is now a reputable event that draws attention from tourists worldwide.

Website: https://www.lehoiaodaitphcm.com.vn/