Ao Dai's Global Journey: Renewing Tradition on the International Stage

More than 2,000 women joined the “Ao Dai – Colours of the Sea” parade in Nha Trang on July 18, as part of the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026. Ao dai – Vietnamese traditional dress is increasingly making its mark on the international stage through cultural and fashion events abroad. In early March, activities held in London (the UK) and Macau (China) highlighted the elegance and cultural value of the iconic garment, while also strengthening connections between Vietnamese communities overseas and international audiences. The event, themed “the essence of Vietnamese Ao Dai", featured 19 performances and cultural activities, including ao dai showcases, musical performances, art exhibitions and interactive cultural spaces, offering audiences a vivid glimpse into Vietnamese culture in the heart of Europe. Amid rapid global change and intensifying strategic competition among major powers, the Communist Party of Vietnam's Resolution No. 06 is providing fresh momentum for the country's foreign affairs, helping elevate Vietnam's international standing while expanding new opportunities for national development. Vietnam needs stronger measures to sustain export growth in the second half of 2026, as businesses face rising costs, trade barriers and increasing competition, experts have said. Several Japanese newspapers and television networks have published reports and images highlighting the courageous actions of five Vietnamese workers who helped rescue a 90-year-old woman from a house that collapsed during the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture. The reports also praised the Vietnamese community’s spirit of mutual support and solidarity with local residents. Instead of spending weekends at cafés or entertainment venues, many young people are heading to Tram Chim National Park for a different kind of getaway. A short boat ride reveals the vast green landscapes of the Mekong delta province of Dong Thap. Vietnam is aiming to add a new title to its growing list of UNESCO Creative Cities by establishing the country’s first City of Photography as early as 2027. The initiative follows the success of four Vietnamese cities already recognised by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network: Hanoi for Design in 2019, Hoi An for Crafts and Folk Art in 2023, Da Lat for Music in 2023, and Ho Chi Minh City for Film in 2025. These moves underscore Vietnam's dual pursuit of economic growth and the strengthening of its cultural identity, alongside expanding its soft power on the global stage. The ao dai's international journey serves as a prime example of this multifaceted approach.