Chris Infotainment

The Rise of Ao Dai in Vietnamese Cities In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as foreigners increasingly embrace the ao dai, Vietnam's traditional tunic, for spring outings ahead of the Lunar New Year. This cultural phenomenon is not just about fashion but also represents a deeper connection to Vietnamese heritage. A Cultural Experience in Hanoi Sian Nem, a 27-year-old Singaporean, recently spent nearly VND6 million (US$228) on an ao dai photo shoot around Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi's Old Quarter. Her return to Vietnam was largely driven by a social media trend encouraging visitors to try on the ao dai. She noted that seeing tourists share photos in ao dai made her realize that this outfit isn't exclusive to Vietnamese people. "Seeing tourists everywhere share photos in ao dai, I realized this outfit isn't just for Vietnamese people," she says. "I wanted to transform into a Hanoi girl and immerse myself in the Tet a...

A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Tradition Nguyen Hue, a bustling street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is set to transform into a vibrant "flower street" for eight days during the Lunar New Year. This annual event, which has become a cherished tradition, will feature not only an array of colorful flowers but also food stalls, marking a new addition to the festivities. City authorities have announced that the event will open to the public at 7 p.m. on February 15 and will continue until February 22. The celebration will be spread across both sides of Nguyen Hue Street and at its intersection with Le Loi Street. Organizers are planning to set up nearly 50 food booths, offering a wide variety of local delicacies to visitors. The Lunar New Year, known as Tet in Vietnam, is the most significant festival in the country, and the "flower street" event has evolved into a cultural hallmark of Ho Chi Minh City. Last year, the street attracted over 1.2 million visit...