VI
EN
Born from the idea of artist and designer Si Hoang, the Ao Dai Museum not only houses many valuable ao dai collections but is also an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the rich cultural values of the nation in a spacious 20,000 m2 garden area.
A place showcasing stories surrounding the Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress).
The Ao Dai Museum showcases the story of the Vietnamese ao dai, from its origins to its many transformations. Visitors can follow the graceful evolution of the ao dai through different periods, from the four-panel ao dai, the five-panel ao dai, the royal ao dai, the Lemur ao dai, the high-neck ao dai, the raglan ao dai, the boat-neck ao dai, the hippie ao dai, the painted ao dai, the brocade ao dai, and more.
The four-panel dress (áo tứ thân) originated in the 17th century. At that time, because the width of the woven fabric was only 35-40 cm, the front of the dress consisted of two separate panels, while the back was sewn together.
The five-panel ao dai consists of two pieces of fabric sewn together to form a modest front panel, with an additional panel underneath on the right side. The ao dai always has five buttons, symbolizing the Vietnamese moral principles of humanity, propriety, righteousness, wisdom, and trustworthiness.
The Ao Dai of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century was made from precious fabrics, embroidered or woven with decorative patterns of phoenixes, bats, the sun, gourds, flowers, fruits, and the eight treasures, in five colors… with a silk lining inside.
Modern ao dai, or Lemur ao dai, appeared in the 1930s, designed by artist Nguyen Cat Tuong. He created various styles and shapes: with or without collars, with or without sleeves, with puffed shoulders or flat shoulders, with or without flared cuffs, with or without buttons, with or without long hems, and with or without short hems…
Boat neck ao dai (left) and high-neck ao dai.
Speaking to Travellive, Ms. Huynh Ngoc Van, Director of the Ao Dai Museum, said: "In almost every field, from politics, economics, culture, to healthcare and education... there are famous and successful figures. The ao dai is closely associated with their names, careers, and images, contributing significantly to the success of each individual and the field as a whole."
She cited the example of diplomat Nguyen Thi Binh, who always wore the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) at particularly important events. The ao dai was closely associated with her public image when she was Vice President, and was her choice of attire for the official signing ceremony of the Paris Agreement. Similarly, Ton Nu Thi Ninh, Nguyen Phuong Nga, and Nguyen Thi Hoi – all diplomats – consistently appeared in ao dai on important occasions, showcasing the beauty of the Vietnamese ao dai to the world.
Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) from left to right: Ton Nu Thi Ninh - Nguyen Phuong Nga - Nguyen Thi Binh - Nguyen Thi Hoi.
This place also brings together ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) with special significance from artisans. For them, the ao dai is not just an asset, but a great spiritual value closely linked to their lives and careers. Visitors should not only admire the unique beauty of each dress, but also pause to reflect on the stories hidden behind them – shared completely free of charge by the museum's team of guides.
A place that brings together unique ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses).
A place where architectural, cultural, and culinary heritage converge.
The Ao Dai Museum's garden grounds are located on Long Phuoc islet, surrounded by two major rivers, the Tac River and the Dong Nai River, resulting in lush greenery and fresh, cool air year-round. The Ao Dai Museum is an open architectural complex, connected to nature, evoking many emotions about traditional cultural values.
The architecture of the Ao Dai Museum evokes the atmosphere of Vietnam, a place that nurtures traditional values that are ancient yet never outdated.
The grounds of the Ao Dai Museum are home to many clusters of buildings featuring familiar folk architecture, such as the traditional houses of Quang Nam, harmoniously blending into the natural landscape characteristic of the Mekong Delta region. Upon entering, visitors find peace in the refreshing greenery and a sense of nostalgia as they step inside the ancient houses.
The museum's structures are largely made of wood, authentically recreated by the skilled hands of Kim Bong artisans.
Featuring distinctive Vietnamese architecture, the Ao Dai Museum is a fusion of the traditional Quang Nam stilt house style with the typical characteristics of the Mekong Delta region.
The floating stage on Chan Lac Lake is designed to host unique artistic performances, recreating the image of a village communal house – a place where folk culture is gathered and preserved.
Visitors can also find an exhibition space showcasing Bau Truc Cham pottery – the art of pottery making by the Cham people, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent protection. Bau Truc pottery is highly unique, handcrafted without a potter's wheel. This unique beauty has been displayed in a space of approximately 40 square meters at the museum by designer and artist Si Hoang, who has been involved since 1986.
Designer Si Hoang added brocade details and beadwork to the ceramic products.
The Ao Dai Museum also serves as a platform for cultural exchange activities between countries. In 2018 and 2019, the Tsumami Traditional Fabric Flower Association (Japan) collaborated with the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City and the Ao Dai Museum to design, showcase, and display Vietnamese Ao Dai dresses adorned with Japanese Tsumami fabric flowers.
Recreational activities that allow children to experience the unique folk lifestyle of their riverside homeland are regularly organized and designed to suit different age groups, aiming to nurture a love for the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) and traditional culture from a very young age.
The Ao Dai Museum is a space that organizes many cultural experiences for young people.
Since 2021, the Ao Dai Museum has supported local people in working here to develop community tourism and preserve local culinary specialties. Every Saturday and Sunday, the "Rural Market" takes place with food stalls offering dishes such as clam pancakes, beef wrapped in betel leaves, and coconut water with ice. Coconut leaf weaving is also regularly held, introducing visitors to this familiar folk game of the people of Southern Vietnam.
