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The festive atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) has begun to spread throughout the central streets of Hanoi. In the first days of the new year, with the cool weather mixed with gentle sunshine, the area around Ho Guom Lake is bustling with groups of young people, from the city center to students from the suburbs, bringing cameras, phones, and floral accessories to capture the moments of the approaching spring. Although Tet is still nearly a month away, many young people have chosen Ho Guom Lake as a familiar destination for their ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) photoshoots, as a way to "awaken" the spring spirit from the very first days of the year.
The vibrant flowers along the lake add a striking touch to the streetscape.
Young people dressed in vibrant ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) checked in around Ho Guom Lake.
The area around Hoa Phong Tower, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hang Bai Street, and the area in front of the Hanoi Opera House has become more vibrant than ever. A multitude of colorful ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) appear, from vibrant red symbolizing good fortune, to gentle pastel pink, pristine white, turquoise, and pale yellow… Young people take advantage of every little corner by the lake, under ancient trees, on the stone steps along the road, or on the railings of the pedestrian street to capture the most beautiful moments in this familiar yet unique setting of the capital city.
Thu Minh, a student at a university in Hanoi, shared: “I chose to wear an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and take photos by the lake because I could clearly feel the approaching Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere. Even though it's not yet the peak days of the year, just wearing an ao dai and standing by the lake already feels like spring. This is also a way for me to preserve memories of a once-a-year event.” For many young people, wearing an ao dai is not just a fashion choice, but also a way to express their love for traditional culture every spring.
It's easy to see that not only young people in Vietnam, but also international tourists are particularly fascinated by this scene. Many visitors stop to take photos with or capture moments of groups of friends strolling around the lake in traditional Vietnamese ao dai. The interplay between Vietnamese traditional attire and the curious, delighted gazes of international friends makes the atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake even more vibrant.
The lakeside area comes alive with the vibrant colors of traditional ao dai dresses.
The activity of taking photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses has also led to a surge in related services around the lake. Roadside cafes are busier than usual, and services like ao dai rentals, hairstyling, and makeup are bustling from early morning. Many freelance photographers are stationed around the lake, ready to take photos for groups of friends, couples, or families. Many young people say they booked their ao dai and accessories days in advance to ensure they have the perfect outfit for their Tet (Lunar New Year) photoshoots.
Many small corners along the lake have become popular photo spots.
Thanh Nam, a photographer who frequently works around Ho Guom Lake, said: “Every year as the Lunar New Year approaches, the demand for Tet (Lunar New Year) photoshoots increases sharply, especially at Ho Guom Lake. This is almost a 'must-visit' location for anyone who wants a Tet photoshoot that captures the atmosphere of Hanoi. This year, the trend is to start shooting earlier, with many groups taking advantage of the beginning of the month to avoid the crowds in the days leading up to Tet.”
The crowds around the lake grew larger, not only with groups of young people but also with families, couples, and even elderly people joining the strolling crowd. Everyone was taking advantage of the sunlight filtering through the trees to capture beautiful photos. Many families brought young children, hoping to preserve precious childhood moments with their parents in this spring-filled setting.
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the trend of young people wearing ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) for photoshoots is becoming increasingly popular in Hanoi and spreading strongly to other major cities like Ho Chi Minh City. This trend brings joy, creates beautiful memories before the new year, and contributes to preserving and honoring traditional attire in the modern lives of young people. The sight of ao dai appearing early by Hoan Kiem Lake becomes a sign of spring arriving, and also demonstrates the enduring continuation of traditional culture today.
