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In Ho Chi Minh City, the atmosphere of preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year) has become even more vibrant in recent years with the trend of taking photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses. Although many people have been planning for 2-3 months in advance, check-in spots are still bustling with people coming to capture the vibrant moments of the days leading up to Tet.
The flowing ao dai dresses add to the vibrant spring atmosphere throughout the streets.
The "craze" for the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) has never cooled down.
As early as October in the lunar calendar, Hoang Anh (27 years old, Binh Thanh district) and her group of friends chose traditional Vietnamese dresses (áo dài) and booked photo shoots at studios to avoid the crowds. "We learned from last year's experience; waiting until closer to Tet (Lunar New Year) to take photos meant it was too crowded and we couldn't get beautiful pictures. But unexpectedly, the photo spots are still bustling these days," Hoang Anh shared.
Famous landmarks such as the Independence Palace, Ong Do Street (Youth Cultural Center), the City Post Office, and the Ben Thanh Market area remain top choices for young people. Here, the vibrant colors of the ao dai, from traditional to modern styles, blend with the spring atmosphere, creating a lively and distinctly Vietnamese picture.
Famous landmarks such as the Independence Palace, Ong Do Street (Youth Cultural Center), the City Post Office, or the Ben Thanh Market area remain top choices for young people.
Trung Hieu (30 years old, freelance photographer) said: "My shooting schedule has been fully booked since the beginning of the twelfth lunar month. This year, people prefer ao dai with classic patterns like embroidered plum blossoms and peach blossoms, but many young people also like modern ao dai paired with skirts or modern pants. Each photo shoot has its own unique style."
It's not just about fashion, it's about pride.
The ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) is not just clothing but also a symbol of Vietnamese culture. For many, wearing the ao dai during Tet (Vietnamese New Year) is a way to express national pride and preserve traditional values. "I feel like I'm slowing down and immersing myself in the Tet atmosphere when I wear the ao dai. Especially, every time I walk through Ong Do Street, seeing the red couplets and the shimmering lanterns, I feel even more connected to my cultural roots," shared Ms. Thanh Huong (35 years old, District 7).
Not only young people, but many families also wear matching ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) to preserve memories. On Ong Do Street, the sight of little children in their adorable ao dai running and playing with their parents touched many hearts. Their joyful laughter blended with the vibrant spring scenery, warming the hearts of anyone passing by.
The children wore matching ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), capturing meaningful moments of family reunion during Tet (Lunar New Year).
The allure of unique "Tet corners"
This year, Ho Chi Minh City has seen the emergence of many creative check-in spaces, attracting young people who love taking photos. One of the highlights is the Tet Festival 2025 at the Youth Cultural Center, featuring miniature scenes simulating a traditional Tet village, including stilt houses, green banh chung (traditional rice cakes), rows of yellow apricot blossoms, and even stalls showcasing traditional crafts.
Ngoc Minh (21 years old, a student) excitedly shared: "I really like these unique photo angles. Not only are they beautiful, but they also remind me of Tet in my hometown, where relatives gather to wrap cakes and play together."
The vibrant colors of spring are beautifully displayed alongside the Tet (Lunar New Year) decorations on Ong Do Street.
In addition, cafes decorated in the style of traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) also become ideal destinations. Here, women in flowing ao dai dresses alongside fragrant cups of coffee create a scene that is both modern and deeply classic.
Preserving traditional values in the modern lifestyle.
Despite the hustle and bustle of modern life, the craze for taking photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai during Tet (Lunar New Year) remains a profound and tranquil rhythm, allowing people to connect with their roots. Wearing ao dai and preserving moments with family and friends is not just a trend, but also a way for the younger generation to better understand the value of traditional culture.
The charm of young women in traditional ao dai dresses amidst the streets filled with the colors of spring.
In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the streets of Ho Chi Minh City are filled with the vibrant colors of spring, with women in flowing ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses). This is not only a beautiful sight but also a symbol of unity, the joy of reunion, and national pride in the hearts of every Vietnamese person.
