On the evening of May 17, 2026, the Hai Phong Women's Union (WU) solemnly held the 5th Hai Phong Ao Dai Festival 2026 with the meaningful theme: “Hai Phong Women - Heritage and Connection”. This event was not only a unique cultural feast but also a testament to the powerful vitality of the traditional Ao Dai within the integration flow of the Port City.
Models showcased the "Land of Memories" Ao Dai collection by designer Cao Thu Vân (Source: https://nhandan.vn)
Meaningful Purpose and Historical Context
The 2026 Ao Dai Festival was organized at a special time, carrying profound political and social values. It served as a central activity to celebrate the 136th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh and the 71st anniversary of the Liberation of Hai Phong. Additionally, the event warmly welcomed the success of the 11th Vietnam Fatherland Front Congress and looked forward to the 14th National Women's Congress.
The core purpose of the festival was to honor the beauty of the Ao Dai – a precious cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people, thereby evoking pride and the responsibility to preserve and promote traditional cultural values among all classes of women and city residents. Furthermore, the event aimed to strongly promote the image of a dynamic, civilized, friendly Hai Phong rich in identity to both domestic and international friends.
Connecting Heritage through Special Collections
The highlight that captured everyone's attention during the gala was the meticulously invested Ao Dai collections from renowned designers. Audiences admired collections such as “Memory Realm”, “Whispering Lotus”, and “Summer Scent” by designer Cao Thu Van; “Co Linh” by designer Chau Loan; and “Exquisite Vietnamese Stature - Touching Heritage” by designer Xuan Thao. Each collection told its own story, representing a harmonious combination of traditional beauty and contemporary design language, reflecting the aspirations for advancement and heritage preservation awareness of the designers and the women of Hai Phong. Patterns bearing the deep mark of national cultural heritage were skillfully integrated onto soft silk, creating vibrant works of art.
Ambassadors of Ao Dai from Hai Phong participate in the Festival (Source: https://nhandan.vn)
Spread and Spirit of International Connection
True to its theme, the festival was not limited to domestic boundaries but expanded the bridge of international cultural exchange. The event featured famous Ao Dai ambassadors such as People's Artist Lan Huong and Meritorious Artist Do Ky, along with many other beauty queens.
Notably, the program also saw participation from international friends, including 05 individuals of South Korean nationality and 10 individuals of Lao nationality. Among them, Lao students from Hai Phong University and Korean children living in Hai Phong brought impressive cultural exchange performances and traditional costume displays. Their presence not only enriched the festival space but also affirmed the role of the Ao Dai in bonding friendships and bringing Vietnamese culture closer to the world. The vibrant participation of Hai Phong children in musical programs created a youthful, fresh atmosphere, demonstrating the continuity of cultural values across generations.
The participation of children created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival (Source: https://nhandan.vn)
The participation of children from Hai Phong created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival.
Brilliant Success and Deep Impressions
The 5th Hai Phong Ao Dai Festival 2026 concluded with joy and high appreciation from city leaders and the public. The presence of the Chairman of the City People's Council, Le Van Hieu, along with many leaders of departments and branches, was a testament to the government's deep concern for cultural development.
The success of the event primarily lay in creating a unique cultural and artistic space, bearing the distinct mark of the Port City's women. The festival has truly become an annual cultural "rendezvous," contributing to improving the spiritual life of residents and attracting tourists. Moreover, the successful organization of the program contributed to realizing resolutions on enhancing the quality of mass mobilization and building Hai Phong's culture and people in the new era.
The event also noted the smooth coordination between the Women's Union and functional agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and the City Police to ensure safety and professionalism for international participants. Overall, the festival left a wonderful resonance regarding a cherished cultural symbol and a heritage that is resiliently connected to the present and the future.
With thoughtful preparation and a dedicated spirit, the 2026 “Hai Phong Women - Heritage and Connection” Ao Dai Festival went beyond the framework of an ordinary fashion show. It was a celebration of the eternal beauty of the Ao Dai and a bridge connecting the past with the modern, and Hai Phong with international friends. The festival's success once again affirmed the power of heritage in building an image of a developing, identity-rich Hai Phong that is always open to connecting with the world.