Áo Dài — Vietnam's National Costume

The Áo Dài (pronounced "ao zai" in the south, "ao yai" in the north) is Vietnam's most elegant attire: a form-fitting, silky flowing top with a high collar and long side slits, worn over wide trousers. It is the official costume for Vietnamese women at formal occasions, weddings, Tết celebrations, and as a school uniform for high school girls.

The history of the Áo Dài dates back to the 18th century, but it was designed in its modern form in the 1930s by Nguyễn Cát Tường — inspired by Parisian fashion. Today, the Áo Dài comes in all variations: from classic white (schools) to vibrant colors (weddings) to modern interpretations on the runways of Hanoi.

In Hội An and Hanoi, you can have an Áo Dài tailor-made — from 500,000 VND (18.50 €) for simple fabrics to 3,000,000 VND (111 €) for silk. A beautiful souvenir.