Vietnamese Ao Dai builds cultural bridges to millions of hearts

The competition was held as part of a series of activities celebrating the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand in Udon Thani, in northeastern Thailand.

The area has long held special significance for the Vietnamese community, as it was associated with President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities there in 1928-1929.

The competition was held as part of a series of activities celebrating Vietnam’s 81st National Day and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations in Udon Thani. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen)

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh emphasised: “Throughout the 50-year history of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, culture has played a particularly important role in helping us understand one another better. Culture helps bridge geographical distances and creates lasting bridges between peoples. The first Miss Vietnamese Ao Dai - Thailand competition is precisely such a meaningful bridge”.

The first “Miss Vietnamese Ao Dai - Thailand” competition affirmed the position of the Ao Dai as a “cultural ambassador”. With plans for the event to become an annual activity, the competition is expected to continue serving as a bridge connecting communities and promoting the values of Vietnamese culture to international friends.

A highlight of the competition was the initiative to “honour timeless beauty”, with no age restrictions for contestants. On stage, contestants from different generations performed together, conveying a meaningful message about women’s beauty and confidence.

Notably, 72-year-old Pomprara Wianwiwat was crowned Miss in Category B, while 76-year-old Nguyen Thi Gai won the title of second runner-up.

These results helped spread the message that beauty knows no age limits, while reaffirming the enduring appeal of the Ao Dai and the vitality of love for traditional cultural values.

72-year-old Pomprara Wianwiwat was crowned Miss in Category B, the “Thai Traditional Costume” category. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen)

Sharing her feelings about attending the event as a member of the judging panel, fashion designer Kenny Thai, who has long been closely associated with the traditional Ao Dai, said: “This is not merely a programme honouring women’s beauty in the Ao Dai. It is also an occasion to promote and connect Vietnamese culture, fashion and beauty with international friends. For someone working with the Ao Dai, being part of a programme with such significance for cultural diplomacy is a source of particular pride”.

He stressed: “The Ao Dai is more than a garment. It embodies memory, culture and the Vietnamese spirit, preserved through generations”.

Joining fashion designer Kenny Thai on the judging panel and serving as an Ao Dai sponsor for the competition, designer Nguyen Thi Doan Trang expressed her pride in wearing the Vietnamese Ao Dai and contributing to the promotion of the nation’s cultural identity among international friends and partners.

Behind the success of the event were the dedication and efforts of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Cultural Association in Thailand, which spearheaded its organisation.

Ms. Nguyen Quynh Trang, Chairwoman of the Association, shared her emotions: “This competition is highly meaningful because it conveys the beauty of Vietnamese women through the Ao Dai and spreads it around the world. Bringing contestants from Vietnam and Thailand together to perform on the same stage is also a source of great pride and honour”.

Hathaipart Saengsawang, 19, was crowned Miss in Category A, the Vietnamese Ao Dai category. (Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen)

The event also received valuable support from sponsors, including prominent Ao Dai designers, businesses, community organisations and brands such as BKT Group, Ocean Import-Export, Thaitravel House, Vietjet Air and VT Namnueng.

The judging panel comprised experts in fashion and culture, including Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh, Head of the Judging Panel; Ms. Hoang Thi Hoa; Ms. Dinh Thi Kim Loan; CEO Duong Thu Huong; fashion designer Kenny Thai; designer Nguyen Thi Doan Trang; and designer Tran Phuong Hoa.

The event concluded with memorable impressions of a platform celebrating the Ao Dai, where beauty, confidence and pride in traditional attire were expressed across generations.

The success of the competition has also laid the groundwork for the event to be maintained and further developed in the years ahead, contributing to a richer range of cultural activities for the Vietnamese community in Thailand.

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