Traditional Ao Dai Tet Photoshoots Face Crowds in Hanoi and Saigon

As the Lunar New Year approaches, the vibrant streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City transform into bustling open-air photo studios. For young Vietnamese, wearing the traditional Ao Dai and taking Tet photos has become an essential holiday ritual. However, the surging popularity of this trend has turned popular spots into chaotic hubs, leading to hilarious yet exhausting struggles for photo enthusiasts.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the historic Ben Thanh Market serves as a primary backdrop. Within a small radius, hundreds of young people dressed in colorful Ao Dai gather, waiting patiently for their turn to pose. The lively atmosphere is filled with laughter, but capturing a clean shot without strangers in the background requires immense patience and skill. Similarly, Hanoi's ancient streets, such as Ta Hien and the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, are packed with couples and groups seeking a touch of nostalgic charm. A TikTok video showcasing the overwhelming crowds on Ta Hien Street recently went viral, garnering over 1.3 million views and highlighting the massive scale of this cultural phenomenon.

Beyond the main city centers, hidden gems like the Yen Phu flag alley (Ngõ cờ Yên Phụ) have also gained sudden fame. Decorated with vibrant national flags, this narrow passage offers a patriotic and visually striking setting. Despite the challenges of navigating packed crowds, the spirit of Tet remains high. These annual photoshoots are more than just a social media trend; they are a beautiful way for the younger generation to connect with their heritage and preserve the timeless elegance of the Vietnamese Ao Dai.

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