Swiss Embassy

Vietnam, whose national name is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, is a socialist country located at the eastern tip of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia, bordering Laos, Cambodia, China, and the sea. East and Gulf of Thailand. The territory of Vietnam has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, starting with the states of Van Lang and Au Lac. Au Lac was annexed by the Trieu Dynasty in the North in the early 2nd century BC, followed by a period of Northern domination lasting more than a millennium. The independent monarchy was re-established after Ngo Quyen's victory over the Southern Han dynasty. This event paved the way for independent dynasties to succeed and then repeatedly win against wars of invasion from the North as well as gradually expanding to the south. The final period of Northern domination ended after the Lam Son insurgent army's victory over the Ming Dynasty.

Costume is one of the important factors that differentiate Vietnamese culture from other countries in the world. The costumes not only mark the cultural traditions and customs of the Vietnamese people, but they are also the breath and soul of a nation.

Vietnam's costumes are very diverse and rich, but the ones that impress people the most are the ao dai and the four-piece dress. The outfit carries the look and soul of Vietnam and when it comes to it, people will immediately think of Vietnam and that is the traditional ao dai. Traditional ao dai consists of a long shirt split into two front and back flaps, floor-length pants, material is silk or plain fabric, diverse colors and patterns.

Ao Dai not only enhances the gentle and loving beauty of Vietnamese women, but it also shows discreetness, modesty and strange charm. Ao dai today is becoming more and more diverse in shape, color, and pattern, but it still retains its traditional appearance.