Preserving historical memories

The image of the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) has accompanied the cultural journey of the land and people of Quang Nam province in particular, and Vietnam in general; becoming a historical memory preserved through many generations.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Binh's ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) is on display at the Da Nang Museum. Photo: Xuan Son

The Ao Dai tells the story of history.

In the exhibition space themed "Da Nang during the resistance war against American imperialism (1954 - 1975)" at the Da Nang Museum, there is a special ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) that attracts the attention of many visitors.

That is the traditional Vietnamese dress (áo dài) of former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh - a historical figure at the negotiating table of the Paris Agreement. The dress, signed by Ms. Binh, is proudly displayed opposite a photograph of American soldiers withdrawing from Da Nang on March 29, 1973, exactly two months after the Paris Agreement was signed.

The ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) worn by former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh, which she donated to the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club of Da Nang City during a meeting in Hanoi in September 2024, is cherished by the club members as a memento.

When the Da Nang Museum relocated to 42 Bach Dang Street, Madame Binh's ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) was donated to the museum. Ms. Le Thi Ly, Head of the Da Nang City Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club, expressed that the ao dai of former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh is not just an artifact, but a living symbol of a glorious historical period – a time when Vietnamese women were both gentle and resilient, carrying within them the aspirations for peace and national independence.

“The image of Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh in her ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) at the international negotiating table has become a profound mark, affirming the strength and intelligence of Vietnamese women on the international stage. Preserving the ao dai at the Da Nang Museum is not only a way to cherish a historical artifact, but also a way for present and future generations to connect with the past, to better understand the silent but great sacrifices and contributions of previous generations,” Ms. Ly shared.

Besides the ao dai of former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh, the Da Nang Museum also houses two ao dai of former Vice President Truong My Hoa and former Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh - two female leaders who made significant contributions to the country's development. These are mementos that the two women donated to the Da Nang City Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club in 2025.

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In the exhibition space of the Da Nang Museum, there is also a men's ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long tunic) in sky blue, with gold-embossed circular patterns. The tunic is tailored in a high-collar style, with white round buttons on one side, and a matching headscarf. The tunic was custom-made at Trung Viet tailor shop at 327B Phan Chau Trinh Street - a famous ao dai brand in Da Nang since 1948, founded by traditional ao dai artisan Le Van Hue (commonly known as Bay Hue).

Over the years, the image of the traditional Vietnamese ao dai has faded from the market, but the memory of a famous old ao dai shop by the Han River remains, becoming a part of Da Nang's history.

Waiting for a "heritage house" for the ao dai.

Inspired by the story of the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) displayed at the Da Nang Museum, members of the Da Nang City Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club proposed the creation of a space to display, promote, and introduce traditional ao dai to tourists from near and far.

Each ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) displayed at the Da Nang Museum tells a story about history and culture. Photo: Xuan Son

According to Ms. Le Thi Ly, the ao dai itself is not simply a fashion item or a product for tourism, but also a symbol of Vietnamese national cultural identity, reflecting the beauty of the soul, history, and character of Vietnamese women throughout different periods.

Therefore, it would be meaningful for the city to invest in appropriate spaces to display and introduce the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) and organize experiential activities, exchanges, and ao dai fashion shows. There, tourists could borrow ao dai for photos or receive them as souvenirs.

According to Ms. Ly, this is not only a place to preserve traditional values, but also a point of connection, spreading the love of the ao dai to the community and domestic and international tourists visiting the city, while creating additional tourism products that are profound, distinctive, and sustainable.

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Besides the exhibition space, those who love the ao dai hope that the city will have more "open" spaces dedicated to the ao dai in the future through events.

From the perspective of a participating organization in the Da Nang Ao Dai Festival 2026, taking place at the end of April 2026, a representative of the city's Ao Dai Heritage Club stated that this will be a foundational event to open up a promising direction in honoring and spreading the values ​​of national culture. This is something that the neighboring city of Hue has successfully organized on a large scale, creating a lasting impression on domestic and international tourists.

Over the years, the image of the traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) has been elevated and promoted in many cultural and tourism events or in shows for tourists. For example, the city's tourism festivals, or the "Ao Dai Show" program which tells the story of Vietnamese traditional culture from the past to the present... This provides a foundation for the city to maintain and develop the ao dai festival into a unique annual cultural event with a strong brand for tourists.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/luu-giu-ky-uc-lich-su-3334306.html