A glimpse of the colors of the traditional Vietnamese dress.

Amidst the chilly weather of late winter, after the hustle and bustle of work, many women, including young girls, take some time to capture beautiful images of themselves in their favorite outfits in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).

The Duc Thanh Historical Site, Thanh Minh Temple, and several cafes with spacious interiors decorated with vibrant spring scenes are popular choices for those who enjoy photography.

Thanh Minh Pagoda, located within the Phan Thiet coastal urban area, is one of the popular spots for people to take souvenir photos.

Both on bright sunny mornings and in the afternoons, even as the sun begins to set, people still come to visit the temple, admire the lotus flowers swaying in the pond, and look for the perfect spot to take pictures.

The spacious grounds, the tranquil and serene temple setting, the diverse architectural landscapes, the cool breeze, and the gently rippling lotus pond—perhaps all of this suits the mood of many, prompting word-of-mouth recommendations for visitors to come and capture a few memorable moments. Many young women, some in their late teens and early twenties, with their hair in full bloom, pose for photos in colorful ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses). There are also plenty of middle-aged women, dressed in beautiful outfits, happily posing for their smartphones on stands opposite.

In springtime, the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) seems to remain a preferred choice for many women. Traditional ao dai, in simple colors without elaborate patterns or designs, are chosen by many for their beautiful spring photo collections. Perhaps it's this simplicity, closeness to national tradition, and remembrance of their ancestors that gives many women, including young girls, a traditional feel to their New Year's photos? Not only young women, but also young men come to Thanh Minh Temple to admire the scenery and take New Year's photos wearing beautiful, soft-colored, elegant, and youthful ao dai. There are even young children, dressed in ao dai, posing with their mothers, their faces beaming with smiles.

Many outfits, especially the traditional Vietnamese ao dai, are privately owned by many women, as the price of an ao dai is not too high these days. However, upon inquiry, the author learned that some outfits are rented from shops specializing in party attire. These shops are different from wedding dress rental shops. The rental price for an outfit along with two accessories (such as a handbag, fan, or fabric bouquet) averages 100,000 VND per day at some shops in downtown Phan Thiet. The outfits come in various styles, fabrics, and colors, making it easy for renters to choose. People often rent several outfits they like from these shops to capture beautiful photos that will last a long time.

Taking a stroll around Thanh Minh Temple on a late winter afternoon, I felt an unusual sense of tranquility! Seeing the beautiful, smiling, friendly people chatting softly with each other, so approachable and easy to get along with, sharing beautiful images and moments with such enthusiasm, I felt a sense of peace. Looking at the poetic and peaceful scenery of the temple, watching pilgrims sincerely praying before the statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and observing the lotus leaves and petals swaying gently in the breeze, my heart felt truly at ease and peaceful.

I wish that, throughout life, one could always find inner peace, like when gazing at the vibrant colors of traditional ao dai dresses in memorable moments, or when visiting temples during the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) and the arrival of spring!

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