Da Nang authorities investigate female foreigner wearing traditional 'ao dai' paired with bikini in Hoi An
Authorities in Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City, central Vietnam are investigating an incident involving a foreign female tourist who donned traditional Vietnamese 'ao dai' paired with a bikini while visiting Hoi An Ancient Town.
Ao dai is a Vietnamese national costume consisting of a tight-fitting silk tunic worn over pantaloons.
The investigation came after a video circulated on social media, showing the tourist wearing ao dai seemingly paired with bikini-style bottoms rather than long trousers strolling around the ancient town.
A local woman approaches the tourist, expressing concerns about the outfit and asking her to adjust her clothing.
The outfit was widely criticized on social media and travel forums as inappropriate and inconsistent with the cultural significance of Vietnam’s traditional dress.
“Traveling is enjoyable, but visitors should still respect local culture,” one Facebook user commented.
Another wrote, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Other Facebook users stressed that foreign visitors traveling, studying, or working in Vietnam should respect the country’s cultural traditions and laws.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night at the intersection of Phan Boi Chau and Truong Minh Luong Streets in Hoi An Ward, local media reported.
In the video, a local woman is seen approaching the tourist, expressing concerns about the outfit and asking her to adjust her clothing.
Nguyen Tan Cuong, chairman of the Hoi An Ward People’s Committee, said on Friday that local authorities were aware of the incident and had instructed relevant agencies to verify the circumstances and clarify the matter.
Authorities have regularly reminded visitors to dress appropriately when exploring Hoi An Ancient Town, he said.
An image taken from a video shows a foreign woman wearing traditional Vietnamese 'ao dai' paired with a bikini in Hoi An, Da Nang City, central Vietnam.
The latest controversy is not the first involving tourists’ clothing in Hoi An.
In 2022, photographs of a foreign woman wearing a modified outfit resembling ao dai while exposing large portions of her body during a photo shoot on the Hoai River generated heated public debate.
That same year, another video showing two foreign tourists wearing ao dai combined with mini shorts while posing for photos in the ancient town also drew criticism.
Many argued that the styling showed insufficient respect for Vietnam’s traditional costume.
In July 2023, images of a foreign tourist walking through Hoi An Ancient Town in a bikini sparked controversy.
Under local tourism guidelines and codes of conduct for visitors to Hoi An, tourists are encouraged to wear modest and appropriate clothing that reflects the cultural, historical, and community values of the destination.
Tuoi Tre News