Hanoi (VNA) – The inaugural Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest concluded in late August 2026, bringing together more than 31 contestants across two categories in a vibrant celebration of culture, where Vietnam’s traditional “ao dai” (long dress) and Thai silk intertwined, connecting the two peoples through the expressive language of fashion.
Celebrating timeless beauty
What made this year’s contest particularly special and meaningful was its transcendence of age barriers. On the glamorous stage, energetic 19-year-old contestants walked alongside women in their 60s, 70s and even 80s.
The audience was moved as 72-year-old Pomprara Wianwiwat was crowned Queen in Category B, while 76-year-old Nguyen Thi Gai won third runner-up. Their confident strides, radiant smiles and proud expressions conveyed a powerful message: youth is a state of mind, and a love for cultural heritage can endure through the ages.
Sharing his feelings about attending the event as a member of the judging panel, designer Kenny Thai, who has long been devoted to Vietnam’s traditional ao dai, said: “This is not only an event celebrating women’s beauty in ao dai, but also an opportunity to promote Vietnamese culture, fashion and beauty, connecting them with international friends. As someone who works with ao dai, being part of a programme with such cultural and diplomatic significance is a very special source of pride.”
“Ao dai is more than just a garment. It embodies memories, culture and the spirit of Vietnam, preserved through generations,” he stressed.
Joining Kenny Thai on the judging panel, designer Nguyen Thi Doan Trang, who also sponsored ao dai for the contest, expressed her pride in wearing the traditional Vietnamese garment and helping promote the nation’s cultural identity to international friends and partners.
Dedicated organisers, supporting sponsors
Behind the event’s success was the dedication of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association in Thailand, which led the organisation.
Nguyen Quynh Trang, chairwoman of the association, said emotionally: “This contest is meaningful because it showcases the beauty of Vietnamese women in ao dai and spreads it around the world. It is also a great source of pride and honour to bring contestants from Vietnam and Thailand together to perform on the same stage.”
The event also received valuable support from sponsors, including established ao dai designers, businesses and community organisations, such as BKT Group, Thaitravel House and BKT Bangkok Tourist.
The judging panel brought together leading figures in fashion and culture, including chairwoman Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh, Hoang Thi Hoa, Dinh Thi Kim Loan, CEO Duong Thu Huong, and designers Kenny Thai, Nguyen Thi Doan Trang and Tran Phuong Hoa, among others.
A milestone in cultural diplomacy
The contest was held as part of activities marking the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day and the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations.
Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand has long held special significance for the Vietnamese community, as the area preserves traces of President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities there in 1928–1929.
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Khon Kaen Dinh Hoang Linh emphasised: “The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations is a highly meaningful milestone as we look towards an increasingly bright and promising future of cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand.”
Udon Thani Deputy Governor Nattapong Khamwongpin also affirmed that the event provided an important opportunity to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the two countries’ long-standing historical and cultural ties.
The inaugural Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest has reaffirmed the traditional garment’s role as a “cultural ambassador”. The event is expected to become an annual occasion that brings communities closer together and shares the richness of Vietnamese culture with international friends.
As Vietnam deepens its international integration, preserving and promoting the nation’s cultural essence through the ao dai has become a meaningful mission for Vietnamese people both at home and abroad./.
