Traditional Ao dai fluttering gracefully on Spratly Islands

In 2024, during a business trip to the Spratly Islands, I was profoundly impressed by the sight of ao dai fluttering gracefully in the wind. Hundreds of nautical miles from the mainland, amidst the vast expanse of waves, sea, and sky, the image of the ao dai evoked a sense of closeness and affection among the members of our working group. After that journey, what lingered in our hearts was not only the vibrant greenery of the islands, with rows of shady phong ba and banyan trees but also the timeless charms of women on the islands of Truong Sa, Sinh Ton, Song Tu Tay, and Da Tay A. Their peaceful green ao dai and bright red ao dai, symbolizing love for the homeland, left an indelible impression on us.

Nguyen Khac Toan, Permanent Deputy Secretary of Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of Provincial People’s Council awards certificates of merit to soldiers and people on the Spratly Islands.

Pham Thi Chau Uc (Song Tu Tay Island) said, “Every Monday morning, women on the island put on their traditional ao dai, together with officers and soldiers, participating in the sacred flag ceremony on the island. On national holidays and anniversaries, as well as during art competitions on the island, women proudly wear the traditional Vietnamese ao dai."

Bui Thi Em from Da Tay A Island said, "Every time I wear the ao dai at the flag ceremony, my heart is filled with emotions that are hard to put into words. Even though we are far from the mainland, we always remind each other to preserve the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women."

Women in Ao dai welcome the delegation at the wharf.

Parade at a flag ceremony on the island.

The ao dai is a traditional Vietnamese costume. Throughout various periods and stages of history, the Vietnamese ao dai has remained timeless, symbolizing the unique culture of the Vietnamese people. The sight of Ao dai fluttering in Truong Sa, which is in the heart of Vietnamese people, stirs profound emotions within us, reaffirming the sacred sovereignty of our homeland.

Women in bright red ao dai symbolizing love for the homeland.

Women in Ao dai pose with the working delegation

V.K

Translated by N.T