The emotional language of fashion at the Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest
The Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest brought together 31 contestants in two categories, creating a vibrant cultural picture where Vietnamese ao dai and Thai silk met and intertwined.
The first Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest in Udon Thani, Thailand, has concluded, bringing Vietnamese ao dai and Thai silk together and connecting the two peoples through the emotional language of fashion.
The first Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest, held in late August 2026, has concluded. More than 31 contestants in two categories created a vibrant cultural picture in which Vietnamese ao dai and Thai silk came together, connecting the two peoples through an expressive language of fashion.
Celebrating beauty beyond time
What made this year's competition particularly special and rich in human values was its breaking of age barriers. On the glamorous stage, enthusiastic 19-year-old contestants shared the runway with women in their 60s, 70s and even 80s.
The moment 72-year-old Ms. Pomprara Wianwiwat was crowned Beauty Queen of Category B, while 76-year-old Ms. Nguyen Thi Gai won the third runner-up title, moved the audience. Their confident steps, 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 passage of time.
Mr. Dinh Hoang Linh, Consul General of Vietnam in Thailand, and Ms. Nguyen Hoang Anh, Head of the Judging Panel, present the award to 72-year-old Ms. Pomprara Wianwiwat, winner of the Thai Traditional Costume Beauty title. (Photo: Rep./Vietnam+)
Designer Kenny Thai and the mission of promoting ao dai
Sharing his feelings as a member of the judging panel, designer Kenny Thai, who has a deep connection with the traditional ao dai, said: "This is not only a programme celebrating women's beauty in ao dai, but also an occasion to spread Vietnamese culture, fashion and beauty while connecting with international friends. For someone working with ao dai, being part of a programme carrying such cultural and diplomatic significance is a special source of pride."
He stressed: "Ao dai is not simply a garment. It is memory, culture and the spirit of Viet Nam, preserved through generations."
Designer Kenny Thai serves on the judging panel of the 2026 Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest. He has a deep connection with Vietnam's traditional ao dai. (Photo: Rep./Vietnam+)
Joining Kenny Thai on the judging panel and also serving as the contest's ao dai sponsor, designer Nguyen Thi Doan Trang expressed her pride in wearing Vietnamese ao dai and helping promote the country's cultural identity to international friends and partners.
A dedicated organising committee and committed sponsors
Behind the success of the event was the dedication of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Cultural Branch in Thailand, the organising body. Ms. Nguyen Quynh Trang, the branch's President, said emotionally: "This contest is very meaningful because it conveys the beauty of Vietnamese women through ao dai and spreads it around the world. At the same time, bringing contestants from Viet Nam and Thailand together to perform on the same stage is something we are extremely proud and honoured to be part of."
Ms. Nguyen Quynh Trang, President of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Cultural Branch in Thailand, the organising body. (Photo: Rep./Vietnam+)
The event also received valuable support from sponsors, including respected ao dai designers, businesses and community organisations such as BKT Group, Thaitravel House and BKT Bangkok Tourist.
The judging panel brought together leading experts in fashion and culture, including Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh, Head of the Judging Panel; Ms. Hoang Thi Hoa; Ms. Dinh Thi Kim Loan; CEO Duong Thu Huong; designer Kenny Thai; designer Nguyen Thi Doan Trang; designer Tran Phuong Hoa; and other members.
A mark of cultural diplomacy
The contest was organised as part of activities celebrating the 81st anniversary of Viet Nam's National Day and the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam-Thailand diplomatic relations. Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand has long held special significance for the Vietnamese community, having been associated with President Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary activities in 1928-1929.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Dinh Hoang Linh, Consul General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen, said: "The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations is a highly meaningful milestone as we continue looking towards an increasingly bright and positive future of cooperation between Viet Nam and Thailand."
Mr. Nattapong Khamwongpin, Deputy Governor of Udon Thani Province, also described the event as an important opportunity to promote people-to-people exchanges and further strengthen the countries' longstanding historical and cultural ties.
Ms. Nguyen Hoang Anh, Head of the Judging Panel, presents the crown to 19-year-old Hathaipart Saengsawang, winner of the Vietnam Ao Dai Beauty title in Thailand. (Photo: Rep./Vietnam+)
The first Vietnam-Thailand Ao Dai Beauty Contest has affirmed the position of ao dai as a "cultural ambassador". From 2026, the event is expected to become an annual programme, serving as a bridge connecting communities and spreading Vietnamese cultural values to international audiences.
As Viet Nam continues to deepen international integration, preserving and sharing the nation's cultural spirit through ao dai has become a meaningful mission for Vietnamese people around the world.
