In a heartwarming cultural twist, an Australian groom used traditional cyclos to transport betrothal gifts during his engagement in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta.
An Australian groom made headlines across Vietnam this week after using traditional Mekong Delta cyclos to deliver betrothal gifts during his engagement ceremony in An Giang Province. The gesture not only delighted online audiences but also served as a poignant homage to local traditions.
The gift bearers ride motorized rickshaws to the bride’s house.
A series of photographs captured the moment Herman So, a groom from Australia, accompanied by a vibrant bridal procession, traveled in a fleet of cyclos to his bride’s home in Tan Chau town. The images quickly went viral on social media, accompanied by the caption: “A wedding procession by cyclo in Tan Chau, An Giang - when Mekong culture gently flows into the celebration of love. Today, the cyclo carries the pride of the Southwest, bearing Vietnamese culture to the world.”
The convoy included groomsmen bearing traditional offerings of betel leaves, sweets, fruits, and flowers - all carried on classic cyclos. The nostalgic and endearing scene struck a chord with viewers, many praising the couple’s unique fusion of cultures.
A fascinating scene rich in traditional cultural elements.
“It could only be An Giang - so heartfelt and unique,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “What a beautiful way to introduce Vietnamese traditions to an international audience. The bride is incredibly thoughtful.”
The bride, Kim Ngan, was born in 1998 in An Giang and is the youngest daughter of a family known locally for their motorcycle business. She and her husband Herman So, born in 1996 in Australia, held both their engagement and wedding ceremonies on January 4 at her family’s home.
Speaking to VietNamNet, Ngan shared that the idea to use cyclos came from her desire to embrace her hometown’s heritage.
“I wanted the engagement to reflect the traditions of where I come from,” she said. “I explained everything in detail to my husband beforehand - from customs to rituals - and he was enthusiastic and fully prepared.”
Vibrant and colorful engagement ceremony of the bride from An Giang.
The groom's family and friends, totaling 15 guests from countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong, attended the wedding. On the big day, the groom’s party traveled by car to a park roughly one kilometer from the bride’s home. From there, a team of seven groomsmen, including both Vietnamese and international friends, transferred to cyclos to complete the final stretch.
“It created such a lively and captivating scene. Even though they were introduced to the cyclo in advance, the groom’s party was still amazed and curious about the experience,” Ngan recalled.
Mark Chui, an Australian groomsman, shared his excitement about taking part in the ceremony.
“I wore a red áo dài and sat on a traditional cyclo holding a beautifully arranged tray of gifts. As we rolled through the streets, the air was cool, and my heart was racing with excitement,” he said.
“On top of that, I got to witness a full Vietnamese traditional ceremony. Honestly, it was one of the most incredible wedding experiences of my life.”
Upon arrival, the couple performed customary rites including the exchange of gifts, a family altar ceremony, and introductions to both sides of the family. The main wedding reception took place later that evening in a luxurious and contemporary setting.
Kim Ngan’s wedding held in a modern style. Photos: Hoang Phuong - The M.O.B Media
In contrast to the engagement, the wedding ceremony featured modern elements such as making bubble tea together, sealing wine bottles, and reciting personalized vows - all symbolizing unity and mutual commitment.
“We had about 700 guests,” Ngan said. “The groom’s side was amazed - they’d never seen such a lively wedding. For me, it was a perfect harmony of tradition and modernity.”
The couple’s love story began in 2020 when Ngan moved to Australia to study. Their personalities, she said, were quite different - but it was exactly that contrast that drew her in.
“I admired his maturity, so I made the first move to get to know him,” she recalled. “After spending time together and getting to understand each other deeply, we were ready to build a life together.”
Vietnamnet.vn
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