Images of a foreign tourist wearing a traditional Vietnamese ao dai paired with a bikini while visiting Hoi An Ancient Town have been widely shared on social media, prompting criticism from many who believe the outfit was inappropriate for a heritage setting.

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Images of a foreign tourist wearing an inappropriate version of the ao dai were widely shared on social media.

On the evening of June 4, Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chairman of the Hoi An Ward People's Committee in Da Nang, said local authorities had instructed relevant agencies to verify the incident.

Earlier, photos and video clips circulated online showing two foreign tourists wearing ao dai while walking through Hoi An Ancient Town. One tourist wore an ao dai over a bikini, while the other paired the traditional garment with shorts.

After noticing the situation, a local woman approached the tourist wearing the ao dai with a bikini and reminded her that the outfit was inappropriate. With the help of a tour guide acting as an interpreter, she asked the visitor to change into more suitable clothing before continuing her tour of the ancient town.

In the video, the local woman explained that the Vietnamese ao dai should not be worn with a bikini, emphasizing that respecting traditional attire was an important cultural consideration. She also suggested that the tourist change into long trousers to make the outfit more appropriate.

When the tourist responded, the woman continued to insist that the way the garment was being worn was "unacceptable" and said she would wait for the tourist to change clothes.

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Images of a foreign tourist wearing an ao dai paired with a bikini while visiting Hoi An sparked widespread discussion online.

After the images spread online, many social media users voiced disapproval of the tourist's interpretation of the ao dai. Many argued that as an important symbol of Vietnamese culture, the garment deserved greater understanding and respect from visitors.

"People should respect local culture wherever they go. Wearing traditional clothing in this way is inappropriate," one user, Nguyet Anh, commented.

Others referred to the principle of adapting to local customs when visiting cultural and heritage sites. User Toan Nguyen wrote: "Visitors coming to Vietnam should respect Vietnamese customs and traditions."

Meanwhile, user Ly Khanh expressed support for the local woman who spoke up, describing her actions as a demonstration of respect for national cultural values.

Regarding the incident, Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chairman of the Hoi An Ward People's Committee, said local authorities have regularly reminded visitors whose attire is deemed unsuitable when touring the ancient town. Officials also explain local customs to help tourists better understand and respect the area's cultural and heritage values.

According to Cuong, authorities will also verify the identity of the local woman who approached the tourist and consider an appropriate form of recognition for her actions.

Ha Nam