VietNamNet Bridge – Residents in central Thua Thien-Hue Province are being encouraged to dress up more for special events and ceremonial occasions in keeping with the region's regal past.

All dressed up: Children wear traditional ao dai in a street parade in Hue.

The proposal, by the province's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, aims to restore the elegant lifestyle of people that has largely faded during post-war reconstruction.

Vietnamese visiting monuments around the old royal city will be asked to wear conservative or traditional clothing.

And street vendors and others using public space will be supervised to make sure their activities do not get out of hand.

The proposal targets creating clean communities, streets without beggars and neighbourhoods without stickers or phone numbers plastered on walls.

In addition, families will be encouraged to hold funerals within three days of a person's death. In Viet Nam, and particularly in Hue, funerals for respected elderly people can be delayed for up to a week or 10 days so that all family and friends can show their compassion.

Source: VNS