The event is being run in response to the “Ao Dai-Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage” programme that was officially launched by the Vietnam Women’s Union, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a means of marking 110 years since the launch of International Women’s Day on March 8.

Phan Ngoc Tho, Chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue provincial People’s Committee, directed the Hue Monuments Conservation Center to publicise the offer of free entrance to both local residents and visitors. He also encouraged female residents in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue to don an Ao Dai when attending social events or going to work in response to Ao Dai Week, which is part of the nationwide “Ao Dai-Vietnam’s Cultural Heritage” programme which aims to encourage women to wear the country’s traditional long dress.