Ao Dai Photoshoot in Hoi An, Vietnam: My Real Experience

In this blog, I share my experience doing an ao dai photoshoot in Hoi An and give you tips to book your photoshoot! And you won’t believe the price!

Hoi An is easily one of the most charming and photogenic cities in the world.

From its iconic colorful lanterns, quiet alleys, and lantern boats glowing at night on the Thu Bon River to its endless tailors, ao dai shops, and coffeehouses lining ancient streets, this romantic UNESCO World Heritage Site is basically a love letter to Vietnam.

As a first generation Vietnamese American, I always dreamed of the day I’d finally get to go to Vietnam. Needless to say, for little Geeves, the famous ao dai (traditional outfit) became very symbolic.

You don’t need an excuse to wear an ao dai in Vietnam, especially in ancient towns like Hoi An, where you’ll see women wearing them. They’re so beautiful and can be worn anytime. But, what better time than a photoshoot in Hoi An?

One of the things I knew I wanted to do when I visited Vietnam was a traditional ao dai photoshoot.. not just because, yes, I love a good photo op and it’s so cool (and affordable) to hire your own team and feel like a model, but also because this trip was personal.

My dad was born in Vietnam and this trip with him was the first time he’d been back since the Vietnam War.

Doing something cultural and meaningful like this at one of the most preserved ancient cities in Vietnam, felt like a way to finally connect with him and the part of my heritage that my dad left during the war to come to America.

This would end up being one of my favorite experiences in Vietnam and made me fall in love with Hoi An even more.

Makeover & Ao Dai Fitting

Since I hate getting up early, I requested a late morning slot at an ao dai rental shop in Hoi An’s Old Town district. They were very accommodating.

After booking, communication was prompt via WhatsApp. We agreed on a time in advance and the driver picked me up promptly right in front of my hotel.

Once we arrived, I met my team: makeup artist/hairstylist, photographer, and videographer. Everyone was super nice, spoke English, and made me feel comfortable right away.

They even grabbed a coffee for me from a nearby café while I was getting ready (50,000 VND, about $2 USD)..

Also, the photographer gave my mom a ride on his motor bike to an ATM (they only accept cash, bring Vietnamese dong or book online).

Then, I was shown a rack full of beautiful ao dais (traditional Vietnamese dresses) and was told to try on whichever ones I wanted and pick one to wear.

They had every color imaginable, from soft pastels to rich jewel tones, and even a few modern Western style dresses if that’s more your vibe.

After trying on a few, I chose one that I felt really good in… elegant but still me. Then came hair and makeup, which was honestly more elaborate than I expected (in a good way!).

My makeup artist asked whether I preferred something more glam or traditional… and even explained how Vietnamese women usually wear theirs.

Since I’m Vietnamese American (half Vietnamese, half European), she wanted to blend the cultures. False lashes and a contouring included! “Soft glam”

She also styled my hair and added a few pretty accessories to tie it all together. By the time she was done, I looked in the mirror and couldn’t wait to get in front of the camera! 📸 She did my makeup exactly how I wanted.

If you’re visiting soon, you might like:
🍜 Ultimate 3 Day Hoi An Itinerary: Food, Culture & Hidden Gems

A Cinematic Touch

One of my favorite surprises? A videographer came along, filming behind the scenes clips that were later turned into a mini highlight reel.

It added this extra movie magic to the whole thing, walking through the ancient streets of Hoi An in a flowing Ao Dai while the camera followed me through lantern alleys and bridges.

It made me feel like I was starring in my own travel movie. 🎥

Striking Poses Through the Streets of Hoi An

I can’t tell you how awesome it felt to be walking through the street with my photographer and videographer. Locals and tourists alike were looking on in intrigue.

My mom also came with me and acted as a model’s assistant, carrying my shoes and helping me switch back and forth between my slip ons and the traditional shoes. She was such a trooper! Even at the end when it rained.

Walking with my team, I kinda felt like a celebrity.

The photographer gave me different props to use during the shoot like an antique-looking fan, a traditional Vietnamese conical hat, a cute wooden purse, and the wooden shoes to match so the whole look tied together perfectly.

I have to say, it felt really cool to be able to step inside my ancestors’ shoes for the day… literally.

💡 Tip: Even if you’re not Vietnamese, don’t worry. Doing this shoot is NOT cultural misappropriation. It’s a sign of respect that you’re embracing and celebrating Vietnamese culture. Locals are happy to share it and appreciate your curiosity.

We walked through all the prettiest parts of Hoi An along colorful shopfronts, yellow walls, bridges, and lantern lined streets.

The timing was perfect… early enough that the streets weren’t crowded, so I didn’t have to dodge a million tourists in the background.

The photographer guided me through every pose (thank God, because I am not a natural model). He showed me how to stand, where to look, what to do with my hands…

Between shots, he was showing me how the photos came and out and we’d hunt down our next location while dodging motor bikes. It felt more like hanging out with a friend.

👟 Pro Tip: Bring comfy shoes for walking between locations. The cobblestone streets can get slippery, especially after rain. I wore slip ons and switched to the wooden shoes right before each photo.

🌦️ The Unexpected Ending

The weather was amazing at first… warm, sunny, but not too hot. Toward the end of the shoot, though, it started to drizzle… and then pour.

At first, I panicked about my hair and makeup but then I just went with it.

The last few photos, standing in the rain with my Ao Dai flowing, turned out to be some of my absolute favorites. In the photos, the makeup and hair held up perfectly, even in the rain, and everything looked natural.

There’s something cinematic about Hoi An in the rain. It’s moody, romantic, and totally authentic. So if it happens to you, don’t stress. Just roll with it.

You can also do an evening photoshoot to capture golden hour at dusk. Just be prepared, the city comes alive at night and is often buzzing with people!

Quick Facts: Ao Dai Photoshoot in Hoi An

📩 After the Photoshoot

I hadn’t heard about my photos after one week, so I reached out and they apologized right away and sent them instantly. Over 300 unedited shots and 50+ edited ones!

I was honestly blown away. The lighting, the colors, the way they captured the details… everything looked natural and professional.

Most of the photos were me in focus, which looked stunning, but next time, I’ll ask for more background focused shots too to show off even more of Hoi An’s scenery.

You’ll receive links to download both the original and edited photos, plus a bonus highlight video (all high resolution).

I loved the photos so much that I’m going to create photo books and order prints to put in frames and hang on my wall. I’m also planning to come back with my whole family next time and we’re going to do a family portrait in Vietnam together.

If you want a Hoi An photoshoot but don’t want to wear an ao dai or already have one you love and want to use, you can book the photoshoot alone here:
👉 Book the Photoshoot Only

Final Thoughts

Overall, it was such a great experience that I’ll never forget. My photographer’s passion and enthusiasm were contagious. It was fun being a model for the day. I also loved connecting to my heritage in that way.

It was my dad’s first time been back since the Vietnam War, and I can’t think of a more meaningful way to commemorate that.

It’s the kind of experience that leaves you with more than just pretty pictures. It’s something you’ll remember every time you look at them.

I purposely saved this photoshoot for the last day of my trip because I wanted it to feel special… like a full circle moment, walking past the same places I’d fallen in love with throughout my time in Hoi An. But, you may want to take advantage of a good weather forecast.

Do They Have Larger Ao Dai Sizes?

Yes! They offers ao dais and dresses in larger sizes suitable for all body types. Trung Dinh told me that their goal is for “everyone to feel confident, elegant, and beautiful in traditional Vietnamese attire, no matter your shape or size” and that “each outfit can even be adjusted by our tailor for a perfect fit“.

🪡 Ao Dai Hoi An’s Story

Ao Dai Hoi An was founded from a deep love for Vietnamese culture and the desire to share its beauty with travelers from around the world. Their mission is to help every guest experience authentic Vietnamese elegance through both fashion and emotion and leave with unforgettable memories.

They specialize in traditional ao dai rental & sales and professional photography sessions in Hoi An and Da Nang.

 Find them here:
📞 WhatsApp: +84 905554988
📸 Instagram: @aodaihoian

If You’re Thinking About Doing It…

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends or family, I can’t recommend this experience enough if you’re heading to Hoi An.

It’s one of those travel experiences that checks all the boxes… a little adventure, a little culture, a little glam, and a whole lot of heart. You walk away with incredible memories and photos that actually mean something.

Pro Tip: The props, ao dai, and shoes are rentals, but definitely keep your hair accessories as a souvenir (you paid for it). I wish I kept mine.

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Have you ever done a cultural photoshoot while traveling? Tell me in the comments below or tag me: @realgirlreview on Instagram or TikTok so I can see your shots! Until next time… Keep it real!