Hoping to create beautiful memories of Tet (Lunar New Year), Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar and members of the embassy in Hanoi recently got dressed in ao dai (Vietnamese traditional costume) for a photoshoot on Ta Hien Street.

The upcoming Tet, which falls on January 29, marks either the first celebration in Vietnam for some diplomats at the Dutch Embassy in Hanoi, or the last one of their tenure for some others.

This summer, Deputy Ambassador Christoph Prommesberger and several embassy staff members will conclude their term in Vietnam. 

As such, the 2025 Tet is their final opportunity to experience the Vietnamese New Year while in office.

Ambassador Van Baar suggested the idea of capturing Tet memories by wearing ao dai, much like how many Vietnamese youths celebrate the holiday.

The chosen location for the photoshoot was Ta Hien Street, a favorite spot among foreign visitors for its iconic French-style architecture, stone-paved roads, and vibrant decorations. 

Ta Hien is also famous as a bustling nightlife hub, often referred to as Hanoi's 'street that never sleeps.'

The Dutch ambassador expressed his fondness for Vietnamese Tet and the festive atmosphere in the days leading up to the holiday, with the city transformed into a 'park' with motorbikes and cars carrying vibrant Tet trees and flowers. 

“On New Year’s Eve, I usually join friends to watch fireworks at West Lake,” Ambassador Kees van Baar said. “During Tet, we gather to drink coffee, share meals, and savor those special moments together.”

Below are photos of Dutch Embassy staff members captured in festive Hanoi, Vietnam, ahead of Tet:

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