“When I was eight years old, I left my homeland and, with it, a part of myself. Growing up as a Vietnamese refugee, I carried a deep, unhealable ache—a constant reminder of the country I had left behind. My photography is born from the mix of heartache and hope, struggle and resilience, loss and growth. It is my way of sharing the passion that has sustained me throughout my life.
Through my work, I embrace and honor my heritage, preserving the beauty of my culture and the memories of my roots. Photography is the bridge between my lost childhood and my present, allowing me to tell stories that reflect universal experiences. For me, it turns the intangible into something concrete, brings the unseen into view, and at times, offers solace in the midst of hardship. It is my way of healing, and through my images, I share the journey of this difficult yet blessed life.”
- Hoai Nam
Áo Trắng 202 5 : 50 Năm Viễn Xứ
Với tôi, hoa sen là biểu tượng của dân tộc Việt: thuần khiết, thanh cao và nghị lực vươn lên từ bùn lầy. Vẻ đẹp bình dị nhưng mạnh mẽ của loài hoa ấy tượng trưng cho ý chí kiên cường, vượt qua mọi thử thách. Trong Phật giáo, sen còn là biểu tượng của giác ngộ và giải thoát, một sự tĩnh lặng mà tôi luôn hướng đến.
Trong từng cánh sen, tôi nhận thấy những giá trị gắn liền với tâm hồn Việt: sự tinh khiết, lòng kiên định và khả năng hướng về ánh sáng dù trải qua bao đổi thay. Mỗi cánh sen, mỗi tà áo, đều nhắc tôi về quê hương và những vẻ đẹp vẫn âm thầm nở rộ trong cuộc sống quanh ta.
To me, the lotus is a symbol of the Vietnamese spirit: pure, noble, and resilient, rising from the mud. Simple in form yet powerful in spirit, it rises above every obstacle. In Buddhism, the lotus also represents awakening and release, a quiet serenity that I always strive toward.
In every lotus petal, I see qualities deeply rooted in the Vietnamese spirit: purity, resilience, and the gentle strength to reach toward the light despite life’s challenges. Each petal, each flowing áo dài, evokes memories of my homeland and the subtle, enduring beauty that blooms quietly around us.
Our Team
photography - Hoai Nam
models - Bao Hoa
graphic design - Laurent Lan Nguyen
wardrobe - Nha May My Phi
production assistant - Viet Hoai Pham, Vinh Hoai Pham
Our Mission
We would like to sincerely thank you and your organization(s) for the invaluable support you have provided to the Ao Trang Calendar. It is with great pride that we share the success of our collaboration over the past years, which has helped raise over $436,000 to support orphanages in Vietnam. These funds have enabled us to deliver essential supplies directly to those in need. Your dedication, trust, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate have been key to the remarkable growth of this initiative. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support!