Details: Published on 31 December 2019; Written by Michael Tatarski. Illustration by Hannah Hoang.

For a few months earlier this year, it seemed like there was no stopping the wave of renewable energy projects coming online in Vietnam.

Saigoneer Podcast: Some of Our Favorite 2019 Segments

Details: Published on 30 December 2019; Written by Saigoneer.

Our final episode of 2019 is available now!

Year in Review: Saigoneer's Picks for Best Hẻm Gems of 2019

Details: Published on 29 December 2019; Written by Saigoneer. Illustration by Hannah Hoang.

In 2019, Saigoneer reviewed a total of 38 Hẻm Gems, including 10 bars or cafes, 15 Vietnamese eateries and 13 places serving delicious non-Vietnamese cuisines.

Saturday Night @ Lush

Details: Published on 28 December 2019; Written by Saigoneer

Weekends aren't complete without a fun night out at Lush

Saigoneer Bookshelf: 'The Mountains Sing' Is a Quintessential Vietnamese Novel, Written in Memories

Details: Published on 28 December 2019; Written by Paul Christiansen. Illustration by Hannah Hoang.

As American bombers roared over the horizon preparing to drop fire and misery, air raid sirens screeched and people throughout Hanoi scrambled to find safety.

[Photos] Saigoneer's Best Original Photography of 2019

Details: Published on 26 December 2019; Written by Saigoneer.

It’s been a year of big changes for Vietnam: an impressive year-end economic growth rate of 6.8%, a historic gold medal from the men’s football team at the SEA Games, and the arrival of numerous international brands in big cities like Saigon and Hanoi.

[Photos] Giant Caves and Animatronic Santa: Saigon Goes All out on Festivities

Details: Published on 24 December 2019; Written by Mark Ratcliff. Photos by Mark Ratcliff.

By this time of year, many expats living in Saigon have made the annual decision: return home to catch up with loved ones, or stay put in Vietnam. Those who stay in Saigon for Christmas may try to celebrate it any little way they can. Others simply ignore it.

Ladies Night - Christmas Eve @ Lush

Details: Published on 24 December 2019; Written by Saigoneer

Come through to Lush for Saigon's hottest ladies night. #letshavesomefun

An Opera Lover’s Introduction to Cải Lương

Details: Published on 21 December 2019; Written by Jim Selkin. Photos by Jim Selkin.

“How would you like to see a performance of cải lương — traditional Vietnamese folk opera?” my local friend asked. “Great opportunity for photos, and I think we can go backstage.” Knowing my love of opera and photography, my response was an immediate “yes.”

Saturday Night @ Lush

Details: Published on 21 December 2019; Written by Saigoneer

Weekends aren't complete without a fun night out at Lush

Hẻm Gems: A Secret Back-Alley Bún Ngan, Hidden in Plain Sight

Details: Published on 21 December 2019; Written by Thi Nguyen. Photos by Alberto Prieto.

Several months ago, the Saigoneer team went to 89 Nguyen Du for a Hẻm Gem on Ngo 89’s Hanoian snacks. Little did I know, we’d be going to the same location for an entirely different eatery later on.

How Vietnam's Pop Culture Leaves Behind Past Stigmas to Embrace Queerness

Details: Published on 19 December 2019; Written by Thi Nguyen. Graphic by Hannah Hoang.

The recent rise of music videos and pop culture products that feature androgynous idols and same-sex love has invited mixed responses and debates in the media, which open a window into Vietnam’s historical relationship with gender and sexuality.

A Young Hanoi Orchestra Brings Symphonic Disney Nights to Saigon

Details: Published on 19 December 2019; Written by Khoi Pham. Photos courtesy of Concert of Childhood Memory.

Growing up with the touching stories of Walt Disney Studios, many Saigoneers have formed a personal connection with the cheery tunes of songs like The Little Mermaid’s ‘Under the Sea’ or the iconic opening to The Lion King’s ‘Circle of Life.’

An Ode to Lục Bình, Vietnam's Invasive, Destructive, Beautiful Aquatic Jerk

Details: Published on 18 December 2019; Written by Paul Christiansen. Top image by Hannah Hoang.

Knotted gnarls of lush stems, leaves, vines; a verdant scrimmage of tangled plant matter kept afloat by buoyant bladders accented by pleats of pink petals that resemble the skirts of ballerinas trapped inside music boxes: the water hyacinth.

[Photos] The Evolution of Saigon Residents in an Ad, Ad, Ad World

Details: Published on 17 December 2019; Written by Adrien Jean. Photos by Adrien Jean.

Exploring Saigon’s streets through my lens has helped me to understand the city in a deeper way and to be a witness of its development.

Ladies Night @ Lush

Details: Published on 17 December 2019; Written by Saigoneer

Come through to Lush for Saigon's hottest ladies night. #letshavesomefun

Saigon Postcard No. 20: Ephemeral Holiday Feelings

Details: Published on 15 December 2019; Written by Paul Christiansen. Illustration by Hannah Hoang.

Soft lights illuminate Saigon's dark alleys and streets the way holiday cheer brightens the lamentations for another year passing.

Hẻm Gems: Home-Cooked Taiwanese Comfort Food for a Cold Saigon Day

Details: Published on 14 December 2019; Written by Brendan Ryan. Photos by Alberto Prieto.

District 5, Saigon’s Chinatown, is full of delicious eateries serving Cantonese food. For something new, try Va Thanh, an unassuming restaurant with top-notch Taiwanese home-style cooking.