A Merry Morning Over the Fish Markets and Salt Fields of Phan Rang
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- Published on 11 July 2024
- Written by Eric Hundert. Photos by Eric Hundert.
I live in Đà Lạt, so the most direct route to the coast brings me to Phan Rang, which is where I often go for the beach and seafood.
How Saigon's Free Water Coolers Quench Thirst and Spread Kindness
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- Published on 10 July 2024
- Written by Uyên Đỗ. Top image by Cao Nhân.
In recent years, stories about climate change's impacts on the lives of Vietnamese people have been increasingly making the news.
Traces of Movement, Memory and Heritage in Duo Exhibition 'Entrusting to Emptiness'
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- Published on 09 July 2024
- Written by An Tran. Photos courtesy of Wiking Salon.
An exhibition that brings the audience through the transition between day and night, and movements between dream and memories. There is no beginning and no end, and all elements above somehow reflect the cycle of our existence.
Rare Film Shots Depict a Fast-Growing Saigon in 1996
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- Published on 08 July 2024
- Written by Saigoneer.
Change was in the air in 1996, and the streets purred with development.
The Pedestrian Bridge That Teaches You the Values of Patience
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- Published on 04 July 2024
- Written by Paul Christiansen.
“We need the sweet pain of anticipation to tell us we are really alive.”
In 'Vietnam Retropunk,' a Young Illustrator Dreams of a Cyberpunk Hanoi
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- Published on 02 July 2024
- Written by Phạm Thục Khuê. Images courtesy of Đặng Thái Tuấn. Top graphic by Trường Dĩ.
To Đặng Thái Tuấn, the talent behind illustration project “Vietnam Retropunk,” whimsical depictions of robots and animatronics sprouting out from everyday objects and activities embody the space in between the ancient and the futuristic.
From 'Freeze' to 'Avcngcrs': Inside the Wacky World of Vietnam's Bootleg Toys
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- Published on 01 July 2024
- Written by Khang Nguyễn. Photos by Cao Nhân.
In Vietnam, you can find a Lego set in official Lego stores or any big toy shops at high prices; but if you take a different route, you can find Lego sets being sold by small vendors for much cheaper. But those sets are a little bit different; they are branded as “Lele'' or “Lepin,” or just white Chinese characters on a red square. For decades, these bootleg toys have been a widely popular option for Vietnamese kids.
Honda to Cease Production of Super Cub 50cc, Vietnam's Beloved Bike, in November
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- Published on 27 June 2024
- Written by Saigoneer. Top image via.
By the end of 2025, Honda will cease the manufacturing of all motorbikes with 50cc engines, including the beloved 50cc Super Cub, to comply with stricter emission standards.
The Unhinged Genius of the Caty Dragon Fruit Noodles Meme
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- Published on 26 June 2024
- Written by Uyên Đỗ. Graphic by Tiên Ngô.
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Dragon fruit has existed in Vietnam for hundreds of years, but it wasn't until the 21st century that it made its debut in instant noodles.
Easybadwork's Free Spirits Are Rooted in Nature and the Underground
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- Published on 24 June 2024
- Written by Paul Christiansen. Photos by Cao Nhân.
A sparrow swooping across a special-edition can of Coca-Cola, the illustrations featured in the artworks of Ngọt's Grammy-nominated album boxset, or perhaps even the tattoo on a stranger you pass on the street: you have probably seen the work of Khim Đặng, the man behind Saigon fashion brand easybadwork, without knowing it. His graphic designs have graced a variety of commercial and collaborative works in Saigon, but easybadwork is his hobby business. “A true business makes you money, a hobby business makes you happy,” he told Saigoneer.
In Suburban Hanoi, With Summer Comes the Red-Purple Cascade of Mulberries
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- Published on 21 June 2024
- Written by Xuân Phương. Photos by Xuân Phương.
In suburban Hanoi, this is the season when mulberry branches heavy with bright red fruits dangle in the summer wind.
New Renderings Show Saigon's Plans to Revamp Quách Thị Trang Square
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- Published on 21 June 2024
- Written by Saigoneer.
At an estimated cost of VND157 billion (US$6.17 million), the controversial renovation work on the square in front of Bến Thành Market is set to begin this fall and be completed by April 2025.
The 1st Vietnamese Song With 1bn Views on YouTube Is About Ducks
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- Published on 19 June 2024
- Written by Khôi Phạm.
It’s not Hoàng Thùy Linh’s catchy dance track ‘See Tình’ or the crossover Mekong Delta hit ‘Con gái miền Tây,’ the first Vietnamese song to amass one billion — or bill-ion, if you will — on YouTube is a children’s song about ducks.
Revisiting the Coats of Arms of Vietnam's Major Cities Under French Rule
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- Published on 18 June 2024
- Written by Paul Christiansen. Top graphic by Trường Dĩ.
Did you know that several Vietnamese cities have coats of arms?
Sấu Ushers in a Hanoian Summer of Sweet-and-Sour Nostalgia
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- Published on 17 June 2024
- Written by Văn Tân.
A former coworker called me to playfully nag me about my previous plan to visit Hanoi: “Are you waiting for all the sấu to drop before making a move?”
Live Music, Sports, Art and Activities Fill District VUI with Summer Fun
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- Published on 17 June 2024
- Written by Saigoneer. Photos by The Grand Ho Tram.
Vietnam’s south-central coast is blessed with warm sunshine, cool waves, and relaxed vibes all year round, creating a perpetual vacation atmosphere. With school breaks and summer holidays, there is no better time to explore the tropical regions at the nexus of forest and sea.
Get to Know the Dynamic Local Art Scene Alongside 'Saigon Art Journey'
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- Published on 12 June 2024
- Written by Paul Christiansen. Photos by Urbanist Travel.
“This is not a tour, remove that word from your minds. This is an interacting and exploring journey,” explained Angeline Gong, an experienced art host known by Saigon’s artists and galleries as Z-Gong.
10 Species of Lesser-Known Fruits to Get to Know Vietnam's Biodiversity
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- Published on 11 June 2024
- Written by Khôi Phạm. Top graphic by Trường Dĩ.
In the Vietnamese language, the suffix “cỏ” — meaning “grass” in the literal sense — is often used to signify that something is locally grown, no frills, and charmingly rustic; grassroots, if you will. Chó cỏ is the general term for the adorable mutts, usually mixes between Vietnam’s native dog species, born without the prestige of named breeds, while gym cỏ and net cỏ denote the casual gyms and internet cafes in one’s neighborhood. In the same vein of logic, may I put forth a new name for a special genre of Vietnamese fruits: trái cỏ?
Gỏi Đu Đủ Reflects the Mekong Region's Culinary and Cultural Wisdoms
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- Published on 10 June 2024
- Written by Văn Tân. Graphic by Tiên Ngô.
As the cicadas begin to sing in the tamarind canopies along Pasteur Street after the first monsoon rain, vivid scenes from my formative years flash by in my mind. My cheeks became flushed and my eyes teary, but not from the harsh sun and wind, nor the frustration of losing multiple marble games; it was the sight, or rather, the scent of a papaya salad enveloped in Cô Ri pungent anchovy sauce.
Hẻm Gems: In D5, a Family Durian Xôi Xiêm Recipe Inspired by Cambodia
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- Published on 08 June 2024
- Written by Khang Nguyễn. Photos by Cao Nhân.
At first glance, xôi xiêm sầu riêng — or sticky rice with egg custard and durian — may appear plain-looking, but apart from being a tasty sweet treat, this simple dish also holds stories of life during Vietnam’s post-war period.
