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Khôi Phạm

in Travel

Bask in the Morning Sun in the Green Heart of Huế Along the Hương River

As tourists, it's in our built-in compass to seek out novelties and excitements, if anything, to remind us that our daily humdrum is not everything, and there exists a world out there with multitudes ...

in Film & TV

The Charming 1990s Nostalgia in the Phim Mì Ăn Liền Cinematic Universe

If you lurk around online discussions of Vietnamese cinema, you probably have stumbled upon the term phim mì ăn liền, or “instant noodles films.” This popular Vietnamese expression describes local mot...

Khôi Phạm

in Culture

An Homage to the Sounds of Saigon Past That Are Going Extinct

After someone or something reaches the end of their days, which aspects of their existence in the minds of those who remain would be the first to succumb to the erosive brush of time? Is it sight, sme...

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

'Đây Ngồi Ráp Việt' Pixel Art Project Turns Vietnam's 63 Provinces, Cities Into Model Kits

How many of us can identify all 63 localities in the current administrative map of Vietnam? Who has been to all of them? Who can name all the 54 ethnicities of Vietnamese across the country? These are...

in Music & Arts

A Brief History of Hanoi Rock City, a Bastion of the Indie Spirit

Hanoi Rock City (HRC) is more than a household name for the youth of Hanoi, especially anyone who’s fond of the “Rock n Roll” culture. Nearly 15 years after its founding, HRC has become a special cult...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cleopatra Restaurant Adds Egyptian Flairs to Saigon's Dynamic Food Scene

As of 2024, Saigon remains Vietnam’s most densely populated metropolis, playing host to 9.5 million residents. In the quality of life discourse, this crowdedness is often singled out as a weakness det...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon

Letter to the People I Met as We Hid From the Rain Under a Bridge Together

“Do not be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards.”— Vladimir Nabokov.

in Hanoi

Hanoi's Bát Tràng Ceramic Village Turns Historic Craft Into Global Fame

Bát Tràng has been producing ceramics for over 700 years, but it’s the recent decades that interest me most: a period in which this small village has mirrored Vietnam’s rapid economic growth.

in Environment

A Botanical Illustrator Captures Vietnam's Flora on Paper, One Species at a Time

When science and art commingle in a botanical illustration, it’s as if a magical world appears, where colors, brushstrokes, and lighting work together to not only replicate but also breathe life into ...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Unbearable Lightness of Eating Bò Lá Lốt Alone

There are certain activities that are best not undertaken alone: karaoke, barbeque, watching football and feasting on ốc. The consensus, however, is still out on bò nướng lá lốt mỡ chài, so I decided ...

in In Plain Sight

Meet the Saigon Man Whose Home Is an Archive of Traditional Musical Instruments

“These instruments serve our everyday life, or even our spiritual life. For example, they mark the transitions of life. When a baby is born or a person passes away, people play these instruments to we...

Khôi Phạm

in Tech

On Vietnam's Internet, You're a Mom, I'm a Mom, Everyone Is a Mom

I am a mom. Well, not in the most conventional meaning of the word — I am childless, and it’s still biologically impossible for men to give birth the last time I checked, but for most of my existence ...

Tim Doling

in Saigon

The Story of Quách Đàm, the Man Who Shaped Modern Chợ Lớn — Part 2

By the 1920s, the old Bình Tây Market and much of the surrounding land had belonged to Quách Đàm, so he proposed to the colonial authorities the demolition of the existing building and the constructio...

Khôi Phạm

in Architecture

On Phú Quý Island, a Curious Collection of Modernist Houses From Central Vietnam

From the 1960s towards the end of the 1970s, urban centers in southern Vietnam saw robust and widespread growth of modernist influences in architecture. Still, outside the usual foci of the movement l...

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

For the Love of Boney M: How a West German Disco Quartet Charmed Vietnam

“You’re gonna make me cry. That’s awesome,” Liz Mitchell exclaimed. Overwhelmed with disbelief, she covered her face and then clutched her black satin dress tightly. It was a rare moment of uplifting ...

Văn Tân

in Architecture

An Homage to Courtyards, the Heart of Traditional Vietnamese Homes

This time of the year, the giáng hương tree in my grandma’s courtyard is probably blooming with clusters of golden blossoms, enticing the kids in the neighborhood to gather around it and carefully pic...

Tim Doling

in Saigon

The Story of Quách Đàm, the Man Who Shaped Modern Chợ Lớn — Part 1

Hải Thượng Lãn Ông Boulevard (the former quai Gaudot) in central Chợ Lớn preserves several elegant old colonial shophouse buildings, but perhaps the most interesting of all is the one at No. 45, once ...

in Music & Arts

In Huế, ‘Allusive Panorama’ Exhibition Reveals a Tender Side of Hàm Nghi Through His Art

An exhibition offering a rare glimpse into the artistic life of Hàm Nghi, Vietnam's exiled emperor who dedicated his life to art, with brushstrokes and landscapes reflecting his deep longing towards a...

Paul Christiansen

in Loạt Soạt

In Latest Short Story Collection, Andrew Lam Explores Diaspora Drama via Literary Fiction

If you opened an American magazine, literary or otherwise, in the early 2000s and found any Vietnamese American byline, there’s a good chance it was Andrew Lam. The long-time journalist’s essays and s...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Go Back in Time to Chợ Cũ's Golden Days via Cô Chánh's Hủ Tiếu Mì

In the memory-scape of children growing up in the countryside like me, there always exists the familiar sight of old wet markets and the mornings we spent there, toddling behind our moms on the hunt f...

Khôi Phạm

in Vietnam

6 Saigon Streets That Were Named After Lesser-Known Female Historical Figures

Any place is a great learning opportunity if you know where to look. A brisk walk in Saigon can be amazing fodder for history aficionados to exercise their brain muscles — just look at street titles a...

Khôi Phạm

in Food Culture

How Cá Cắt Khúc Becomes My Personal Touchstone of Vietnamese Cuisine

It was 13 years ago when Christine Ha auditioned for and eventually won the third season of MasterChef US. Christine was a grad student from Texas then, and her victory was a watershed moment in the h...

Khôi Phạm

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Miến Lươn Is a Classic Hanoian Breakfast for Cold Rainy Days

I am Hanoi’s hungriest tourist; and the capital welcomes me into its flavorsome, umami-rich warmth with open arms.

in Travel

Insights, Polished History Lessons Await in Hanoi's Massive, Brutalist Military Museum

When I pitched a review of Hanoi’s massive new Vietnam Military History Museum to the Saigoneer editorial staff, I expected to find the museum somewhat boring. After all, although I am a historian, I ...

Khôi Phạm

in Society

In Vietnam, ‘Golden Babies’ Are Choking Public Services, Parents and One Another

The year is 2013. Linh lies awake in the attic bedroom of her cozy childhood home in Saigon. Tomorrow is her first day at primary school, and sleep doesn’t come easily with the all butterflies flutter...

in Culture

On Hội Xuân, the Harbinger of Tết for High School Students

When I was a high school student, Lunar New Year brought with it a lot of excitement. Not only did we get a week-long break, we also got plenty of fun school activities leading up to the holidays. For...

Khôi Phạm

in Development

With the HCMC Metro Here, It's Time to Cultivate Saigon's Very Own Metro Culture

One of my least favorite genres of comments on Saigoneer’s social media posts is jokes involving the laggard opening of the HCMC Metro and some random, outrageous year far into the next decades, or ev...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cô Chi Creates a World of Northern Noodles Right in Her Living Room

Bún Cô Chi offers a great introduction to the wonderful world of northern noodles.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At D5's Sủi Cảo Đại Nương, a Song of Chives and Fire

One night after my meal at Sủi Cảo Đại Nương, I find myself in a mystifying dream about chives.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

How to Curate the Best Playlist to Listen to While Riding the Saigon Metro

When you get a new toy, it's only reasonable to take it out to play with as often as possible.

in Environment

Plastic Waste Is Choking the Mekong River and Every Nation on Its Path

On Son Island in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, Le Trung Tin scatters fish feed into his ponds, where dozens of snakehead fish leap through the surface in synchronised bursts. “I taught them how to do that,”...

Khôi Phạm

in Dishcovery

Sấu, Mơ, and Lotus Tea: The Delight of Freezedom Hanoi's Creative Gelato Flavors

Apart from a rather ambitious list of Hanoi-specific dishes to sample, my itinerary for the capital includes three personal wishes: ride the Hanoi Metro, visit Sonder Coffee Bar, and try out Freezedom...

in Saigon

Watching Snowfall in 'Home Alone' Is My Saigon Christmas Tradition

Christmas is so globally celebrated that even in Saigon, as the coldest time of the year approaches, you can hear Christmas hymms echoing from homes in the alley, and spot houses adorned with Christma...

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

5 Classic Christmas Songs in Vietnamese for Those Craving Nô-en Wistfulness

Christmas celebration in Vietnam is something else altogether.

in Trích or Triết

Composer Hoàng Việt and a Radical Romance Across the North-South Border

In a country fractured by ideology, Hoàng Việt's love for his wife Ngọc Hạnh persisted like a secret melody carried across closed borders by weak radio signals, and letters that had to circle the glob...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: CAM Coffee Serves up a Chill Ambiance With a Side of Bánh Cam

Bánh cam, or sesame doughnuts, has been my beloved snack since childhood.

in Eat & Drink

Snow Falls in Zion Sky Lounge & Dining While Partiers Redefine Holiday Traditions

Have you ever wanted to establish a new Holiday tradition?

in Eat & Drink

Pink Pearl Restaurant Prioritizes Sustainability with Vietnam’s First Michelin Green Star Restaurant

Sustainable gastronomy is amongst the most popular recent dining trends while traditional French cuisine is one of the most enduring restaurant experiences. The two are coming together on December 15 ...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Alternative Cơm Tấm From Long Xuyên for Thịt Kho Trứng Fans

When it comes to cơm tấm, most people are familiar with cơm tấm Sài Gòn, featuring grilled pork ribs as the vedette topping. But since the dish’s creation, and as it gained popularity across the Mekon...

Khôi Phạm

in Natural Selection

A Case for the Sweet-and-Sour Tamarind as Saigon's Official Municipal Tree

What is the municipal tree of Saigon? In popular culture, Hanoi is perhaps intricately linked with the paralyzing but often romanticized aroma of hoa sữa, while just over a hundred kilometers to the e...

in Hanoi

Hanoi's Soviet-Style Khu Gia Binh and Life Amid Vietnam's Growing Pains

Hanoi is often known in Vietnam as the land of a millennium-old civilization, a living archive of past Vietnam life. Each tiny alley within the capital can evoke a strong sense of nostalgia in visitor...

Uyên Đỗ

in Environment

Requiem for a Bàng Tree That Was Cut Down in Front of My Home

Curiosity drove me downstairs into the downpour. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the municipal workers — clad in orange-and-green uniforms, their clothes soaked — gathering around a crane. Thei...

in Music & Arts

The Sound of Revolution: How Socialist Realism Shaped Vietnam's Musical Identity

In the depths of my childhood memories lies a peculiar ritual: my grandfather feeding me baby powder while Vietnamese revolutionary songs, or “nhạc đỏ” (red music), played in the background. Without t...

Khôi Phạm

in Vietnam

Cold War History With a Side of Nem Rán in Prague's Little Hanoi

Across English-speaking countries such as the US and Australia, the Vietnamese diaspora established close-knit “Little Saigon” towns whenever they settled down, founding large markets, starting financ...

in Film & TV

From Cheap Flicks to Local Identity: A Brief History of Vietnamese Horror Films

Horror films have been a part of Vietnamese cinema for a long time, since the heyday of the country’s film industry. But the genre's journey has been challenging. For one, its track record includes ma...

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

5 Albums to Put on While Driving Home at 12am Pretending You're in an MV

It’s 12:03am in Saigon. You've just finished a movie at the last screening of the day. The asphalt in the parking lot is coated in a layer of golden light from the streetlight. You walk gingerly to yo...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Reliving the Joy of Jollof Rice at Saigon's Only Nigerian Eatery

Food is history. For some, it may just be sustenance, fuel for life, something to wash down quickly with sips of water to keep the body going. But the reality is that many food types have directly inf...

in Quãng 8

Synths, Dreams, and French Culture: Inside Vietnamese Duo Coïncidence's 1st EP

“When we finally finished the project, I was just like ‘Yay, we’re done!’ Then I went to sleep to go to work tomorrow. I guess life just goes by like that,” recalled Thông, a member of Coïncidence, re...

in Saigon

Saigon's Next Top 5 Congested Streets Are Announced. Here Are the Winners.

Local streets are buckling under the pressure of Saigon's ever-increasing population density, here are the city's most frequently jammed roads, according to the municipal Department of Transportation....

in Eat & Drink

French and Korean Cuisine Celebrated at Pink Pearl's Gourmet Duet Four-Hands Dinner

A meal that celebrates French and Korean cuisine and incorporates Vietnamese techniques served in a Phú Quốc restaurant designed in homage to 1920s American opulence? Such an outlandishly unique meal ...

in Environment

Waste-to-Energy Plants Might Be the Remedy for Vietnam's Struggling Landfills

Lam Van Quyet lives three kilometers from the Tây Bắc waste facility in Ho Chi Minh City, but he knows exactly what time the garbage trucks arrive there.

in Music & Arts

In Action Together During Traveling Art Week Nổ Cái Bùm 2024

Taking place in Đà Nẵng and Hội An earlier in August 2024, the traveling art week Nổ Cái Bùm 2024 became a platform for local artists to showcase artworks, and attracted the attention of many local an...

in Architecture

5 Iconic Buildings in Saigon That Showcase Vietnamese Modernist Architecture

Take a stroll along any random street in downtown Saigon, one is bound to bump into a hodgepodge of architectural styles. Sleek but boring international-style skyscrapers, tranquil Buddhist pagodas, a...

Uyên Đỗ

in Saigon

Into Saigon's Charming Hidden Third Spaces in the Shade of Bridges

Third place (noun): A space outside of one's home and workplace, where people meet and interact socially.

Khôi Phạm

in Food Culture

From Kuy Teav to Hủ Tiếu: How a Phnom Penh Classic Became Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang

Originally from Cambodia, made popular by Chinese vendors and enjoyed by local diners, hủ tiếu Nam Vang captures the essence of Vietnamese history in one hearty bowl of noodles.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Streetcart Named Aoya and the Comfort of Sidewalk Ramen

The first time I tried to visit Aoya Ramen was on a Monday. The pavement where the stall should be was empty, without any trace of noodles or noren. I learned quickly that they’re closed on Mondays. T...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Time-Tested Sâm Bổ Lượng Versus Wacky Quail Eggs in a Dessert

As a kid, my mom would often buy me chè when the weather was too hot to keep me from drinking Coca-Cola. Chè made by Hoa people always got my attention, thanks to its distinctive presentation. Though,...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon

Reminiscing About the Last Days of Downtown Saigon’s Pigeon Coop

The first time I pay a visit to the Pasteur pigeon coop, Lê Văn Âu assures me the place is probably not going anywhere.

in Ẽplain

Vietnam's Trendiest Way to Flaunt Your Social Status Is a Meme Lychee Tea

Lychee tea can be found anywhere and anytime around Saigon, from street stalls to artisanal cafes. Averaging VND20,000–50,000, it’s a popular choice among Vietnamese youths. However, Thái Công Cafe pr...

in Eat & Drink

Fantasy Served with Local Flavors at Phú Quốc's Pink Pearl Restaurant

To flex their importance, the privileged flaunt what’s prohibited. When America banned the sale and consumption of alcohol in the 1920s, those rich and powerful enough to be beyond the law indulged in...

in Saigon

Food, Art, Heritage and Everything of the Essence in My #SaigonSummer

“In summer, the song sings itself.”― William Carlos Williams

in Quãng 8

Aprxel Builds Her Ethereal R&B Dreamscape With 2000s Nostalgia

“High school was when we all had lots of thoughts and reflections. And I felt like I didn’t fit in with the world around me at that time, so I turned to music as my companion,” Aprxel reflects on the ...

in Society

Diving (Literally) Into Hoàng Hoa Thám's Mountains of Secondhand Clothes

In a hẻm, clothing sprawled out on platforms lined with the plastic sacks the clothing came in, overspilling onto the tarmac road. This was just a glimpse of the thrifting scene in Vietnam.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Alternative Cao Lầu in Saigon for Full-Topping Eaters

If I have to use one word to describe the food philosophy of Saigoneers, it would be maximalist. Those who have had the gluttonous joy of hunkering down on a plastic chair on the sidewalk and demolish...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Long-Anticipated Bowl of D10's Pre-Eminent Mì Vịt Tiềm

Rarely have I gone into a meal with such anticipation.

in Environment

Vietnam, Southeast Asian Nations Burst Into the Solar Energy Landscape

Sunny Southeast Asia has made significant strides in solar energy, with solar farm capacity exceeding 20GW across ASEAN countries. Despite this rapid growth and ambitious renewable goals, nations in t...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Ghé Coffee Tucks Art, Fragrant Coffee Into a Quiet D1 Crevice

Delivering premium origin coffee and fine art from artists across Vietnam in a tiny room that dates back to French colonial times, smack dab in the middle of District 1, The Ghé Coffee balances the fi...

Elise Luong

in Architecture

'Slow/ed/ing Architecture': When Architects Ruminate on Architecture Together

The super cute duo that make up the design studio “Exutoire” are Bùi Quý Sơn and Paul-Antoine Lucas. Life and work partners, they moved back(ish) to Vietnam from Oslo last year, and are currently prep...

Paul Christiansen

in Food Culture

Into the Beguiling Backyard Rice Wine Distilleries of Long An

The highway eases into sand and gravel the way history descends into myth and legend when traveling towards Long An. A mere 27 kilometers outside of Saigon, the province feels a world away: the differ...

in Music & Arts

Traces of Movement, Memory and Heritage in Duo Exhibition 'Entrusting to Emptiness'

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 ...

in Music & Arts

In 'Vietnam Retropunk,' a Young Illustrator Dreams of a Cyberpunk Hanoi

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 be...

in Vietnam

From 'Freeze' to 'Avcngcrs': Inside the Wacky World of Vietnam's Bootleg Toys

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....

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

The 1st Vietnamese Song With 1bn Views on YouTube Is About Ducks

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...

Khôi Phạm

in Natural Selection

10 Species of Lesser-Known Fruits to Get to Know Vietnam's Biodiversity

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...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In D5, a Family Durian Xôi Xiêm Recipe Inspired by Cambodia

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 durin...

Paul Christiansen

in Literature

These 5 Vietnamese Poems Pay Homage to the Complexities of Local Fruits

Fruit and poetry: the two things I love most.

Khôi Phạm

in Culture

Xe Trái Cây: If You Can't Find Lovingly Sliced Fruit at Home, Cart-Bought Is Fine

Nature has numerous ways to make itself known: male peacocks fan out their glorious tail made up of iridescent eye-patterned feathers to attract peafowls; blue-ringed octopuses don’t need to invent an...

in Snack Attack

An Ode to Dried Fruit, Vietnam's Parent-Approved Way for Children to Sugar Load

I first knew dried fruit as a category of munchy snacks that had my parents’ approval.

Khôi Phạm

in Natural Selection

Trái Thị: The Fruit of Heavenly Smell and Infernal Taste

If you had to pick a national smell that represents Vietnam, what would it be? There are a host of strong contenders: durian, lotus-scented green tea, fragrant pandan sticky rice, that enticing aroma ...

in Film & TV

Monotonous Viet-Dubbed K-Dramas Were the Soundtrack of My Childhood

When I was growing up, my family owned a broken TV whose screen would unexpectedly go black while the audio continued to play. Turning it off and on again a couple of times would fix the problem, but ...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Sip on Mugwort Lattes, Make Ceramics, and Unwind at Haru Cottage

“I’m basically Demi Moore from Ghost,” this intrusive thought plagued my mind occasionally during our visit to Haru Cottage to participate in the cafe’s ceramic class.

Khôi Phạm

in Food Culture

What to See, Taste, and Do on a Late-Afternoon Walk in Phú Mỹ Hưng

There are probably Saigoneers who will grow old without ever setting foot in Phú Mỹ Hưng, just like how several of my relatives living in District 8 have never visited Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street. Havin...

Khôi Phạm

in Rewind

For a Horror Film About an Ageless Portrait, 'Mười' Hasn't Aged Well

It’s undeniable that Mười: The Legend of a Portrait has left a lasting impression in the minds of a generation of Vietnamese, as the first collaboration between Vietnam and South Korea’s cinema indust...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Tokyo Moon Cafe Introduces Homey Korean Flavors to Japan Town

Stepping into Tokyo Moon is like venturing into a world of wonders, neatly packed within a mere 35-square-meter space.

in In Plain Sight

Hanoi's Largest Indoor Aquarium Is Surprisingly Impressive for a Mall Attraction

I am a champion of the public aquarium. For many people, the aquarium is the only place where they can meet marine life outside of perhaps a wet market or seafood restaurant. Some research suggests th...

in Development

Saigon Metro Line 1 Announces July Launch Date, Free Rides in Phase 1

Will 2024 be the auspicious year when our legs could finally step on the metro platform for the first time?

Khôi Phạm

in Society

Nhiêu Lộc Canal Hosted Trudeau's Night Run. Why Is It Not as Famous as Obama's Bún Chả?

You know how much Vietnamese culture revolves around food by the fact that one of the first questions we pose to any foreign visitor is “What’s your favorite Vietnamese dish?” Asking about other aspec...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In a D3 Hẻm, 40 Years of Bún Ốc and Other Northern Treats

As a resident of Saigon, I’m well-acquainted with the city's vibrant food scene, which features cuisines from various regions of Vietnam, and how these dishes blend local recipes with flavors that res...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: While the Day Away Under the Green Canopy of Cỏ Cafe

Under a thick canopy of verdant vines and minuscule pink flowers, it’s easy to indulge in the cooling comfort of a glass of iced tamarind juice and while the day away.

in Film & TV

Indie Short Film 'Saigon Kiss' Is a Quintessential Saigon Queer Love Story

Is there a meet-cute more characteristically Saigon than a motorbike breakdown and subsequent friendly assist from a stranger?

Khôi Phạm

in Culture

On Delving Into Vietnam's Eras of Tết Firecrackers via My Family History

Is it a valid reverie or just mere misguided nostalgia to feel a sense of yearning for lives you’ve never lived?

in Culture

Xông Đất and the Art of Not Letting Randos Into Your Home on Mùng Một

Tết permeates all areas of life this time of the year, from TV programs to online memes and highly detailed charts, tables, and infographics that guide people to participate in a popular new year acti...

Khôi Phạm

in Food Culture

This Tết, I'm Finally Learning Our Family Recipe for Candied Coconut 'Flowers'

Tết is the perfect occasion of the year to go ham on the sugar.

Paul Christiansen

in Music & Arts

On Warmly Welcoming the Whimsy of Wonky Tết Zodiac Statues

Every Tết arrives accompanied by netizens sharing collections of poorly constructed statues of the year’s zodiac animal. Viewing the online collections with colleagues is one of my favorite holid...

in Culture

When Lịch Bloc Is Gone, What Will Vietnam Use to Keep Discarded Fish Bones?

I have never bought a lịch bloc, or tear-off calendar, for personal use, because every new year, I'm bound to be gifted a brand-new one. In Vietnam, a calendar is often something one purchases as a pr...

in Culture

How Choosing My Own Áo Dài Tết Healed My Trauma Over Áo Dài Uniform

High school can be a frustrating time in virtually every culture, as seen from the myriad of coming-of-age movies depicting the range of clichés, stereotypes and expressions of teenage angst we all go...

in Saigon

Portrait of a Jubilant Saigon on the Precipice of Tết in 1992

Tết in 1992 was an especially fortuitous time to be a foreign arrival to Saigon. 

in Vietnam

In 1992 Vietnam, the Streets Were Brimming With Love and Life

How has your life been transformed in the past 30 years? Changes might materialize overnight, but some tend to creep up on you at a glacial pace. Through this collection of images from 1992, mull over...

in Music & Arts

The Tale of 2 Vietnamese Christmas Songs: 'Hai Mùa Noel' and 'Bài Thánh Ca Buồn'

When it comes to local Christmas music, any Vietnamese will hear the melodies of either ‘Bài Thánh ca buồn’ or ‘Hai mùa Noel’ a couple of times every holiday season. Though Christmas is not a native h...

Uyên Đỗ

in Music & Arts

How an ABBA Classic Becomes the Anthem of Vietnam's New Year Celebration

Somewhere along the way, an ABBA’s sleeper hit ‘Happy New Year’ has emerged as the go-to musical choice for Vietnamese broadcasters and countdown parties when a new year rings in.

Paul Christiansen

in Natural Selection

Crickets Are More Than Just Chirpy Reminders of Our Childhood

Cricket song. You read the words and immediately hear the chirping. That thrilling trill of strummed air. Humans have been hearing that quivering echo since we first came into existence. And over...

in Culture

Inside the Bình Thạnh Depot Where Retro Military Knick-Knacks Live

“This furniture has been around for many decades, but you can use them normally without the fear of breaking them. Because they are industrial equipment made for the military or office buildings, they...

in Film & TV

On 'Past Lives,' Duyên, and the Complexities of Vietnamese Diasporic Identities

Past Lives left me bereft, much like how the reunion of main characters Hae-sung and Nora concluded at the end of the film — that is, without much conclusion at all.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bánh Canh Hẹ Is Phú Yên's Homage to Chives and the Sea

Ever since I was a kid, I have had a general dislike towards vegetables, but green onion has always been an exception. I regard green onion as a garnish that can lighten up the whole dish, and it seem...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Best Cao Lầu Outside of Hội An Is in Tân Bình

Years ago, the first time I ate cao lầu, I committed a cardinal sin. As I gazed upon my freshly assembled bowl of noodles, without much thought, I asked the waitress for more sauce.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: What Bún Cua Gia Lai Taught Me About Vietnam's Bond With Bún

Not being a picky eater was somewhat of a personal point of pride for me growing up. I have my family to thank for this, as their immense patience and open-mindedness have encouraged me to explore as ...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: From Nghệ An, a Turmeric-Tinged Miến Lươn Feast in D7

Once upon a time, deep in the distant kingdom of District 7, there was a miến lươn place. 

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Trip to Bàn Cờ for Lạng Sơn’s Sweet and Sour Dry Phở

There’s not much you can say about phở that hasn't already been said. From its complicated origin to its deliciousness to its ubiquity on Saigon’s streets, the subject has been covered ...

Uyên Đỗ

in Saigoneer Getaways

Finding Solace in the Placid Water of Trị An Lake as a City Dweller

I took a deep breath, realizing that I was suspended in the midpoint of everything, above the calm, glassy surface of Trị An Lake and beneath the vast, enveloping azure sky that blanketed Mã Đà forest...

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

Review: 'Bến Phà Xác Sống' Is the 2nd-Worst Movie I've Ever Watched. I'm Sad It's Over.

The day when the Saigoneer team organized a little get-together to watch Bến Phà Xác Sống in the cinema, I was running seriously late.

Paul Christiansen

in Natural Selection

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

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 trappe...

in Travel

In Gò Vấp, a 'Floating Temple' Stands the Test of Time and River Currents

On an isle amid the Vàm Thuật river in Gò Vấp District, Phù Châu Temple, colloquially known among locals as the “floating temple,” has welcomed religious practitioners looking for a serene quarter in ...

in Culture

On the Hunt for One-of-a-Kind Treasures in Saigon's Thriving Thrift Shops

In the summer of 2021, Hương Nguyễn decided to pivot away from her office job and launch an online thrift store called Vintage Hearts. She was motivated by how difficult it was to find clothing in Sai...

Khôi Phạm

in Travel

Train to Biên Hòa: A Day Trip Into Suburbia From Saigon

When Saigoneer first announced a few weeks ago that Vietnam’s railway network would be the centerpiece of our next themed article series, a number of readers joked in the comment section that who in t...

in Film & TV

Review: ‘Bên Trong Vỏ Kén Vàng’ Is a Soul-Searching Mission in the Lâm Đồng Mist

On the pastures of slow cinema where Andrei Tarkovsky, Tsai Ming-liang and Theo Angelopoulos reside, Phạm Thiên Ân's debut feature, Bên Trong Vỏ Kén Vàng (Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell), has made its...

in Parks & Rec

Tiny Tracks, Big Passion: Inside the Miniature World of Vietnam's Model Train Enthusiasts

“When you turn it on, the train is not only moving, but it can make sounds too. The sounds are so authentic that when I listen to it, I feel like I am sitting on a real train right now,” Minh Tú, a Sa...

Tim Doling

in Saigon

The Tumultuous Tale of Three Ga Sài Gòn Locations, From 1885 Until Now

Travelers arriving by train in Hồ Chí Minh City sometimes express surprise that the main Saigon Railway Station is located in Hòa Hưng, some distance from the central business district. In fact, this ...

Khôi Phạm

in Rewind

1735 Km, the 2005 Road Trip Romcom That Could Have Been

In 2005, I was in middle school. I had never had a cellphone nor known what the internet was — our home didn’t have ADSL until ninth grade. Life as a fledgling pupil in Saigon revolved around homework...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Dì Út Tells Her Family's Indian-Vietnamese Story via Tasty Bò Kho

The arrival of the rainy season in Saigon has left me craving for hot meals to beat the cold, damp weather. I was on my way home from work in the aftermath of a bout of rain one day and found myself i...

in Culture

An Homage to Rastaclat, the Coolest Bracelets of Our High School Years

During my teenage years when a lot of us were trying new things, I can remember certain trending items affected our lifestyle. For me, amongst the most memorable was the Hypebeast culture that ca...

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

A (Non-Exhaustive) Ranking of 10 Vietnamese Queer Movies in History

How would you define a “queer” film?

in Ẽplain

How Táo Xanh Forum Created a Safe Space for Gay Vietnamese Before Social Media

Before Vietnamese could hop on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share our hot takes of the week, there was an era of past cybersphere when online forums were the crucial ...

Khôi Phạm

in Food Culture

Opinion: With New Vietnam Guide, Michelin Has Failed Asian Street Food Again

Nothing gets Saigon foodies up in arms faster than the ratio of 10 phở restaurants to zero bánh mì place, but this disproportionate phở favoritism is just one of many ways the Michelin Guide has fumbl...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The 40-Year-Old Phở Gà in Kỳ Đồng, Now Michelin-Approved

If you’re ever lost in District 3, Kỳ Đồng’s famous phở gà place will be the oasis you need in those trying times.

Marc Dinh

in Vietnam

A Brake Failure and 200 Victims: Remembering Vietnam's Deadliest Rail Accident

About 55 kilometers from Saigon, in the small commune of Tây Hoà rests the 17/03/1982 Railway Cemetery. It currently houses 85 unidentified graves of victims of the Train 183 Disaster, the deadli...

in Asia

Pride Fest, Cambodia's Most Ambitious LGBT Event to Date, Is Coming This Week

On a steamy evening in downtown Phnom Penh, Rebecca Chan takes the stage. The crowd — mostly Cambodian millennials and Gen Z's — is riled up from previous performances, but Chan’s composure tames thei...

Khôi Phạm

in Natural Selection

The Rise and Fall of Phượng Vĩ, the Summer Icon of Our Teenage Dreams

I was a teenage cliché. No matter how much I try to rack my brain to find any other personal connection to the incandescently red tree that is phượng vĩ, I keep going back to my middle school crush an...

Khôi Phạm

in Snack Attack

For the Love of Our Cooling, Affordable and Ubiquitous Trà Đá

In Saigon, trà đá vendors don’t exist, simply because every single eatery is in itself a trà đá vendor.

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

Review: Wow! This Brochure for Vietnam Tourism Has a Plot and a Romance.

I was prepared to hate A Tourist’s Guide to Love on sight. As a movie setting, Vietnam has been burned by foreign productions one too many times, so I often find myself dry-heaving whenever any intern...

Paul Christiansen

in In Plain Sight

An Ode to Saigon’s Chò Nâu Trees

It’s too cold for chò nâu to grow where I’m from, but we still gave it an English name: dipterocarp.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At a Corner of Nguyễn Văn Linh, Saigon's Best Korean Cold Noodles

Much like a stereotypical meet-cute in a romantic comedy, the majority of my most memorable food experiences often involve a faux pas of varying degrees of humiliation.

in Dishcovery

Okra Food Bar’s Pork Chop Finds Unexpectedly Bold Flavors in Familiar Ingredients

Widely available and inexpensive, okra may not immediately come to mind when listing vegetables frequently found in memorable dishes. Yet, with enough skill and creativity, okra can anchor tastebud-ti...

Khôi Phạm

in Quãng 8

Hanoi Indie Duo Limebócx Brings Tried-and-Trù Traditions to Young Ears

A grazing buffalo, frolicking water puppets, mystifying tam cúc cards, an insolent maiden in áo tứ thân, a rustic meal around cái mâm. These are just a few standout visuals that will haunt your brain ...

in Music & Arts

After 4 Years, Krossing Over Arts Festival Returns to Saigon With a Week of Events

After a four-year hiatus, performing art extravaganza Krossing Over Arts Festival (KOAF) officially makes a comeback this April with a week of events to delight Saigon’s art lovers.

Paul Christiansen

in Loạt Soạt

Bảo Ninh's English-Language Return and the Magic of Mundane Moments

Of all 20th-century Vietnamese authors whose works were translated into English, none have received more high-profile attention than Bảo Ninh for his wartime novel Nỗi buồn chiến tranh (The ...

Khôi Phạm

in Culture

What to See, Taste, and Do If You Have a Free Morning in Tân Định

There’s not much you’ll need to do to persuade me to drive, walk, crawl, scuttle or skate along the Nhiêu Lộc-Thị Nghè Canal — I adore its shaded, tree-lined pavements that much.

in Culture

I Grew up Among Ducks in the Mekong Delta. They Always Remind Me of Home.

On a recent ritual walk around my suburb, I was held up by the sight of a middle-aged man with his “fur kid.” I introduced myself and when he heard the word “Vietnam,” his eyes lit up and with a smile...

in Saigon

From Vauban Citadel to Modernist Icon: The History of Turtle Lake

The area of Công Trường Quốc Tế and Turtle Lake (Hồ Con Rùa) has been through many changes both in design and function throughout the history of Saigon. First, it housed a gate for a Nguyễn-dynasty ci...

in Saigon

From Swampland to Heartland: The History of Bến Thành Market

From the very first discussions in 1868 regarding a new marketplace for Saigon, it was not until 1914, that Bến Thành Market became a reality. The birth of the market was like a dream come true, one t...

Khôi Phạm

in Culture

What to See, Taste, and Do If You Have 3 Hours to Kill in Chợ Lớn

One of my favorite parts about being in a new city is dropping by any random neighborhood and just walking around until my feet get sore. Walking affords me the leisurely pace and multi-dimensional fr...

in Culture

A Day in the Life of Phùng Hưng, a D5 Street With Two Personalities

Nestled in the historic Chợ Lớn section of District 5, Phùng Hưng Street runs from the canal along Võ Văn Kiệt through to Hồng Bàng. Within its length, the street has two distinct personalities.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: From a Historic D5 Shophouse, An Duyên Serves up Tasty Chợ Lớn Classics

An Duyên Chợ Lớn transcends Chợ Lớn quán stereotypes of rustic mom-and-pops with rickety amenities to provide a comfortable dining experience, made memorable thanks to aesthetically pleasing décor and...

in Vietnam

In 2022, Vietnam's Domestic Tourism Flourished, but International Arrivals Lagged Behind

The most recent Tết holiday witnessed an outstanding performance by Vietnam’s domestic tourism sector, while international tourism had a year of underwhelming figures.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Saigoneer's Picks of Saigon's 5 Best Cafes to Poop At

What brings you to coffee shops? Novelty beverages, mellow playlists, a feeling of home, proximity, or just simply convenience — all are valid attributes that have endeared me to many of my favorite c...

Khôi Phạm

in Literature

From Architecture to Folklore: 5 Indie Book Projects for Vietnamese Culture Buffs

In our years of writing about Vietnam, Saigoneer has had the pleasure to meet many passionate, inquisitive individuals whose creative and academic projects inspired us to appreciate the many facets of...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: We Found Huế's Roast Pork Chè in Saigon, but It's Complicated.

When the parent ingredients are such top-tier performers in their respective categories, it’s natural to feel disappointed that the resulting combination is so subpar.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bún Bò Đà Nẵng Will Change How You Feel About Bún Bò in Saigon

Have you ever wondered who named our food? Oftentimes I do, and I daydream of traveling back in time to those monumental moments in the past when a famous dish or ingredient earned its title to slap s...

in Environment

The Mekong Delta Loses Sand Too Fast Due to Extraction, It's Time for a Sand Budget.

Many people will be familiar with the dread when your income no longer covers your expenses; when you’ve exhausted your savings and are sinking ever deeper into debt. In the Mekong Delta, a similar do...

Michael Tatarski

in Tech

How Going Digital Could Help Vietnam's Farmers Take Their Produce to the Next Level

In this digital age, farming, especially in developing countries like Vietnam, has maintained a general perception of being an analog, hands-on practice. 

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

Two Decades of Women's Vintage Fashion in Saigon, as Illustrated by a Young Hanoian

In conversations surrounding Vietnam’s fashion history, it’s impossible not to discuss áo dài and its many iterations across the eras as symbols of Vietnamese femininity, but it would be amiss to leav...

in Environment

Đắk Lắk Receives $2.2m in Financial Support to End Elephant Rides by 2026

To be distributed between now and the end of 2026, the VND55 billion (US$2.2 million) provided by the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) will be used to help tourism centers in Đắk Lắk Province b...

Khôi Phạm

in Quãng 8

Hồ Trâm Anh Writes Music for Those Who Walk City Streets Yearning for the Open Sky

When I begin my interview with Hồ Trâm Anh, a light shower starts sprinkling over Saigon’s overcast maudlin sky. I apologize if any errant pitter-patter might distract our call, but Trâm Anh brushes i...

in Music & Arts

'Đông Nam Bộ' Project Invites 14 Young Artists to Draw the History of Their Hometowns

“Đông Nam Bộ” is a collection of illustrations reflecting the culture, history and local charms of provinces in the Southeast Region of Vietnam. The artworks were all created by artists who live or gr...

in Vietnam

From North to South, Glimpses of Street Life in Vietnam in the Early 1990s

If there’s a thing this writer remembers distinctly about the early 1990s, it would be nothing, because I was barely a person that could eat and survive by myself.

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

Review: 'Cù Lao Xác Sống' Is the Worst Movie I've Ever Watched. I Love It to Death.

When we entered the auditorium to watch Cù Lao Xác Sống, no theater attendant was there to check our tickets. Perhaps the telling emptiness of the room made them realize they could be doing better thi...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

The Curious Subculture of Vietnamese New Wave

You never know where a story idea is going to come from.

in Music & Arts

Illustration Series 'Phố Trong Hộp' Preserves Our Street Corners in a Tin Can

The cheeky illustration project “Phố Trong Hộp” (City in a Box) was conceived when its author Khánh Băng started merging Vietnam’s quaint street corners with some of the country’s most iconic FMCG pro...

Michael Tatarski

in Loạt Soạt

A Study of the Mekong Through Stories Told on the River

Much like humanity, great systems of the natural world rely on connectivity to thrive.

in Tech

From the Lab of Forever Wheelchair, Hope for Vietnam's Handicapped Animals

The ability to roam and frolic around is essential for our canine and feline companions' well-being, but too often, it can become a privilege for cats and dogs living with disability and immobility fr...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Indonesia's Ayam Penyet Is a Smashing Celebration of Spices

The most straightforward definition by which to explain ayam penyet to the Vietnamese layperson is perhaps “cơm gà Indo.” It’s technically not wrong: the dish has rice and chicken, and originates from...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Consumer Protection Watchdog Asks Grab to Explain New 'Hot Weather' Fee

A “hot weather” fee is Grab’s latest surcharge on a shopping list of other additional fees the ride-hailing giant tacks on to each ride.

in Ton-sur-Ton

In Seattle, a Vietnamese Jewelry Maker Finds Comfort in the Quirky and Queer

The big, bold, and fun accessories with an air of mystique that Đinh Nguyễn Song Khanh and their spouse, Meiyin, create under their brand XYZ reflect their definition of queer fashion in the US, where...

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

Review: 'Maika' Is What Happens When You Take Children Seriously

Maika is a loving tribute to Vietnam’s childhood icon of the 1980s, but for those who didn’t grow up with the original Eastern European series, what’s in it for us?

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: 60 Years of Guangdong-Style Chinese Food at Chợ Cũ's Chuyên Ký

Besides being the “it” place to obtain imported goods, Saigon’s chợ cũ, or Old Market, is also a treasure trove of hidden eateries.

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

Review: 'U Linh Tích Ký' Shows Made-in-Vietnam Animation Prowess, but Is Light on Narrative

Premiered less than 24 hours ago, a made-in-Vietnam animation project has quickly become the talk of the town in the local cybersphere thanks to its high production values and intriguing concept.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Eggs? On My Bánh Cuốn? It's More Likely Than You Think.

The simplicity of an egg is an underrated beauty that we often take for granted.

in Culture

How Châu Đốc's Chăm Muslim Community Celebrates Ramadan

Vietnam's recent four-day holiday coincided with observations of Ramadan this year.

Michael Tatarski

in Natural Selection

Mangroves: The Everyday Superheroes Protecting Vietnam Against Climate Change

When you think of ways to combat the inevitable ravages of climate change and sea level rise, what comes to mind?

Khôi Phạm

in Stories

A Letter From Saigoneer

Saigoneers ơi!

in Stories

Letter From Ukraine: Kharkiv Is My Home, I Never Imagined That We Could Be Attacked

Editor's note: This article is a personal essay written by Viktoria Grivina, a Ukrainian and friend of a member of our team. While Saigoneer has always focused our editorial content on Vietnam, as Vie...

Michael Tatarski

in Film & TV

'Madame Pirate,' Short Film Based on History's Greatest Pirate, Screens at SXSW

Do you know who the world's greatest pirate is?

Brian Letwin

in Parks & Rec

Slugging It Out at Saigon’s Baseball Cage

For much of my adult life, in the months from February to October, my mood was dictated by the results of New York Mets games. 

in Saigon

After Initial Success, Saigon's Public Bike Scheme to Expand to 4 More Districts, Hanoi

Pedal power!

Khôi Phạm

in Dishcovery

Naengmyeon, the Korean Cold Noodles to Ward Off the Heat of Summer

As Saigon inches towards the hottest months of the year, I find myself shying away from steaming hot soups while craving a little cooling treat to ward off the heat. Luckily for Saigon’s foodies, Dist...

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

Huế's Fantastic Herbs and Where to Find Them, Now in Book Form

Have you ever walked past a plant and wondered "Hey, I wonder what that could do?"

Michael Tatarski

in Natural Selection

Cầy Vằn Bắc: Caught in the Crossfire of the Cà Phê Chồn Industry

While Saigoneer’s Natural Selection series has already covered a number of iconic species and types of animals, including the tiger, Asian elephant, dogs and cats, there’s a good chance most of the pe...

in Saigon

Saigon to Renovate Bến Thành Market, Replace Metal Roof With Tiles

The 110-year-old market will receive a new tiled roof, as well as infrastructure and gate upgrades.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Records Highest-Ever 47,000 New Covid-19 Cases on Sunday

Over the past few days, Vietnam has consistently reported new records in the total number of daily COVID-19 cases, signaling a possible upcoming wave of infections.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Curry Shika and 12 Years of Making Memories in Saigon

Unlike a normal human, there is a chance that my body is not 70% water, but 70% curry; and a good 50% of that might actually be Japanese curry.

in Architecture

Vĩnh Long's Rich Architectural Heritage Tells Stories of Taste, Time, and Turbulence

Vĩnh Long is a land of rich historical values located in the Mekong Delta. Here, generations of residents from diverse cultural backgrounds have been living, working, and interacting across key milest...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Dream of the 2010s Is Alive at Pacey Cupcakes

Pick your favorite cupcake flavor; perhaps a pitcher of hot fragrant tea too. Ascend the dizzyingly steep flight of stairs. Mind your head. Tread gently on the wooden attic floor. There your friends a...

Khoi Pham

in Natural Selection

A Eulogy for the Last Wild Cọp of Vietnam

The story of Vietnam and cọp is not one where we will come out looking good.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In D6, Oyster Omelette, Porridge and Bột Chiên for the Soul

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” satirist Jonathan Swift wrote in the 1700s. Famously fearful of the now-prized bivalves, Swift eventually grew to appreciate their briny, ocean-forward es...

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

Scientists Confirmed 91 New Species in Vietnam in 2020, WWF Report Shows

A new report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) highlights just how biodiverse the Greater Mekong region remains, even as major threats continue to impact flora and fauna populations.

Paul Christiansen

in In Plain Sight

Finding Fun and Revelation Aboard Saigon's Wayward Waterbus

Cement, clay, clapboard, spackle, rebar, piping, plaster smears, paint drips, pencil scrawlings: to witness the rise of a building, observe its innards, is to marvel at the pretense of an ego, for wha...

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

Year in Review: Saigoneer's 30 Picks for Best Vietnamese Music of 2021

Despite the drab outlook enveloping the entertainment industry for most of 2021, this year saw a boom in new faces across genres and the release of many pandemic albums.

in Music & Arts

On an Eerie Night Tour Through Hell at 'Hù: Quả Báo' Art Exhibition

Have you ever wondered how those who steal designs or borrow without returning would repent for their sins in hell?

in Saigon

Public Bike Service Finally Launches in Saigon After Week of Delay

After an unexplained delay, Saigon's first public bike rental system launched today.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

What to Do When You Discover That Your Mom Was a Superstar Singer in 1960s Saigon

In early 1960s Saigon, Phương Tâm was a star singer, performing every day in the city’s busy nightclubs and music venues.

in Saigon

Southern Vietnam to Experience More Cold Spells Until Christmas: Experts

If you’ve enjoyed Saigon’s “wintry” mornings this past week, there’s more to come.

in Saigon

Bars, Cinemas, Ride-Hailing Return to Saigon in Low-Risk Districts

Many previously suspended activities are allowed again in Saigon depending on their district’s COVID-19 risk assessment.

in Saigon

Saigon Proposes 2 New Waterbus Routes Linking Districts 1, 7

Saigoneer's favorite form of transportation has just proposed adding two new routes linking District 7 and District 1.

Khôi Phạm

in Natural Selection

Lêkima: The Flower Worthy of a National Heroine

Don’t you find it bewildering when you have existed for centuries, and are suddenly thrust into stardom due to a small cameo in a nationalist saga?

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Kosmos Serves Carefully Made Drinks With a Side of Human Connection

“Do you know the difference between ‘Universe’ and ‘Cosmos’?” Linh, Kosmos' owner and barista, asks me.

in Saigon

Saigon Begins Vaccinating Students to Prepare for School Reopening

The city aims to administer Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to approximately 780,000 children aged 12 to 17.

in Music & Arts

The Artist Making a Miniature Saigon Out of Lego Blocks

If a bowl of hủ tiếu were the size of a Lego brick, how many hủ tiếu would you have?

Michael Tatarski

in Society

How Social ChangeMakers Brings People Together to Create a Better Future

In this pandemic era, sometimes we need a little help connecting with other people.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

Nocturnal Animals Music Livestream Series Unites Artists for Pandemic Relief

While bars and nightclubs remain closed, a special monthly livestream series starting tomorrow will give those of us in Vietnam the chance to experience nightlife without leaving the house.

Michael Tatarski

in Natural Selection

Chó: The Four National Breeds of Vietnamese Doggos

It’s an inarguable fact that dogs are the purest of animals.

in Vietnam

Da Lat Installs First-Ever Traffic Lights to Stem Road Congestion

A new era has begun for the increasingly busy mountain city.

Paul Christiansen

in Quãng 8

Kim Chi Sun and Charles on the Evolution of Good

"I haven’t lost myself yet, but there are many new angles of me, new realizations; there are some new feelings, new vibes I want to share with you. I want to open up to you," Kim Chi Sun says to her l...

in Environment

Ná Nả: How a Grassroots Initiative Enriches the Lives of Ethnic Minorities

Khang A Tủa is attending university in Ho Chi Minh City, but he took the last semester off to run a project supporting people of the H’Mong ethnic minority.

in Vietnam

In Q3 of 2021, Vietnam's Economy Shrinks for the First Time Since 2000

The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, combined with severe lockdown restrictions, has led to Vietnam's worst economic quarter in decades.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Pushes for Mutual Recognition of 'Vaccine Passports' With Some Nations

Vaccine passports may soon become part of a “new normal” as more Vietnamese are getting their two shots.

Khôi Phạm

in Tech

Review: Vietnamese Indie Game 'Hoa' Is a Soothing Oasis in the Age of Anxiety

There is an exquisite but hard-to-name feeling that engulfs me every time I finish watching a particularly outstanding movie. It’s a lingering mixture of awe, fulfillment, wistfulness, anguish, contem...

Michael Tatarski

in Food Culture

'Đùm Bọc' Uses Vietnamese Food to Raise Funds for Covid-19 Relief in Vietnam

Residents of New York City are in for a treat.

Michael Tatarski

in Loạt Soạt

A Wildly Original Intermingling of Tales From Vietnam, Past and Present

In the Saigoneer office — which I haven't actually seen in person for months — a common concern is the prevalence of the war in literature about Vietnam. Even among younger writers, particul...

Khôi Phạm

in Natural Selection

Lá Dứa: The OG Queen of Vietnamese Desserts

There’s a 99% chance that a Vietnamese child’s first exposure to lá dứa, or pandan, is in the form of rau câu.

Michael Tatarski

in Film & TV

Meet the Vietnamese Creators of 'Centuries and Still,' a Short Decrying Anti-Asian Racism

How much history are you aware of?

Michael Tatarski

in Ton-sur-Ton

How Local Brand Re.socks Spins Discarded Plastic Bottles Into Comfy Socks

How much thought do you put into socks?

in Arts & Culture

On the Other Side of the Window: a Peek into Different Worlds

in Environment

Air Pollution is Robbing Hanoians of Roughly 80,000 Years of Life

Due to PM2.5 exposure, Hanoi has suffered 2,855 premature deaths, accumulating to 79,933 years of life lost. 

Michael Tatarski

in Natural Selection

Voọc Cát Bà: The Endangered Primate of Karst Land

Imagine being born one color, and growing up into a very differently hued adult.

in Development

Hanoi to Spend VND500bn in New Plan to Renovate Old Apartment Buildings

Between 2021 and 2025, Hanoi plans to spend VND500 billion (US$28.1 million) on inspecting and assessing the quality of old apartment buildings in the city.

in Music & Arts

On the Idea of Home: Reflections From Another Covid-19 Summer

I’m writing this to remember another Covid summer. Today, Saigon continues the second round of social distancing.

Mel Schenck

in Architecture

Vietnamese Architects Are Leaders in the Architecture of the Information Age

Over the past few years, Vietnamese architects have been developing a new architecture beyond modernism for small projects such as houses and schools. Architects around the world are taking notice and...

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

A Halcyon Hanoi in the Art of Joseph Inguimberty, the Professor Who Taught Lê Phổ

In 1925, Joseph Inguimberty stepped into the tropical humidity of Hanoi for the first time. Despite having been to Italy, Greece and even Egypt, the 29-year-old art professor probably couldn’t imagine...

in Culture

At Huyen Trang Pagoda, Spirituality, Charity Campaigns and a Home for Stray Kittens

Huynh Tan Phat, spanning many kilometers paralleling the river in District 7, is typical of many bustling streets, filled with the cacophonous rhythms of Saigon. However, cross the bridge at Pham...

in Travel

Could Phong Nha Be One of Vietnam's Top Sustainable Travel Destinations?

A recent trip to Phong Nha — before this most recent COVID-19 wave — left me wondering whether I had just visited one of Vietnam’s more sustainable travel destinations. Of all the places I have been s...

in Architecture

The Aesthetic Yet Functional Role of Shade in the Genome of Vietnam's Modernist Architecture

Since the mid-twentieth century, Vietnamese architecture has started to be made from industrial materials such as concrete, steel, glass, et.. This resulted in Vietnamese modernism, a branch of global...

in Ton-sur-Ton

Vietnam's Traditional Indigo Dyes and Kimono Come Together in Kimono Ơi's Designs

Will there be a day when the image of a woman wearing a helmet, clad in a kimono with ripped jeans while driving around the streets of Saigon becomes the next trend?

Michael Tatarski

in Parks & Rec

Emerging From Complete Obscurity, Saigon Roller Derby Storms the Rink

It’s a Tuesday night in Binh Quoi, and a group is lacing up their skates at a skating rink next to a football pitch.

in Film & TV

Saigon's Young Voice Actors Learn There's More to Dubbing Than Pretty Voices

Voice actors are rarely given enough attention, for they are always working behind closed curtains, giving the movie its "life." Nonetheless, many young people continue to be drawn to this nascent car...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Pandemic Kept Her in Vietnam, so She Opened a Thai Eatery

One of the joys of Saigon's F&B scene recently has been the expansion of international cuisine beyond the city center.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Nasi Lemak in Saigon That Evokes Memories of Hawker Centers

As I gaze at the glorious eight-dish Malaysian banquet on our table at Makiucha, perfectly spaced by our photographer, popping with colors and wafting off aromas of rich spices, it becomes apparent to...

in Society

The Quotidian Hẻm Life Along the Railway Track in District 3

I have made multiple trips up and down the hẻm along the railway from Le Van Sy to capture the moods both during the week and on weekends. As the hẻm serves both pedestrians and ...

in Travel

The Vietnamese Filmmaker Turning Travelogues Into Cinematic Spectacles

Kop Dinh is a professional travel videographer whose YouTube channel has become a trusted online platform among young viewers thanks to carefully crafted videos showcasing Vietnam’s famed places of in...

in Music & Arts

'The Humanimal' Exhibition Celebrates Artist Daos501's 15-Year Journey in Graffiti

The set of artworks titled "The Humanimal" by Daos501 — an established name in Vietnam's graffiti scene — brought the harmony between nature and humans to Interlink’s art event.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: From Ohio to D7, the Serendipitous Story of Saigon's Lamb Phở

A highlight of my last visit to Phở Lạc Việt was a special moment when I reached out and the tips of my fingers touched a warm bowl inside the heating cabinet.

in Environment

Vietnam Ranks Near Bottom of New Sustainable Tourism Index

What are you doing to be a sustainable tourist?

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

A Designer From Da Lat Brings His Hometown's Beauty to a Calendar Project

Da Lat is not merely a place, it’s a state of mind.

in Architecture

Architecture College to Renovate Da Lat's Abandoned Franciscan Mission

Recently, the University of Architecture HCMC (UAHCMC) announced plans to renovate Da Lat’s abandoned Franciscan mission. Due to the popularity of the complex among locals and tourists, the building’s...

Michael Tatarski

in Food Culture

Binh Duong, a Surprising Oasis of Taiwanese Snacks and Chinese Dumplings

This is part 2 of our two-part series on Taiwanese and Chinese food in Binh Duong. Read part one here.

in Environment

Vietnam's Plan to Plant 1 Billion Trees by 2025 Gains Clarity

Here's hoping for a greener future.

in Literature

Her Schedule on Saturday

Imagine that on the weekend a splinter flies into your eye and you have to see the doctor.

in Architecture

The Beauty of Saigon's Mid-Century Shophouses via Street Sketches

What was Vietnamese architecture after colonialism?

Michael Tatarski

in Food Culture

A Journey into Binh Duong's Deep Chinese & Taiwanese Flavors

Believe it or not, there is more to Binh Duong than just industrial parks producing your next Uniqlo T-shirt or pair of running shoes.

in Vietnam

Tourism Ministry to Pursue World Heritage Status for Cat Ba

It would be Vietnam's ninth UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Khoi Pham

in Vietnam Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Da Lat's Ngàn Cafe Is as Comforting as an Embrace

Walking down Da Lat’s Robin Hill amid emerald pine trees and languid fluffs of cloud, one’s eyes will inevitably encounter a visual disturbance in the form of bright orange plastic maple trees. They a...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

An Eye-Opening Mushroom Farm in Da Lat for Budding Mycologists

It could be argued that mushrooms are among nature's strangest creations.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: D6's Hot and Sour Suan La Fen Is the Noodle Dish to Conquer

Every time I lap up a spoonful of searing broth that’s so spicy I could almost count the number of times my face pulses, I feel grateful for taste buds.

Elise Luong

in Vietnam Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cù Rú, an Old Saigon Bar That Took Root in Da Lat

Editor's note: Cù Rú Bar, the artists' solace, was born in Saigon by a tightknit group of friends and lovers, fueling creative souls with delectable homemade rượu cocktails, the group relocated to Da ...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Textile Industry Exported 1.37bn Face Masks in 2020

During a year when Vietnam’s textile industry was hurt by plummeting demand, local producers found a silver lining in face masks.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

At Da Lat's Biological Museum, a Demented Homage to Vietnam's Vanishing Wildlife

Sometimes when traveling, you come across something so utterly odd that you simply don't know what to make of it.

Michael Tatarski

in Tech

Vietnam's Startup Scene Aims to Build on a Strong 2020

While 2020 will go down as one of the most grueling years in recent human history, there is positivity in Vietnam’s startup industry. In advance of the annual Saigon Startup Year-End Party on Jan...

in Music & Arts

[Photos] A Royal Tea Set, as Envisioned by a Vietnamese Graphic Designer

Poets ponder flowers, aristocrats paint ceremonial masks, and courtesans gather lotus flowers in wooden boats, all while fragile threads of steam uncoil from ceramic pots of tea.

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

Year in Review: Saigoneer's 20 Picks for Best Vietnamese Music of 2020

Despite the uncertainties and upheavals of 2020, Vietnamese artists have continued to produce excellent music that defies genres, merges past influences, and exceeds expectations.

in Tech

Grindr Names Vietnam Among Countries With Highest Percentage of Bottoms

Inspired by the clamorous spectacle of Spotify Wrapped, the gay dating app Grindr has come up with their own version of a year-end assessment, with some interesting data.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Saigon's Hakka Culture Lives in D5's Khổ Qua Cà Ớt

Stuffing food inside other food is an ingenious human invention on par with refrigeration, chopsticks, and Gmail’s “undo” button.

in Asia

Thailand Reopens for Tourists From 56 Countries, Albeit With Compulsory Quarantine

It is not confirmed yet whether Vietnam is part of the list of countries eligible for the scheme.

in Vietnam

1.1m People Have Left the Mekong Delta in the Past Decade, Report Says

The impacts of climate change, hydroelectric plants, and a faltering economy have resulted in an exodus of people from the Mekong Delta.

Michael Tatarski

in Film & TV

Review: 'Monsoon' Peruses the Chasm Between Past and Contemporary Vietnam

Monsoon is Vietnam-shot film directed by Hong Khaou that was released earlier this year. It is spoken by Lee (David Tran) to Kit (Henry Golding) as they have tea on a Saigon sidewalk and referenc...

in Asia

Japan Plans to Ban Sale of Gasoline Cars by Next Decade

By the mid-2030s, all new cars sold in Japan will need to be hybrid gasoline-electric or fully electric.

in Vietnam

[Photos] Views of 1993 Vietnam From Behind the Lens of a Past War Orphan

I have been carrying this film around for over a quarter-century from Hanoi to Saigon to Boston and to New York.

in Environment

Vietnamese Insect Protein Startup Cricket One Gets 7-Figure Funding

That's a lot of crickets!

in Food Culture

When Life Gives You Flavorful Vietnamese Cashews, Make Vegan Cheese

“Firstly, I had to find my calling, but in the end, it all came down to creating something and then seeing others enjoy it."

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Vietnamese Curry That Makes the Case for Coconut Milk

If you’re not usually a fan of Vietnamese curry, Cà Ri Gà 3T’s signature dish is a surprisingly well-balanced offering. And If you are indeed a fan, then you’re in luck.

Michael Tatarski

in Health

How a Simple Toilet Improved the Life of a Small Ben Tre Family

Do you ever pause for a second when using the toilet?

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

Review: 'Đoạn Trường Vinh Hoa' Is Cải Lương at Its Most Heart-Wrenching

As the screening came to an end, there were quiet sobs echoing softly across the auditorium. For a lot of us viewers with water in our eyes, it was a complete surprise that a documentary about a seemi...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Korean Comfort Food in Binh Thanh for Hungover Heads

One of the great joys of dining out is coming across the unexpected.

in Vietnam

Dak Lak Will End Elephant Rides for Tourists, Official Says

Province officials cite safety concerns and animal welfare as reasons why the tourism activity should be stopped across all of Dak Lak.

Michael Tatarski

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Come for the Dim Sum, Stay for the Dim Sum

As the old saying goes, when in Hanoi, do as your colleagues do.

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

Vietnam's New Nature Reserve, Khe Nuoc Trong, Is a Sign of Hope for Biodiversity

In a move wildlife conservationists are hailing as a victory, Vietnam has established a new nature reserve encompassing critical habitat for numerous species, several of them threatened globally with ...

in Hanoi

Hanoi Aims to Reach $12,000 in Average Income in Next Decade

Hanoi is aiming to double the city’s per capita income in the next 10 years by leaning on the encouraging economic growth rates of recent years.

in Saigon

Want to Learn About Saigon History? Scan These New QR Codes on Street Signs.

Saigoneers interested in finding out more about the history of their hometown now have a new avenue to expand their knowledge.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

Saigoneer Getaways: In Pu Luong, a Verdant Dream Untouched by Development

There are many reasons to be grateful for living in Vietnam during the coronavirus pandemic.

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

'Ròm' Review: A Sterling Portrait of Saigon's Dark Underbelly, Despite Falling Short of Its Potential

I stepped out of the theater after watching Ròm with a heaviness weighing down my shoulders. It was, however, a refreshing feeling that one rarely experiences after a Vietnamese feature film these day...

Khôi Phạm

in Culture

These Illustrations of Vintage Trung Thu Lanterns Are a Ticket to Your Childhood

There are many harbingers of mid-autumn in Saigon: the mushrooming of street-side mooncake vendors, the gradual arrival of corporate mooncake boxes, and a kaleidoscopic tapestry of lanterns along...

in Culture

'The Worlds Between My Wings' by Kim Loan

From the time I began learning Vietnamese at home and English in public school, I have lived with dual identities pulling me from seemingly opposite ends of a spectrum.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Best Fried Chicken Rice in Saigon Is in District 8

The success story of Cơm Gà 142 epitomizes the impressive marriage between technology and word of mouth in Vietnam’s golden age of food delivery startups.

in Music & Arts

This Ghost Month, an Other-Worldly Exhibition Not for the Faint-Hearted

The topic can be summed up in one word — “ghosts” — but it was enough inspiration for illustrators to create a plethora of artworks as part of the Hù project spearheaded by Khô Mực Studio.

in Music & Arts

Review: Red Balloons, a Fresh Musical Take on Vintage Vietnamese Cartoons

At 6:30pm on July 5, Red Balloons: Music for 20th Century Vietnamese Animation took place at the Institut français de Hanoi-L'Espace. It was organized by The Onion Cellar and The Centre for Assis...

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

Ten Iconic Vietnamese Women as Drawn by Illustrator Camelia Pham

If you had to pick the 10 most iconic female figures in Vietnamese history, who would make the list?

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Case of the Twin Bánh Mì Chảo Switcheroo

In the land of copycat businesses, it always pays to double-check that you're at the right one.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Universe of Hanoian Food Beyond Bún Đậu

I tend to be cautious of restaurants that boast authenticity.

in Vietnam

Hanoi to Enforce Social Distance at Cafes, Restaurants From August 19

Beginning Wednesday, August 19 at 12am, all patrons at cafes and restaurants in Hanoi must be one meter apart from one another and staff must wear masks. 

in Saigon

Get Tested or Face Criminal Charges, Saigon Warns 3,000 Da Nang Returnees

If any Saigon resident who visited Da Nang last month fails to complete a health declaration by the end of today, they could face criminal charges.

in Saigon

Saigon Will Fine Citizens for Not Wearing Masks in Public From Tomorrow

Wearing face masks in public in Saigon is not just a safety guideline anymore, as city officials have decided to once again start fining Saigoneers for flouting the rule.

in Saigon

8 Saigon Hotels Approved as Paid Quarantine Facilities for Foreign Experts

They include two five-star hotels, four four-star properties, and one-three star hotel.

Mel Schenck

in Architecture

The Story of Vietnam's Urban Energy and Aspirations Told via Southern Modernist Architecture

The following article is an edited excerpt from the recently published book Southern Vietnamese Modernist Architecture, presenting the history of the style, and how it contrasts with modernism in nort...

in Environment

Bring Your Own Containers, We're Going Grocery Shopping

Above a peaceful coffee shop on the quiet road of Nguyễn Khắc Nhu lies a small zero-waste refill shop trying to advocate change.

in Travel

With No Foreign Visitors, Vietnam's Travel Sector Courts Domestic Tourists, but Is It Enough?

As the country slowly opens for tourism, are companies and people adequately prepared?

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Head to the Airport to Relieve Your Hankering for Thai Food

Insert cliché about this strange year here.

in Film & TV

For Vietnam's Filmmakers, the Pandemic Brings Business, Impetus to Adapt

Six months have passed since COVID-19 first reared its head, and still its impact reverberates chaotically across the planet.

in Saigon

Saigon Approves Plan to Charge Cars Fee to Enter Downtown

To improve downtown Saigon’s traffic situation, city authorities are planning to boost public transportation while imposing more hurdles on private vehicles entering the area.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: R House, a Haven for Rescued Dogs, Healthy Eats, and Adoption Opportunities

For dogs, dog owners and general fans of man's best friend, living in Saigon can be tough.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

[Photos] Inside a Ben Thanh Devoid of Tourists, Forlorn Kiosks and Mass Closures

Plump mangosteens, cheap iPhở shirts, freshly ground coffee, and paper cut-outs of city landmarks — there was a time when the northern gate of Ben Thanh Market was lined door-to-door with dynamic shop...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Can Deep-Fried Hột Vịt Lộn Dethrone the Classic?

Has your luck taken a turn for the worse lately? Perhaps it’s high-time for a hột vịt lộn (or three) to reverse your fortune.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

In Search of Charming Cafes Along Saigon's Train Alleys

Compared to Hanoi’s now-restricted Phung Hung “Train Street,” the neighborhoods bordering the railway in Saigon have neither the romanticism nor goosebumps-inducing adrenaline rush that turned the for...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Lower Your Voice, the Hidden Elephant Is Reading

In Saigon’s indie cafe scene, there are household names and well-kept secrets; and then there are secrets that one might think are well-kept, but are actually household names. 

Khoi Pham

in Culture

The Art Book That Delves Into the History of Ancient Vietnamese Fashion

Born at the intersection of fashion and history, a new art book by a team of Vietnamese researchers and creatives will take readers on a journey back to the eras of the country’s past royalty.

Michael Tatarski

in Film & TV

'Da 5 Bloods' Review: A Vital Message Lost in a Deeply Flawed Film

This article contains major spoilers for Da 5 Bloods.

in Culture

[Photos] Scaling the Cliffs of Northern Vietnam

Despite its incredible potential, rock climbing in Vietnam still flies relatively under the radar.

in Environment

Hanoi to Deploy Water Trucks to Keep Dust, Summer Heat at Bay

Hanoi authorities are planning to re-deploy water trucks to city streets to keep dust and heat at bay in the sweltering summer months.

in Travel

Japan Might Reopen for Vietnamese Visitors With Negative Covid-19 Tests

Vietnam's successful containment of the coronavirus outbreak may mean its people will be able to travel abroad sooner, rather than later.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Praise of D1's Cheap, Dependable Sidewalk Cơm Trưa

In these trying times, the comfort of familiarity goes a long way.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Handmade Noodles Hidden Amid the Mayhem of Hang Xanh

The traffic-choked wastelands of Hang Xanh are one of the last places you'd expect to find an incredible meal of noodles.

in Music & Arts

Vietnam's London Design Biennale Artwork Now Available for Viewing in Hanoi

On display in Vietnam for the first time, installation work 'Khải' marked Vietnam's first participation in the London Design Biennale.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Refreshing Simplicity of Veggies, Roots and Mushrooms

Explaining the food at Rau Củ Nấm Vegan Restaurant is simple; it’s all in the name: vegetables, tubers, and mushrooms.

in Hanoi

The City as Text: Chợ Trời and the Representation of an Invisible Hanoi

Despite being the largest marketplace in the city since the 1950s, and still the oldest temporary market in town, Troi Market (chợ Trời) doesn't appear in delightful pieces of literature or art like t...

Michael Tatarski

in Food Culture

One's Expired Craft Beer Is Another's Hand Sanitizer Ingredient

Amid the relentless pace of upsetting news related to the coronavirus pandemic, bright spots of ingenuity and compassion have shone through.

in Saigon

Saigon Announces Design Contest for D2's $64m Opera House Project

The massive 1,700-seat theater is estimated to cost VND1.5 trillion (US$64 million).

in Vietnam

The Week in Focus: Social Distancing Regulations Eased Off

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook.

in Environment

Tracing the Reincarnation of Plastic Waste in Saigon's Informal Recycling Workshops

The text message said to be ready at 4:30am at my street corner, where I would be picked up for the drive to the plastics recycling center. I had been wanting to visit the site for this article and th...

Khoi Pham

in Tech

How 2 Vietnamese Software Engineers Created a Site to Track the Covid-19 Outbreak

What have you accomplished today while practicing social distancing at home? Did you work on the family’s trellises of gourds, attempt to whisk up a frothy glass of dalgona coffee, or learn a new lang...

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

A Local Artist's Vision of Vietnam, Rendered in the Dreamlike Nature of Anime

In 2016, Toho released the Japanese romantic fantasy Your Name. worldwide to rapturous reception. The feature, written and directed by Makoto Shinkai, went on to become the most financially successful...

in Environment

Inside Saigon's Grassroots Carton and Aluminum Recycling Plants

With plastics claiming many of the headlines worldwide and constituting a major issue in Vietnam, scant attention is being paid to other recyclable materials, namely cardboard and aluminum.

Michael Tatarski

in Culture

Kite-Flying in Saigon in the Age of Coronavirus

As normal daily life grinds to a halt, last weekend was the final chance for some Saigoneers to take part in a favorite pastime: flying kites at sunset.

Khoi Pham

in Film & TV

Saigoneer's Guide to What to Watch While Staying at Home

As the coronavirus outbreak stretches its treacherous tendrils across all aspects of our society, the lives of Vietnamese are gradually becoming more confined to the four walls of our home.

Michael Tatarski

in Architecture

From Nature, Vietnam Slowly Forges Its Own Brand of Contemporary Architecture

When it comes to architecture in Saigon, a tiny fraction of buildings receive the vast majority of attention.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Piquant Thai Noodles in D7 for the Age of Takeout

It's the simple things in life that sometimes bring the greatest pleasure.

in Travel

[Photos] In a H'Mong Village, Harvest Time Is When Perseverance Pays Off

Tending to a crop takes dedication. Workers are subjected to early mornings, sore bodies and weary minds. However, after all the trials and tribulations, harvest time — the world over — is usually a t...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Saigon's Greenest Cafe, a Rabbit, Cotton and Succulents Galore

On a windy autumn day of 2019, I did what any existentially precarious millennial would eventually do some time in their 20s: I bought a houseplant.

in Environment

[Video] Rescued Pangolin Gives Birth in Vietnamese Sanctuary

For the first time ever, a baby Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) was born in a captive environment at the Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) facility in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam.

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

In 'Tình Tính Tang,' a Progressive Metal Take on Vietnam's Folk Melodies

‘Trong Com’ is unassuming; ‘Trong Com’ is simple and easy to memorize; much like its namesake — a small drum played during traditional ceremonies, the song evokes an idealized image of Vietnam, one th...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Japanese Bánh Mì to Win Over Fusion Food Skeptics

When it comes to discussions of cuisine, I'd argue that "authentic" is the most overused word in writing and marketing, followed closely by "fusion."

in Tech

From April, Cars for Ride-Hailing Apps Might Be Required to Install Taxi Signs

In 2016, a pilot for the application of science and technology to support transport management on a contractual basis was issued, allowing ride-hailing services such as Grab to operate without being s...

in Asia

Japan Imposes Stricter Visa Process for Foreign Students, Including Vietnam, From April

Due to the increasing number of visa overstays, Japan's Immigration Services Agency will tighten the issuing process for student visas for dozens of countries from April.

in Culture

In Warsaw, Homemade Thịt Kho Trứng for the Homeless

The Vietnamese community in Poland started to form in the 1950s, and to this day, most of its residents are very active in Poland.

in Culture

An Artist's Intimate Portraits of Genderfunk's Collective Energy

The collective of drag artists and performers known as Genderfunk has been creating safe spaces for local queer creatives and blowing the minds of Saigon’s denizens for nearly two years, and they are ...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Hear Us Out, Coconut Milk and Fish Sauce Are Actually Great Together

There are few problems and little mediocrity that can’t be improved with an unctuous ladle of coconut milk.

in Sports

[Photos] Inside the Non-Stop Action of a Muay Thai Fight Night in Saigon

I arrived with eager anticipation on Sunday, December 29 at the Tao Dan Sports Center for the start of the club matches.

in Sports

Vietnam Basketball League Welcomes 7th Team, Nha Trang Dolphins, in 2020

The Nha Trang Dolphins will join the Vietnam Basketball Association when the fifth season tips off this May.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

Art Platform S.E.A. Focus Brings Together 20 Galleries From Vietnam, Asia

In its second year, the art platform brought together 20 galleries from across Asia and beyond, highlighting a diverse range of contemporary Asian artists in one space.

in Sports

In a D5 Gym, a Soft-Spoken Muay Thai Legend Trains Future Fighters

I first encountered Muay Thai on a photo assignment in Bangkok a number of years ago, and this graceful, devastatingly lethal martial art has piqued my curiosity ever since. After returning to the Uni...

Khoi Pham

in Culture

[Illustrations] The Mythological Race That Created Vietnam's Zodiac, Retold in Watercolor

After 12 years, Vietnam’s zodiac cycle will once again reset to welcome the Year of the Mouse, the first animal in the dozen.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Porcine Pleasure of a D2 Cơm Tấm Outpost

What comes to mind when you hear the words 'District 2'?

in Environment

Saigon Has 13 New Air Quality Monitors, Mostly at Public Schools

They will provide residents with more accurate air quality readings across the city.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

Saigoneer Getaways: To a Saigoneer, Phnom Penh Is Same Same, But Different

Is it possible to even recognize everything that has changed after 10 years?

in Vietnam

Nhậu Places Respond to Drunk Driving Law With Their Own Transport Services

In response to a decline in customers following stricter laws regarding driving after drinking, bars and restaurants across the country are offering transportation services for patrons. 

in Culture

A Night With Kim Lee, the Only Vietnamese Drag Queen in Poland

There are only around 30 drag queens in Poland, and just one of them has Vietnamese roots: Kim Lee.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Should Aim to Become High-Income Nation by 2045, PM Says

After Vietnam finished 2019 with impressive growth rates, leaders are optimistic that the country is on a stable trajectory to join the ranks of upper-middle-income or even high-income nations within ...

Michael Tatarski

in Food Culture

Tarantulas, Scorpions, Crickets Crawl Into Southeast Asia's Mass-Market Edibles

A spade strikes the bone-dry Cambodian dirt with a crunch, and the hunt is on. Chem Wai, a lanky, deeply tanned 53-year-old former soldier, has been collecting wild tarantulas and scorpions for most o...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Blanket Ban on Drunk Driving Doesn't Spare Any Vehicle. Not Even Bicycles.

No more beer-fueled pedal power for you.

in Vietnam

Does Grab Affect Student Drivers' Study? Officials Want to Impose Limit on Part-Time Work.

In the face of ride-hailing services’ robust growth, policymakers are concerned that too many university students are ride-share drivers, which might affect their school performance.

in Hanoi

Roadworks Expected on Au Co for 4 Months as Street Widening Begins

Hanoi authorities began the second stage of widening the main road heading towards Noi Bai airport on Sunday, with roadworks now expected on a three-kilometer stretch of Au Co for at least four months...

in Retail

King Cake’s Storied History and Arrival in Saigon

While relatively unknown in Vietnam, King Cake is one of the most popular holiday desserts in the world.

in Culture

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

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 cel...

in Music & Arts

An Opera Lover’s Introduction to Cải Lương

“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...

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

A Young Hanoi Orchestra Brings Symphonic Disney Nights to Saigon

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 icon...

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

Year in Review: Saigoneer's 20 Picks for Best Vietnamese Music of 2019

In a nutshell, 2019 has been a year of milestones, blurring of genres and retrospection for Vietnamese music.

in Saigon

HCMC to Submit Proposal to Keep More Yearly Income for Internal Use

Currently, Saigon is allowed to keep 18% of its yearly revenue. The rest of the money goes to the state budget managed by the Central Committee.

in Hanoi

WiFi to Be Installed at Bus Stops Throughout Hanoi

Perfect for reading Saigoneer while waiting for your bus.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Saigon Retro Cafe Has Just the Right Amount of Sentimentality

It’s a teensy bit weird to say that my new favorite hangout is above a VinMart.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

What's Inside the Eclectic Sets of Coracle Music Festival's 2nd Edition?

Perfect weather, a beautiful setting and great acts — what more do you need from a music festival?

Michael Tatarski

in Film & TV

[Video] A Day in the Life of an Ordinary Schoolgirl in Saigon

What might life be like for a public school student in Saigon who hails from a less well-off family?

in Society

An Evening With the Grass-Roots Volunteer Group Helping Saigon's Homeless

The group meets at the Saigon Central Post Office in District 1 at 10:30pm. Although it is late in the evening, there are still tourists loitering around the building, one of the city's primary attrac...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

How Saigon Brought Together Skeleton Goode, the City's Latest Psych Rock Band

While some may find it hard to explore Saigon's music scene given the dearth of live venues, record labels and media coverage, bands like Skeleton Goode ensure that Saigoneers can enjoy a wide range o...

Chris Humphrey

in Music & Arts

Rooftop Concerts: Limebócx – 'Yêu Nhau (Qua Cầu Gió Bay)

Rooftop Concerts, Saigoneer's live music video series, is finally back; this time featuring electronic duo Limebócx, one of the most promising new acts in the capital's underground music scene. 

Khôi Phạm

in Film & TV

Review: Despite Laughable Jump Scares, 'Bắc Kim Thang' Is Surprisingly Smart and Topical

With lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta as the background, Bắc Kim Thang is surprisingly wicked and intelligent, but most importantly, it provides feminist advocates a new way to topple the patriarch...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

In November, Two Music Festivals Set to Rock Southern Vietnam

The next two weekends will be huge for live music in southern Vietnam.

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

With Debut Album 'Họa Âm Xưa,' Saigon Soul Revival Brings Back Old-School Cool

From covers of old songs from the 1960s and 70s, Saigon Soul Revival now presents their own original music in an exciting debut album, a continuation both in spirit and execution of the silvery vein o...

in Saigon

Saigon Pilots Park-and-Ride Scheme at Ham Nghi Central Bus Terminal

Authorities hope the parking facility will increase convenience for bus riders.

Khoi Pham

in Film & TV

6 Vietnamese TV Classics That Should Be on Netflix Instead of 'Hậu Duệ Mặt Trời'

Gone were the days of timing one’s bathroom dash exactly during commercial breaks and gathering around a neighbor’s old television set, the only one in the entire alley, to relish every minute of a ho...

in Culture

In 'Ba Lan,' a Photographer Maps the Diverse Identities of Poland's Vietnamese Diaspora

Poland is a largely mono-ethnic country with a negative immigration rate and has one of the lowest rates of foreigners in the European Union. Even migration specialists are often shocked to hear about...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

District 105 Leads Saigon's Metal Scene Into a Bright, Loud Future

"You don't listen to music like this usually, right?" Huynh Hoang Huy asks before he and his bandmates rip into another hard-driving song from their catalogue.

in Vietnam

Is Tourism in Vietnam Reaching a Tipping Point?

Tourism is surging in Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole, but is it too much of a good thing?

in Eat & Drink

Il Corda’s Secret Charcoal Grilling Method Arrives in Saigon

A delicious smoky crispness encases the exceedingly moist Tajima Wagyu, adding a pleasant ashy touch to the tenderloin. This charcoal taste sets Il Corda apart from Saigon’s other exemplary steakhouse...

in Culture

Vietnamme Project Explores How Vietnamese Culture Transformed Through the Eras

The Vietnamme Project aims to reinterpret ancient Vietnamese cultural traditions with a contemporary outlook, via artistic and visual practices. Ahead of our first major event on December 15, we'd lik...

in Development

[Photos] The Oddly Comforting Mix of Old and New in Thu Thiem

Directly opposite downtown Saigon, a new city is growing that stretches far beyond what the eye can see.

in Hotels

Creative Canapés Accompany Park Hyatt Saigon’s New Lounge

 In ancient times, people ate small amounts of savory food before a large meal, believing this could help digestion and increase appetites. Whether scientifically sound or not, the practice of en...

in Arts & Culture

Photography Exhibition Highlights Southeast Asia's Emerging Young Talents

The exhibition ‘we will have been young’ features no less than 12 emerging Southeast Asian photographers. 

in Culture

[Photos] In An Giang, Buddhist Devotees Gather to Observe Uposatha Day

In September, Buddhists in An Giang Province gathered at Tuk Phos Pagoda in Tri Ton District to observe Uposatha day together.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Crispy Duck Noodles for When You're Feeling Fancy

Right in the middle of frenetic hospital crowds, imposing pharmacies and peak-hour traffic, Hue Ky Mi Gia stands out, its indoor dining area seemingly unaffected by the commotion that’s going on just ...

Khoi Pham

in Film & TV

Review: When Indie Music Meets Indie Cinema on a Grab in Saigon

In today’s aggressive stream of Marvel blockbusters, doll- and shark-themed horror flicks, and gratuitous comedies, Troi Sang Roi, Ta Ngu Di Thoi (Good Morning and Good Night) is like a stubborn wild ...

in Saigon

Major Anti-Flood Upgrade of Nguyen Huu Canh Begins on October 5, Lasting 14 Months

Get ready, anyone who has to commute through Binh Thanh District.

in Music & Arts

[Illustrations] Vibrant Woodcut Prints Highlight Hoi An's Colorful Aesthetic

Attitudes towards Hoi An differ wildly, yet whether one considers the town a Disneyfied playground or a genuine haven harking back to a bygone era, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. 

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

How Campaigns Against Wildlife Trafficking Are Trying to Reset Social Norms

In late January, WildAid and the Ho Chi Minh City-based Center of Hands-on Actions and Networking for Growth and Environment (CHANGE) launched a graphic anti-wildlife trafficking campaign fo...

in Asia

Thai Prime Minister Suggests Moving Capital to Help Overcrowded Bangkok

In what seems to be a growing trend among overcrowded Southeast Asian capitals, Thailand's Prime Minister has floated the idea of relocating its capital from Bangkok.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: A Secret Garden Leads to a Haven for Hanoi's Young Creatives

Immediately after strolling through the gates of Café Tu Luc, a leafy new reality helps one feel at ease.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Khoai Bistro Serves up a Mother Lode of Ribs and Breakfast Skillet

Praise be to those who bring the hearty wholesomeness of the breakfast skillet to every hour of the day.

in Saigon

Is Saigon's Haze the Result of Forest Fires in Indonesia?

In Saigon is quite literally hard to breathe these days.

in Eat & Drink

How Drinking & Healing Made a Name for Itself

  “No more spicy chocolate passionfruit cocktails…no more durian,” jokes a mixologist at Drinking & Healing when asked what they’ll do differently in its second year.

in Society

[Video] The Colorful Exuberance of Saigon's VietPride Parade 2019

If you were hanging around downtown Saigon last weekend, you would have noticed crowds of revelers dressed in lavish costumes or rainbow-themed attire on their way to the city’s annual Pride event.

Khôi Phạm

in Culture

A Brief Primer of Asia's Mid-Autumn Mythology in 3 Folk Tales

There’s something for everyone during Tet Trung Thu season, as the arrival of mid-autumn comes with a wide variety of customs and traditional fare.

in Saigon

Current Public Transport Satisfies Less Than 10% of Saigon's Mobility Demand

The city is scrambling for ways to provide more and better public transportation options as traffic continues to worsen.

Michael Tatarski

in Arts & Culture

Street Photographer Group to Host Saigon Photo Exhibition

The first edition of the Saigon Photo Walk (SPW) exhibition features eight photographers, showing eight different points of view and eight ways of looking at the same city.

in Saigon

Saigon's First Two Metro Lines Delayed Again

Exactly zero people will be shocked by the news.

in Hanoi

Hanoi to Limit Old Quarter Traffic in Preparation for Mid-Autumn Festival

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Hanoi authorities are aiming to mitigate the intense traffic that often clogs city streets during public holidays by closing certain roads to vehicles.

in Vietnam

Heavy Rain Expected Across Vietnam Over Holiday Weekend as Storm Podul Weakens

Did your morning commute turn into a wrestling match with traffic and puddles? Well, expect more of that during this long weekend, meteorologists have warned.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Design Agency Launches Apartment Building Renovation Contest

The contest, called Space Wizard in English, will award unique concepts aimed at refurbishing old apartment buildings in the capital and creating more livable areas.

in Tech

Grab to Invest $500m to Expand Operations in Vietnam

In response to what it considers a surging market, the ride-hailing giant has announced plans to invest heavily into its Vietnamese business.

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

Loài Plastic: To Eradicate Plastic Items, Treat Them as Invasive Species

Amid increasing awareness of the environmental and health dangers of plastic, a creative new group has joined the fight against this global scourge.

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

[Illustrations] An Illustrated Alphabet of Vietnam's Tropical Fruits

Varying climate patterns and geographical topography have bestowed Vietnam with an impressive biodiversity. From temperate fare hailing from the Central Highlands like avocados, coffee and strawberrie...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Delicious Journey on the Caribbean Clipper at Jamaica Jamaica

By this stage of my life in Saigon, I'm not particularly surprised when an outpost of some unexpected cuisine appears in the unlikeliest of places.

in Hanoi

CNN to Screen 15 Minute-Long Clips About Hanoi Internationally

Over the next two months, CNN will broadcast 15 shorts films about Hanoi to international audiences.

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

How the Mekong's Mangroves Can Survive Against the Threat of Development

While Southeast Asia is known as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions, home to booming metropolises like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur, it also hosts some of the planet’s m...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Sara Ethiopian, a Chicken Stew for the Soul

Before the existence of Sara Ethiopian Restaurant in Saigon, my knowledge about the African country could fit squarely in a child’s palm: its capital, Addis Ababa; the tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash ...

in Vietnam

5 Dead After Storm Wipha Sweeps Across Northern Vietnam

Five people have been killed and 14 remain missing after storm Wipha crossed directly over Hanoi and across northern provinces.

in Society

The Transformation of Saigon Through the Eyes of Ride-Hailing App Drivers

Saigon is well-accustomed to change. Having once been part of the ancient Cham empire, ruled by the Nguyen Lords and occupied by the French, Saigon is a city with a rich, compelling history. These var...

in Vietnam

Northern Provinces Brace for Potential Tropical Storm Later This Week

An area of low pressure that may form into a tropical storm will bring heavy rain to northern provinces this week.

in Environment

The Delicate Process of Helping Bears Recover From Trauma

Bear bile farms, which exist in some Asian countries like Vietnam and China, are a terrible reality for Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus).

in Travel

Sun, Sand and Scary Beasts on Malaysia's Perhentian Islands

Southern Vietnam's rainy season coincides nicely with the dry season on Malaysia’s east coast, home to the Perhentian Islands, nestled in the East Sea.

Michael Tatarski

in Arts & Culture

'Reinvent Saigon' Asks Visitors to Reimagine the City and Themselves

Through tomorrow, the week-long Reinvent Saigon festival is taking place at five locations across the city.

in Music & Arts

To Bring Nature Into the Spotlight, an Architecture and Urbanism Festival Looks to Binh Quoi

Across Asia, urban landscapes are booming. The space they claim spreads further than ever, avidly consuming new land to cope with the influx of inhabitants and enterprises they must house.

Michael Tatarski

in Asia

Cambodia's Shocking Rates of Deforestation to Blame for Climate Emergency

As the impacts of climate change become more apparent worldwide, members of the public are connecting more weather events to the phenomenon.

in Saigon

Saigon's Urban Green Coverage Is Poor, but Little Is Done to Speed up Park Projects

Saigon currently has 540 million square meters of green space, but the number seems dismal when factoring in the city's population density.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: It's a Pagoda, It's a Restaurant, It's Superb Vegetarian Food

The revered 92-year-old Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh sums up his teachings on food and the first meal of the day like this: “I asked some children, 'What is the purpose of eating breakfast...

in Asia

Hong Kong: How China's ‘One Country, Two Systems’ Model Is Being Reshaped

Protest organizers in Hong Kong claim that nearly two million people, most clad in black and many carrying white flowers as a symbol of mourning, took to the streets on June 16 as demonstrations ...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: For the Love of Hanoian Snacks and Streetside Iced Tea

During the day, the dining area at 89 Nguyen Du houses a bún bò restaurant, but once the afternoon comes to an end and the sun starts to set, the area turns into a boisterous nhậu spot filled with nor...

in Hanoi

Hanoi Welcomed Nearly 15m Visitors in First Half of 2019

With the number of visitors continuing to rise, Vietnam’s largest cities remain magnets for both local and international tourists.

Paul Christiansen

in Food Culture

Vietnam Loves Drinking Beer. What About Cooking With It?

The craft beer craze that originated in the west has arrived in Vietnam in full force, but the trend of incorporating the beverage into local food recipes hasn’t yet followed.

Khoi Pham

in Culture

The Discomforting Poetry of Vietnamese Cursed Image

The page description of Vietnamese Cursed Image (VCI) has a single line: “how did you get here?” — a question I find myself asking often.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Direct Flight to Taiwan Through Your Taste Buds

One of the great benefits Vietnam's budget airline boom is the ease with which Saigoneers can now travel directly to wonderful destinations like Japan and South Korea without breaking the bank.

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

How Vietnam's Robusta Farms Could Transform Into Vital Carbon Sinks

Coffee is one of Vietnam’s most important agricultural products, a crop that grows so well in the country’s Central Highlands that it has become the world’s second-largest coffee producer.

in Vietnam

Experts Warn Against Building Hydropower Plants On Red River

Lao Cai Province authorities have proposed building two hydropower plants on the Red River.

in Tech

Vietnam Officials Find No Competition Violations in Grab-Uber Deal

Vietnam's Competition Council (VCC) has ruled that Grab broke no competition laws when it acquired Uber.

in Travel

[Photos] Tractors and Cabbages: A Different Da Lat Away From Urban Chaos

Not looking for a fancy destination, I sought out Da Lat for a different perspective that’s comfier, simpler and quieter.

Khoi Pham

in Society

Many Homes in Vietnam Lack Toilets. But Thanks to Women, That's Changing.

At daybreak, when crickets croon and Tan Xuan Commune is still awash in darkness, Chung is already awake. “We will support you in getting access to funding,” she chants several times in front of a mir...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] The Island in Hong Kong That's Completely Free of Traffic

Hong Kong is famed for its incredible population density and vertiginous skyline, where streets are hemmed in by concrete canyons of towering high-rises.

in Saigon

HCMC Signs Deal With South Korean Firm to Create Electric Bus Rapid Transit System

Can a bus rapid transit (BRT) system succeed in Saigon?

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

On Connecting With a City Through Urban Sketching

Louis Barnard, who is originally from South Africa and has lived in Seoul, Hanoi and now Saigon, uses art as a way to connect with the cities he calls home.

Khoi Pham

in Film & TV

Review: 'The Third Wife' Champions Silenced Women, Then Falls Victim to Silencing

Rarely has there been a Vietnamese film that ignited such impassioned, polarizing responses from the public. During its four days in theaters, The Third Wife awed, inspired, saddened, charmed, fluster...

in Society

[Video] Wheels of Steel: Tearing Across Saigon on Japanese Fixies

Just 10 years ago, the fixed-gear bike was an unfamiliar concept in Vietnam; now, there’s a thriving community of riders here in Saigon with enthusiasts from all walks of life.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Comfort of Slurping Vegetarian Noodles on the Pavement

Tien, who’s been up since 4am, stops for a moment, lets out a small sigh of satisfaction and wipes the sweat from her brow with the well-used towel around her neck. It’s now 7:45am on another hot, hum...

in Society

Public Bicycles Are a Hit in Hoi An, Not So Much in Saigon and Hanoi

In 2018, Hoi An announced that it had officially launched a project to establish a bicycle network to make transport more sustainable.

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Economy Might Be Larger Than Singapore's in 10 Years: DBS Report

With growth rates that could steady at 6.5% over the next decade, Vietnam's economy could surpass that of Singapore by 2029, according to a report by a Singaporean bank.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Earmarks $1.2bn for Forest Protection, Restoration

The plan focuses on improving sustainable forest and environmental management, protection and development along with conservation to increase total forest cover from 2.5 million hectares to 2.72 ...

Paul Christiansen

in Loạt Soạt

Saigoneer Bookshelf: Direct Routes to Whimsy in 'Ticket to Childhood'

Children can “hear the music and see the colors of letters on a page — magic portals to a wilderness without fixed meanings… all adults see are the neat rows of black lines, the building blocks of def...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Nhậu and Forming Friendships the Laotian Way in Saigon

“Here we go, I’m gonna do it,” I proclaim to a table of eight friends. On the tip of my chopsticks is a single ant egg, the “pearl of the forest” as some call it. Instead of ending in a dramatic burst...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Average Income Will Quadruple to $10,000 in 2030, Report Predicts

Vietnam joins several other Asian nations with expected economic growth rates of around 7% for the next decade according to a recent Standard Chartered report. 

in Hanoi

After 2 Years, Hanoi's BRT Route Fails to Reach Full Capacity

In 2018, Hanoi’s bus rapid transit (BRT) only reached half its potential capacity despite serving 5.3 million passengers.

in Saigon

Ride-Hailling Apps Draw Commuters Away From Saigon Buses, Report Says

Bus ridership has plummeted in Saigon, but are ride-share apps to blame?

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Coconut Coffee and Banana Bread in a Quiet Corner of Thao Dien

Thao Dien is known to some as a quiet neighborhood, despite its ongoing development projects. Upscale restaurants and fancy cafes are plentiful, serving a range of gourmet food and drinks. Yet, in bet...

Paul Christiansen

in Society

How to Juggle Newfound Attention as an Introvert and One of Forbes' 30 Under 30

With a devious grin on her face, Hau snatched the oversized plush pillow resembling a tree trunk from my hands, exclaiming, “Mine! And third steal so no one can take it away.”

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

The Fight to Save Cat Ba's Langurs and Unique Ecosystems

While approaching Hai Phong, a major city on Vietnam’s northeast coast, it is impossible to miss signs of the country’s fast-growing economic might. GDP growth hit just over 7% in 2018, and forei...

Michael Tatarski

in Society

On Its 10th Anniversary, a Look Back at H2H Charity Ride's Hanoi-Saigon Journey

On April 26, the H2H charity bicycle ride completed its 10th edition. Short for Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, the endeavor has evolved from a ragtag group of friends to a much more organized operation ov...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Breaks All-Time High Temperature Record as Heat Bakes Nation

The searing heat has occurred much earlier than when it usually arrives.

in Saigon

How Will Saigon Metro Line 1 Connect With Existing Bus, Water Transport Networks?

While Saigon’s first-ever metro project is inching slowly towards the finish line, city transportation officials are devising plans to integrate the upcoming urban railway into existing public transpo...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Finding Your Path at a Downtown Vegan Buffet

Peaceful music that chimes with joy, monks that greet you with smiles, and a delectable donation-based vegan buffet — it's a little heaven on earth. Well, heaven underneath a derelict building on Ton ...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

[Photos] Krossing Over Arts Festival Wraps up a Striking Week of Performances

The third edition of the Krossing Over Arts Festival ended in Saigon on Thursday, capping a week of exciting workshops, artist talks and contemporary dance performances.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Bowl of Tripe Noodles That Takes You Straight to Hong Kong

In the public discourse surrounding beef and its culinary application, more often than not there’s barely any space for tripe.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

Here's a Thiên Long Ballpoint Pen, Now Make Art With It

Nomer Adona has lived in Vietnam since 1994, a 25-year journey (so far) that has taken him from working as an architect with the Malaysian government to the halls of international schools.

in Music & Arts

Affordable Art Fair 'Art For You' Returns to Hanoi Next Week

Art For You, the art fair organized by Manzi Art Space and Workroom Four aimed at art enthusiasts who can't afford to shop at high-end galleries, is returning to Hanoi next week.

in Society

Banana Leaves Make Glorious Comeback in Supermarkets Across Vietnam

After straws, Vietnam’s anti-plastic movement now has a new target: plastic grocery wraps.

in Saigon

Saigon Is the Most Expensive City in Vietnam to Live, Statistics Show

Followed closely by Hanoi and Da Nang, the southern stronghold took the top spot due in large part to high tuition fees.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

Krossing Over Arts Festival Returns, This Time With a Series of Shows in Hanoi

Now in its third edition, the Krossing Over Arts Festival is currently taking place in Saigon and will this year be expanding to Hanoi too, with events beginning at the end of next week. 

in Culture

A 60-Year-Old Trash Chute Is Saigon's Latest Most Checked-In Place on Instagram

Editor's note: Happy April Fools' Day! This article was part of Saigoneer's 2019 April Fools' Day celebration. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, a...

in Sports

Vietnam Comes to a Halt to Celebrate U-12 Football Victory

Editor's note: Happy April Fools' Day! This article was part of Saigoneer's 2019 April Fools' Day celebration. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, a...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

The Return of Krossing Over Arts Festival: Deeper, Bolder, Wider

Now in its third edition, the Krossing Over Arts Festival begins later this week and is expanding both in scope, with more events planned, and reach, as Hanoi is now on the schedule as well.

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Opinion: Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm Pizza? Thank U, Next.

“Never half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.” — Ron Swanson

in Environment

Tam Dao's Bear Sanctuary and the Fight Against Bile Farms

Bear bile farming is a custom that originates from China, having been practiced for thousands of years. The bile, harvested from bears’ gallbladders, is used in various traditional Chinese medicines. ...

in Music & Arts

Slow Craft: How a Photo Artist Built a Home for Analog Photography in Saigon

The digital age is in full swing, and photography its loyal servant. The last century has seen the art form seamlessly transform several times, allowing itself to be reframed and repurposed time ...

Khoi Pham

in Culture

Bưu Hoa Stamp Project Is an Online Chronicle of Vietnam's Philatelic History

Among the best ways to learn of a country’s culture and history is looking at its stamp design through the ages. These paper tokens follow their owners’ letters to all corners of the world, serving as...

in Asia

Grab to Train Drivers to Detect Human Trafficking

Corporations and NGOs are working together to fight against human trafficking.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

Affordable Art Fair 'Art For You' Returns to Saigon Next Week

Art For You, the art fair organized by Hanoi-based Manzi Art Space and Workroom Four aimed at art enthusiasts who can't afford to shop at high-end galleries, is coming to Saigon next week.

in Food Culture

Vietnamese Ranks 13th Among World's Most Favorite Cuisines, Survey Says

In a survey involving citizens from 24 countries, Vietnamese food performs above average when compared to 33 other major cuisines across the globe.

in Saigon

Saigon to Remove Makeshift Co Giang Market After 25 Years in Operation

Nearly 350 vendors face an uncertain future as authorities plan to close the impromptu wet market.

Brian Letwin

in Saigon

From Botany Institute to Amusement Park: The Evolution of Thao Cam Vien Sai Gon

Local parks such as the Jardin d’Espagne and Jardin de la Ville, now Tao Dan Park, were a focal point of Saigon’s early urban development. But no green space carried such significance as the Jardin Bo...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Where Chay Alter Egos of Vietnam's Everyday Soups Reign

My first-ever vegetarian dish, long before I followed a plant-based diet, was hủ tiếu chay, and since then it has been my go-to order when trying a new restaurant. Besides, you definitely cannot go wr...

in Travel

VietJet Will Start Daily Flights From Saigon to Tokyo in July

VietJet currently operates 39 domestic routes and 69 international routes.

in Hanoi

Prior to Complete Ban, Hanoi to Trial Motorbike Restrictions on Central Streets

On specific roads where public transport will soon be capable of serving traffic demand, a trial ban on motorbikes could be enforced at some point in the future.

in Hanoi

Yet Another Ride-Hailing App Launches in Hanoi, This Time for Buses

A new mobile app, named Vihago, launched in Hanoi on March 5. The service aims to connect passengers with transport operators and bus services.

Michael Tatarski

in Film & TV

[Video] Short Film 'Sigh Gone' Depicts Love Lost, With a Twist

Have you ever felt completely at sea, hopelessly lost? A new Saigon-set short video from Vietnamese-American director Jeannie Nguyen depicts a day in the life of a young woman facing this situation.

in Saigon

Transport Ministry Claims 62.56% of Saigoneers Support Proposal to Ban Motorbikes in Downtown Saigon by 2030

Some Saigoneers are in agreement with the city’s plan to ban personal vehicles in downtown Saigon, but most believe that there remains a lot to be done before the project is implemented.

Khoi Pham

in Culture

A New Typeface That Was Built From Designs on Old Book Covers

Finding new values from old relics is a popular way some young creatives today are keeping old Vietnam aesthetics alive.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Making Good Life Decisions With Midday Rice Wine and Hanoi Deep-Fried Food

The Subcommittee for Sustainable Fishing? The Office of Dipterocarp Record-Keeping? The Directorate of Synthetic Rubber Quality Control? Ride-Share Hygiene Board? It was difficult to assess who exactl...

Khoi Pham

in Travel

[Photos] On Photographing the Gentle Romance of a Hueless Hue

Any mention of Hue or Hoi An within a conversation about central Vietnam tends to conjure up images of intensely vibrant colors: crimson paper lanterns dotting the sky; neighborhoods filled with the d...

in Development

South Korean Firm Puts Forth Plans for $3bn Metro Network in Da Nang

The proposed metro system would connect the city's downtown, beach, airport and major roads.

in Hanoi

Hanoi to Face Widespread Road Closures During Trump-Kim Summit

Both Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un are expected to arrive in Hanoi today for their historic second summit. Security will be tight, and over the next few days, numerous roads in the capital will be clos...

in Saigon

Saigon to Officially Ban All Vehicles on Nguyen Hue During Weekend Nights

In November 2018, the District 1 People's Committee proposed to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transportation that motorized traffic on Nguyen Hue be banned by 2020.

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

A Playful Project Uses Pigs to Showcase Vietnam Iconography Through History

Year of the pig is a gift that keeps on giving.

in Travel

Vietnam Expands E-Visa Pilot Program to 35 More Countries, Territories

A pilot program granting tourists 30-day electronic visas has been expanded to include 35 additional nations and territories.

in Saigon

Saigon Aims to Have 75% of New Buses Run on Natural Gas by 2020

Compressed natural gas (CNG), which emits less pollution and is considered to be safer than gasoline or oil, was used by 428 buses in Saigon at the end of 2018.

in Saigon

As Southern Vietnam Enters Dry Season, Saigon Records Dangerously High Levels of UV Radiation

Saigoneers should avoid going outside during noon, put on their “ninja” gear and slather on ample sunscreen as southern Vietnam will experience high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the next fe...

in Hanoi

Hanoi Aims to Plant Nearly Half a Million Trees This Year

Hanoi authorities, who aim to plant a million trees over the course of 2019 and 2020, have made progress in greening the city in the weeks after Tet.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Culture

International Photographer Captures Spirit of Đạo Mẫu in Vibrant Photo Book

Tewfic El-Sawy’s introduction to Đạo Mẫu, also known as the Mother Goddess religion, began with music.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Dak Lak and an Abundance of Central Highlands Charm

For many, Tet is a time to reunite with family they haven't seen in months. For those like me without relatives in Vietnam, it's the perfect time to take a break from increasingly stressful city life....

in Asia

In Thailand, Monks Ordain Trees to Protect Them Against Loggers

As development in Thailand is increasing, so is deforestation. Acres of forests are cleared for contract farming, habitats are torn down to make room for new factories, and soil is eroded, causing mas...

in Vietnam

Holiday Stories Roundup: Hanoi, HCMC Among Most Dynamic Growing Cities, Report Says

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Music & Arts

One Artist, 500 Volunteers and 168,000 Recycled Straws: A Clarion Call Against Plastic

Viral photographer Benjamin Von Wong is no stranger to making waves with his mind-blowing photography, often dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues while blurring the lines between ...

in Environment

Can Gory Animal Statues Shock Vietnam Into Shunning Wildlife Products?

On January 28, three statues — including one of a rhino bleeding with its horn cut off, an elephant whose tusks are broken and two de-scaled pangolins — went on display at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Saigon...

in Food Culture

In Saigon, a Quest for Sustainable, Healthy Coffee Consumption Is Brewing

The first moment I spotted the crisp blue door on Truong Dinh Street in District 3, I was drawn to it. I wanted to go in. And so I did, not knowing that I was opening the door into the world of sustai...

Paul Christiansen

in Food Culture

A History of Rice Wine, Part 2: A Traditional Craft Slowed to a Trickle

Rose-tinted shades and long swept-back hair tickling the collar of a half-unbuttoned maroon shirt that revealed a dangling peace-sign pendant: at age 27, Minh was the epitome of 70s Saigon cool. More ...

in Culture

Once Invisible, Saigon's Underground Scene Emerges Into Light

In just a few short decades, underground hip-hop and youth culture has gained a massive following, not only within Saigon and Vietnam, but all around the globe.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Aims to Export 6.5m Tons of Rice in 2019

For 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has set a target of exporting 6.5 million tons of rice, valued at US$3 billion. 

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Lost in the Half-Childlike, Half-Adult World of 'The Little Prince'

Remember the tale about a little boy who travels planet to planet on a quest to discover and retrieve lessons about the adult world? This cafe is yet another untold chapter of that story.

in Development

Vietnam Approves Additional Funding for Saigon's Metro Line 1, 2

Hopefully, the increased funding can help alleviate the crises surrounding the construction of the first metro line and kick start the second line's construction.

in Hanoi

Hanoi to Axe 100 Trees for Road Widening Project

As part of continuing efforts to ease congestion, Hanoi authorities are set to widen Lang Street, which means 371 trees will be relocated while another 105 will be cut down.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Orders Grab to Pay Vinasun $206,000 Due to 'Unfair Competition'

Charging the Singaporean ride-share app with "having seriously violated the law on transport business," a Vietnam court agreed with Vinasun's claims that its rival's illegal actions cut into their pro...

in Culture

[Video] At FEEL It Festival, a Full Display of Saigon's Vibrant Street Culture

On December 15, Saigon's underground street scene was on full display on a rooftop in District 7, with freestyle skating, vibrant graffitti and local musicians.

in Food Culture

Vietnam Officially Designates December 12 the Day of Pho

Vietnam has officially marked every December 12 the Day of Pho in celebration of the nation's most well-known dish.

in Society

Overcoming a Small-Scale Mindset to Grow Startups in Vietnam

As Vietnam's population of entrepreneurs and investors continues to grow, there is a divide between those who favor quick financial gain, and those who focus on long-term growth.

in Sports

Football Fans Pull Bão All-Nighter as Vietnam Wins AFF Cup Again After 10 Years

After an entire night of revelry, it still feels like a dream that Vietnam has once again claimed the top position in the AFF Suzuki Cup.

in Hanoi

Over a 3-Year Period, Hanoi Planted 1m Trees: Official

Over the past three years, an urban tree-planting project has brought over one million trees to Hanoi’s streets. 

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Thương Library, a Shrine to Leonard Cohen and How the Light Gets In

At the risk of appearing like a pretentious prig, I will begin this Hẻm Gem review with the introduction of a foreign word: the weirdly specific concept of smultronstället.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Among Top 10 Most Weather-Wrecked Countries in 2017: Report

With a death toll of 298 and damages surpassing US$4 billion, the country occupies the sixth spot on the 2019 Climate Risk Index.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Cu Xa, the Cafe That Awakens Your Childhood Self

“Where is home?” is a question that at some point has probably nagged everyone who feels caught between worlds. To the owner of a retro cafe in Hanoi’s southern Dong Da District, it’s Cu Xa.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Aims to Boost GDP per Capita to $6,500 by 2030, $10,000 by 2035

The country also hopes to have two million private businesses accounting for 60-65% of the GDP by 2030.

Khoi Pham

in Culture

[Photos] A Quiet Saturday at Saigon's Greenest Tomb, Lang Ong Ba Chieu

Going from central District 1 into Binh Thanh in northern Saigon, you might have spotted the compound before: a spacious tree-lined temple flanked by four streets just a stone’s throw away from Ba Chi...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

German-Vietnamese Artist Linh TNX Blends Trap and R&B in Latest Single 'S.O.S'

Linh Tran, a German-Vietnamese singer who goes by the artist name Linh TNX, has debuted her first music video produced in Saigon since moving to the city two months ago.

in Travel

Mui Ne's Suoi Tien Damaged by Tourist Activities, Illegal Construction

Suoi Tien, a famous natural tourist site in Mui Ne, is losing its appeal due to overcrowding and unauthorized construction work.

in Culture

[Photos] What's Inside Beloved Binh Tay Market's Glorious Comeback?

Binh Tay Market is the central market in the heart of Cho Lon, sitting on the very edge of District 6 along Thap Muoi Street.

in Saigon

Saigon to Allocate $30m to Preserve, Renovate Local Cultural Heritage Sites

The city is also looking into commodifying more historical sites for tourism development.

in Saigon

Typhoon Usagi Causes Longest, Heaviest Rain and Worst Flood in Saigon History

After more than a day of unrelenting rain, Typhoon Usagi has reduced Saigon to a waterlogged town.

Michael Tatarski

in Society

Laiday Refill Station Sells a Sustainable Lifestyle to All Saigoneers

While many individuals and businesses in Saigon are working to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, Quyen Nguyen and Helly Tong decided to take action even further. 

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gem: In D5, Spicy Phá Lấu Skewers Worth Suffering Traffic For

Saigon has a wonderful tropical climate with two seasons: dry and wet. As the cold weather approaches, chasing the blazing heat away, we all crave for some hot and steamy dishes to keep warm.

in Saigon

Saigon Heat Overcome Early Butterflies, Outduel Knights in Season Debut

A tight game knotted 80-80, seemingly headed for overtime. The Saigon crowd is biting their nails as their two top scorers have just fouled out. And Vietnamese-American star Justin Young launches a fi...

in Development

District 1 Wants To Completely Ban Traffic on Nguyen Hue In 2020

District 1's People Committee recently sent a proposal to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transportation regarding traffic management for Nguyen Hue Boulevard.

in Food Culture

What We Talk About When We Talk About Bánh Mì

Bánh mì is without a doubt a Vietnamese staple. Versatile, convenient and affordable, the sandwich has gotten so popular in recent years in Vietnam and elsewhere that phở shouldn’t be complacent, as i...

in Vietnam

In Vietnam, Markets Still Beat Convenience Stores, but That Might Change Soon

In recent years, Vietnamese are visiting convenience stores more frequently while foot traffic in traditional markets gradually dwindles.

in Tech

5.4m Mobile World Customers Could Be Affected by Alleged Data Hack

A data leak involving electronic retail chain The Gioi Di Dong (Mobile World) has cast doubt over the way the local company handles customer info.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Come for the Architecture, Stay for the Architecture

In an age when seemingly every building in Saigon has been knocked down for redevelopment at least once, it's rare to be able to spend time in a truly unique architectural gem.

in Hanoi

Hanoi to Introduce Traffic Congestion Charges in Central Districts

As part of the capital’s efforts to reduce traffic jams, private vehicles will face charges for entering congested areas of central districts.  

in Saigon

Saigon's Bus Station Projects Lag Behind Due to Overlapping Plans, Limited Land

Many locations that are supposed to be used for building new bus stations are being appropriated for other uses.

in Architecture

More Than Just an Identity, Saigon's Modernist Architecture Reflects Past Optimism for a New Era

The last 30 years have seen unprecedented economic development in Ho Chi Minh City. Since Doi Moi relaxed foreign investment laws back in 1986, the city has welcomed change with open arms and increasi...

Thi Nguyen

in Travel

No Nón Lá, No Problem: A New Saigon Tour Takes the Road Less Traveled

Sitting down for a bowl of phở, sipping a glass of cà phê sữa đá, visiting the Saigon Post Office: these activities are all too common to the tourist experience in Saigon. So much so that it's of...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

In Saigon's Latest Indie Workshop, a Heaven for Eco-Friendly Risograph Prints

Nestled above inpages in Thao Dien, a new print studio is offering artists and other creatives a new way to express their ideas and visions.

in Saigon

Saigon to Introduce Food Safety Stickers for Street Food Stalls

The city's Food Safety Management Authority has also issued 10 criteria for evaluating street vendors' food safety.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Unveils Ambitious Scheme to Flex More Maritime Muscles by 2030

To foster economic growth and respond to climate change, the country will focus on its coastal infrastructure and initiatives. 

Paul Christiansen

in Food Culture

A Saigon Pop-Up Fuses Mexican and Vietnamese Fares, One Pun at a Time

More romantic than the season's first snow dusting a trampled field of post-harvest corn husks; more inspiring than stars strewn across a cloudless night sky; more alluring than fragrant pollen drifti...

in Film & TV

The Bachelor's Happy Queer Romance Is the Positive Representation That Vietnam's LGBT Community Needs

Last Wednesday, the couple talked about their declaration of love during a live stream Facebook interview with the reality show centered around straight relationships.

in Music & Arts

Workroom Four’s Annual Open Exhibition Running in Hanoi Next Week

This year marks the fifth time the event has taken place, with over 6,500 visitors and nearly 500 artists taking part over the least four years.  

in Hanoi

After Completing Nghi Tam Overpass, Hanoi Proposes Plan to Expand Au Co

Having finished construction on the An Duong-Thanh Nien Overpass, which opened last Thursday, plans are now being proposed to level and expand Au Co Street.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] Tokyo's Historic Tsukiji Fish Market After the Morning Rush

Tsukiji Fish Market has been one of Tokyo's most well-known destinations for centuries, famous for its early-morning tuna auctions and frenetic wholesale seafood stalls. Yesterday, however, its inner ...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Reports Fewer Traffic Accidents, Deaths and Injuries Compared to 2017

The number of traffic accidents and victims continues to be high, but the situation has seen slight improvement compared to last year.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Begins Using E-Cards on New Bus Rapid Transit Route

As of yesterday, electronic cards have been available for use on the Kim Ma-Yen Nghia BRT route.

in Saigon

Saigon Will Spend $4bn on New Roads, Bridges in Hopes of Curbing Traffic Congestion

By 2020, 82 mostly state-funded projects will add nearly 190 kilometers of roads and 39 bridges to the southern metropolis.

in Travel

Vietnam Starts Ranking Tour Guides to Improve Tourism Quality

In hopes of inspiring tour guides to improve their performance, Vietnam's tourism officials will launch a trial program that grades guides on capability, knowledge and skills.

in Development

Lack of Space, Booming Tech Scene Drive Saigon's Office Rents to Highest in 5 Years

Driven by a dearth of suitable office space and the flourishing of local companies, the monthly cost to rent an office in central Saigon is skyrocketing.

in Sports

Fitness, Flexibility and Mindful Meditation: There's Something for Everyone in Saigon's Yoga Scene

During Saigon’s lunch hour, you won’t find Jiva sitting on any street side. That’s because she’s busy leading the city’s lunchtime renegades, a group that sacrifices that precious hour of eating to ge...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: On the Road to Ruin, From Budapest to Binh Thanh

The southern edge of Binh Thanh is one of Saigon’s most fascinating areas. More cosmopolitan than the district would have you believe, its maze-like streets hold a heady mix of different influences. W...

in Health

Vietnam Imposes Harsher Penalties on Street Vendors, Eateries to Address Food Safety Concerns

A new resolution will increase fines for street vendors who do not wear gloves as well as organizations that sell diseased animals or use banned chemicals.

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

In Saigon Supersound Vol. 2, an Unabashed Celebration of Saigon's Retro Tunes

In less than a year and a half between the releases of the first and second volumes of Saigon Supersound, the highly celebrated compilation’s unique sound hasn’t changed, but the city it celebrates ha...

in Saigon

Saigon Needs Smart Cards for Public Transport Instead of Single-Use Tickets: Experts

Could a single contactless card allow riders access to bus, water taxi, tram, monorail and metro routes?

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam to Work With Japan in Marine Plastic Waste Reduction

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cam Cam Kafe and the Fujian Pagoda That Inspired Its Name

I wish I could claim that I discovered Cam Cam Kafe by myself. Tucked away in a corner unit up the second floor of a nondescript apartment in District 5, the coffee shop seems mostly undetectable from...

in Saigon

Saigon Proposes Major Walking Street Project Linking Ba Son, Nguyen Hue, Ben Thanh

Yay or nay?

in Sports

No Turnbuckles, No Ropes, No Problem for Saigon's Pro Wrestlers

Damien Wolfe rained down blow after blow on spindly Phong Tran (not pictured above), with onlookers jeering and questioning his humanity. Then, out of the blue, Phong sprang to life and leapt into the...

Michael Tatarski

in Development

[Photos] A Visit to Landmark 81, the Roof of Saigon

Over the last year, Saigon's skyline has become dominated by a skyscraper in Binh Thanh District.

in Saigon

Saigon Will Completely Overhaul Nguyen Huu Canh in November to Eliminate Flooding

Life is about to get tough for commuters on Nguyen Huu Canh Street.

in Society

Vietnam's First Gran Fondo Cycling Event a Hit in Hue

For cycling addicts and ‘casuals’ alike, there’s a new event in Vietnam to start training for.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: On Eating Greek With Chopsticks

Who says excellent Greek food can't be served on the same menu as Korean tofu along the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal?

in Environment

Experts Think Building Dedicated Paths for Cyclists, Pedestrians Could Ease Vietnam's Congestion, Pollution

By 2030, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the environment will triple that of 2015's amount.

in Vietnam

Grab Told to Punish Drivers for Using Mobile Phones While on the Road

Traffic safety officials and Grab have been ordered to begin punishing Grab drivers who use their phone while on the move.

Khoi Pham

in Culture

How Dép Tổ Ong Goes From Timeless Family Keepsake to Millennial Icon

Back in 2014, amid the weekly cycle of news, a particular image was more striking than most: Doctor and Professor Ngo Bao Chau stood in the middle of a makeshift classroom in a rural village in Thai N...

in Saigon

Minibuses That Run in Hẻms Might Be the Latest Transport Pilot Program in Saigon

Will there be room in Saigon’s hẻm system to fit small buses?

in Hanoi

Hanoi Moves Forward With Plans for Yen So, 'Vietnam's Most Modern Bus Station'

A major new bus station has been approved for Hoang Mai District, in an effort to relieve stress several of the city's dated bus facilities.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Canal Cafe and Bar as Rustic as Its Name Promises

Driving leisurely along Hoang Sa Street, I stopped in front of a small coffee shop called Lao Hac — a retro-style cafe that's hidden behind the perennial flowering vines within sight of Nhieu Loc...

in Sports

Vietnam's Hopes of Making the Asian Olympics Football Final Dashed by South Korea

The journey of Vietnam’s men's football team at this year’s Asian Games has been a miracle, though it didn't have the miracle ending we had hoped for.

Thi Nguyen

in Development

[Photos] A Two-Minute Ride on Saigon's Shortest, Most Anticlimactic Ferry Trip

The accelerated urbanization of Saigon has led to the rapid metamorphosis of its landscape. This process, however, is hardly evenly distributed. While residents living in the inner city's center ...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

Urbanist Travel Getaways: Vietnam’s Subterranean Wonders

The dense, untouched forests of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh Province hide some of the world’s greatest underground geological formations. Beneath the park’s stunning limestone mounta...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Hotels and Luxury Resorts Raked in $22bn in Revenue Last Year: Report

Digital technology integration is happening in many fields and industries including hospitality services.

in Development

Rising Demand for Homestay Is Causing 'Land Fever' in Da Lat and the Mekong Delta

The growing promise of tourism that focuses on a more "local experience" has led many to open their own homestay business.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: On the Hunt for Succulent Seared Chicken in an Old French Apartment

As far as urban nooks go, exploring Saigon’s apartment buildings is perhaps the best way to discover new hangouts, Instagrammable corners and amazing views of the city.

in Saigon

Saigon, Hanoi Among Most-Improved Cities in Liveability: Economist

The country's two largest cities were among the most improved in the world on the Global Liveability Index.

in Vietnam

93% of Foreign Tourists Had 'Satisfactory' Experience in Vietnam in 2017: Survey

More than 93% of foreign travelers expressed their satisfaction towards trips to Vietnam in 2017, according to statistics by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

in Vietnam

Tropical Storm Bebinca Is Heading to Northern Vietnam

Tropical Storm Bebinca is bearing down on northern Vietnam and could bring up to 350 millimeters of rainfall to the region.

in Saigon

Restrooms, Fountains, Food Stalls Among New Amenities Planned for Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Water fountains, multi-colored lights, drink vending machines, food stalls and more restrooms are planned for Saigon's popular pedestrian promenade.

in Saigon

Saigon Pilots Taxi Stand Program With 5 Official Stops in D1

To address traffic congestion caused by slapdash passenger pick-ups, the city's Department of Transportation is establishing official taxi stands in central areas on a six-month trial basis.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Lured by the Promise of 7-Way Noodles, We Found Delicious Dim Sum in D5

Come for the seven-way noodles, stay for the dim sum.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

[Video] Saigon-Based Directors Feature Abandoned Hue Waterpark in New Music Video

A small boat reaches shore and an adventure begins at the wild, abandoned Ho Thuy Tien Waterpark outside of Hue.

in Travel

44 New Caves Discovered Near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

On August 6, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park authorities announced the discovery of 44 new caves, bringing the total number of known caves in the area to 405.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Launches First-Ever Natural Gas-Powered Buses

Two bus routes, set up by Bao Yen Tourism, will run entirely on compressed natural gas (CNG). They officially opened in Hanoi on August 1, with a third route beginning August 9.

in Vietnam

After Hoi An and Hanoi, Can Tho Is the Next City in Vietnam Afflicted With Cable Car Fever

You get a cable car! You get a cable car! Everybody’s getting a cable car!

in Vietnam

Amid Tourism Boom, Apartment Owners Forsake Long-Term Leases for Airbnb Fast Cash

Many apartment owners are turning to Airbnb and other short-term lease platforms in order to cash in on Vietnam's ongoing tourism boom.

in Saigon

Saigon May Pilot Bus-Only Lanes on Vo Thi Sau, Dien Bien Phu

Dien Bien Phu and Vo Thi Sau streets have been suggested as testings grounds for the bus lane, as both one-way roads are prone to traffic congestion during rush hour.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Ngọt Cafe, a Treasure Trove of Saigon's Childhood Snacks and Knick-Knacks

To me, Saigon is not just a city, it is the people, the lifestyle and the cafés.

in Saigon

Saigon Ranks 5th Globally in Tourism Potential: Travel Website

Saigon’s tourist arrivals will almost double by 2025, according to a UK tour website.

in Saigon

[Photos] The Retail Section of Vietnam's Tallest Building, Landmark 81, Is Now Open

The retail section of Landmark 81, Vietnam's tallest building, opened last Thursday, July 26.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Old-School 'Take It or Leave It' Nam Dinh Phở in District 3

Pho Dau captures the essence of the Nam Dinh soul food that the owner brought with her to Saigon six decades ago.

in Vietnam

In Vietnam's Ride-Hailing Market, It's Grab Against the World. And It's Winning.

Newer ride-hailing apps are struggling to gain a place in the market, despite growing complaints of Grab’s post-Uber services.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Northern-Style Miến Lươn Is a Magical Saigon Breakfast

Mien Luon Cho Ben Thanh was the final destination in my parents’ 20-year quest to find an authentic northern miến lươn in Saigon.

in Tech

Google Maps Introduces Motorbike-Specific Navigation Mode in Vietnam

The feature was first developed in India.

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

Lost Type: Capturing the Essence of Vietnam's Street Signage Through Modern Typeface

With just a glance outside your window, you might notice that Vietnam’s metropolises are filled with a hodgepodge of banners, signs and advertising panels of all shapes, design motifs and colors.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Set an Alarm, We're Waking up Early for Dim Sum in D11

According to historical legend, dim sum was created along the ancient Silk Road as a snack for weary travelers to enjoy with their tea while resting. On this day, I felt like I had traversed that fabl...

in Saigon

Saigon Stops Issuing Permits to New High-Rise Projects in Downtown

From now until 2020, the city will not issue any permits for new high-rise projects in District 1 and 3.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Old Saigon Building of the Week: The Glitz and Glam of Tự Do Nightclub

While today’s Dong Khoi Street is peppered with tourist-centric shops and restaurants, just half a century ago, the downtown street was the nightlife hotspot for Saigon’s cool kids to congregate.

in Society

In Vietnam's Nascent Anti-Plastic Movement, Straws Are the First to Go

Saigon needs real solutions for its plastic problems.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnamese Annually Spend $4bn Studying Abroad

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ 10 arrested as $89 million online gambling ring busted in Vietnam [VnExpress] ▪&n...

in Travel

Urbanist Travel Getaways: Discovering Serenity in Bhutan – The Other Hermit Kingdom

Only a handful of pilots can manage the treacherous flight into Bhutan’s tiny international airport. As the plane tilts for the final descent, passengers gather by the windows — smartphones recor...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Inside Le Thanh Ton's Japan Town Lives Saigon's Best Katsu

Inside the unofficial Japanese quarter of Saigon lies scrumptious katsu and oyakodon to suit all palates. For beginners like myself at one point in time, the existence of Fujiro can swing open many ne...

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Saigon's Oldest Pre-Doi Moi Relic, Hai Con Tôm Noodles, Is a Living Fossil

You wake up in Saigon in the 1980s in your apartment overlooking the Saigon River. While yawning, you put a dollop of Da Lan toothpaste on a brush. Using a bar of Co Ba soap, you wash yourself up and ...

in Vietnam

In 2017, 53% of Vietnamese Owned at Least a Smartphone, Compared to 35% in 2015: Report

The global average for smartphone ownership is 59%.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Continues Visa Exemptions for Western European Visitors

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Rare gibbon rescued from HCM City house [DTI] ▪ Vietnam continues visa exemp...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Authentic Hai Phong Bánh Đa Cua Right in the Heart of D1

I am a fervent champion of all things noodles.

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

These Intimate Rainy Season Moments Are Why We Love Saigon's Summer Rain

Saigon’s pluviophiles, unite!

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Busts Another Expansive Online Gambling Ring

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Two dead, two missing as flash floods ravage northern Vietnam [VnExpress] ▪ ...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Pandan and Durian Gelato for a Sizzling Summer Day in Saigon

My earliest memory of ice cream in Saigon involves savoring Kem Bach Dang’s renowned kem trái dừa: scoops of coconut ice cream in a coconut husk topped with an assortment of fresh and jammed fruits.

Khoi Pham

in Culture

The Tale of the Coconut Skull Is a Perfect Balance of Weird, Heart and Family-Friendly Moral Lessons

Vietnamese folklore takes the old adage “beauty is only skin-deep” very seriously.

Paul Christiansen

in Literature

Meet the Author of the Most Important Vietnamese Novel You've Never Read

When the wind strafes Da Ngan’s window, seedpods shake and rattle like spent bullet casings in the tamarind tree that Americans planted decades ago. They also built the large apartment complex where s...

in Food Culture

Shrimp Paste and Fish Sauce: A Brief Primer on Vietnam's Dipping History

It is a well-known fact among Vietnamese that their home country has a rich portfolio of fermented food, from mắm chua (pickled shrimp) to mắm tôm (shrimp paste). Here is a comprehensive look into not...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: HCMC to Host Asian-Pacific Tourism Promotion Forum

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Five families evacuated in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta amid rising erosion risk [VnExpr...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC Among Asia's Most Enterprising Cities, Report Says

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ HCMC among Asia's most enterprising cities [DTI] ▪ Scrap imports choke Ho Ch...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Growing Middle Class Drives Car Demand in Vietnam

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ North Korea reportedly wants a 'Vietnam-like' debut to the world economy [Business...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: VTV Finally Wins World Cup 2018 Broadcasting Rights

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnamese brick house bags coveted architecture award [VnExpress] ▪ VTV win...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC Revises Plan to Limit Number of Taxis in City

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ High buildings good solution for Vietnam’s urban development: experts [Tuoi Tre] ...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC Tour Guide Association Launched

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ HCMC’s businesses keen to export to Cuba [SGGP] ▪ HCM City Tour Guide Associ...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Air Conditioner Makers Battle for Vietnam's Red-Hot Market

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Air conditioner makers battle for Vietnam's red-hot market [Nikkei Asian Review] ...

in Culture

The Evolution of Vietnamese Beauty Through Old Ads

Vintage cosmetic advertising and magazine covers depicting perceptions of Vietnamese beauty tell not only Saigon's, but Vietnam's feminine spirit in years gone by. Whether plain or in full color, each...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

The Masterminds of Saigon's Most Memorable Concerts Join Forces to Create a Brand-New Beach Festival

The organizers of some of Saigon's most legendary recent concerts are combining forces to bring a new music festival to Ho Tram later this year.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

The Masterminds of Saigon's Most Memorable Concerts Joined Forces. A Brand-New Music Festival Was Born.

The organizers of some of Saigon's most legendary recent concerts are combining forces to bring a new music festival to Ho Tram later this year.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: HCMC to Add 17 High-Quality Bus Routes

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ HCM City to add 17 high-quality bus routes [VietnamNet] ▪ Vietnamese banks u...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Plans to Cut Back Tax Incentives for Casinos in SEZs

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam’s aviation market welcomes new fleets [VietnamNet] ▪ Vietnam plans t...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Lazada Faces Inspection After Multiple Service Complaints in Vietnam

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Public concerns over toxic chemical project near Ha Long Bay [DTI] ▪ Lazada ...

in Tech

Will Tracking Technology Help Combat Vietnam's Chronic Bike Theft Problem?

The surest way to keep your bike safe might just be to lo-jack it.

in Vietnam

Confusion Reigns Over Mobile Phone Registration Law

National Decree 49, which was issued last year, stipulated that all mobile phone users in Vietnam were required to register their phone with photo identification by April 24in order to avoid having th...

Paul Christiansen

in Postcards

Saigon Postcard No. 5: The Rainy Season Has Awoken

As last week's storms attest to, the rainy season is about to once again menace the city.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Successfully Produces Inactivated Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Draft regulations on foreign language centres proposed [DTI] ▪ VN successful...

in Society

Opinion: The Virtues of Riding the Saigon Bus

On a brutally hot day back in January, I was riding Saigon bus No. 65 out to District 10 when I made an amateur’s mistake.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Things Café, Humans, Cats and Nat King Cole Coexist in a Harmonious Ecosystem

I admit that it’s taken me great pains to write this week’s Hẻm Gem.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

[Illustrations] Mariano di Guglielmo's Vivid Watercolors of Saigon Street Scenes

For Mariano di Guglielmo, an English teacher who has lived in Saigon for about four months, every street is a potential canvas.

in Saigon

As Rainy Season Arrives, Saigon Major Flood Barrier Project Stalls

Work has halted on a massive US$440 million drainage system aimed to control tidal flooding that impacts 6.5 million residents in a 570-square-kilometer area in and around south Saigon.

in Film & TV

'Dao Cua Dan Ngu Cu' Actress Ngoc Thanh Tam on Her Craft and Feminism in Vietnamese Cinema

The young talent explores her transition to acting, its hectic yet colorful challenges, the films she took part in and anticipation towards the future of Vietnamese cinema.

in Vietnam

Construction of High-Rises Should Cease in Downtown Saigon, Hanoi to Reduce Congestion: Vietnam PM

In Saigon and Hanoi, downtown areas are suffering from major bottlenecks due to the boom of high-rise buildings in recent years.

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

A Food Folk Tale: Vietnam’s Unexpected Watermelon Tycoon

If you’ve been around a traditional Vietnamese household during Tet, you have probably noticed the presence of gargantuan, child-sized, dark green watermelons on the altar. These behemoths are both in...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Health Ministry Warns of Infectious Disease Outbreaks in Summer

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Phu Quoc hotel keeps illegal construction on opening day [DTI] ▪ Health Mini...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

Saigoneer Getaways: Vietnam's Best 'Secret' Beach Destination

When it comes to tourism in Vietnam, it's hard not to be depressed by the frequent news of ruinous cable cars and mega-resorts, often accompanied by bulldozed natural areas.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: VNA Considers Creating Cargo Unit to Boost Revenue

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Border guards suspended over major illegal logging case [DTI] ▪ Vietnam Airl...

in Music & Arts

Q&A: Over a Hundred Street Artists Visit Hue for Annual Meeting of Styles Event

Since 2002, a collective known as Meeting of Styles has been organizing street art events around the world. According to its website, it is “an international network of graffiti artists and aficionado...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Best Bánh Căn Da Lat...in Saigon

Is there any cooking utensil that’s as magical as the bánh căn mold?

in Development

Opinion: In Response to the Surreal Rise of Vietnam's Gated Communities

Our recent article on gated communities generated a lot of conversation, and we’ve decided to publish this letter from a Hanoi-based expat in response. The views and opinions expressed ...

in Vietnam

Da Nang, FPT Agree on Plans for ‘Smart City’ by 2020

This time, city officials will tap a domestic company for the technological makeover.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC to Return 10kg of Gold to Local Man

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Cold snap to cool off northern Vietnam; heat wave lingers in south [Tuoi Tre] ▪&n...

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

Pot-au-Phở: On the Remnants of French Influence in Vietnam's Daily Lexicon

There’s a noticeable generational difference between the way young and old Vietnamese converse.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: HCMC Top Official Demands Inspection on Cheap Public Land Sale

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Hanoians flock to register mobile phone numbers [DTI] ▪ HCMC top official de...

Thi Nguyen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Refreshing Đá Me and a Touch of Pre-1975 Tunes at 81 Cafe

Given the city’s hot weather, cold drinks are Saigon's very own specialty. While cà phê sữa đá and trà đá are timeless staples, in recent years we have also witnessed the rise of milk tea shops in alm...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Large-Scale Fire Inspection to Take Place in Downtown HCMC

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam-Myanmar relations will grow further: ambassador [SGGP] ▪ Large-scale...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam’s Stock Market Posts Highest Gain in Asia

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Hanoi breaks into top global destinations on TripAdvisor list [VnExpress] ▪ ...

in Culture

Inside the 170-Year-Old Homestead of Vuong Hong Sen, Vietnam's Famed Historian

This noble house is one of Saigon's dormant treasures. Dating back to 1848, it once hosted a notable Saigoneer, Vuong Hong Sen, and his family now calls it home. The lives of its current inhabitants i...

in Development

Opinion: The Surreal Rise of Vietnam's Gated Communities

Vietnam is shifting from the old world to the new. As socialism yields to capitalism, waves of foreign investment are reshaping both the nation’s values and its landscapes. In rural areas, these winds...

Khôi Phạm

in Arts & Culture

The Unsolved Riddle Behind Cô Mía, Vietnam's Sugarcane Juice Muse

“Oh this drawing?” chị Liên shouted in Vietnamese over the juicer’s raucous purring. “I don’t know who she is. Isn’t it just an advertisement?”

in Vietnam

Non Nuoc Cao Bang Recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark

The sprawling natural area in northern Vietnam joins Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang Province as the country’s second site to receive the prestigious distinction.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Transport Ministry Mulls Plan to Put Fuel Consumption Label on Motorbikes

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietjet among Top 10 Vietnam Excellent Brands in 2017 [Nhan Dan] ▪ Motorbike...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Half of HCMC Citizens Use Online Public Services, Official Says

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Half of HCMC citizens use online public services [VietnamNet] ▪ Apartment pr...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

Dancers, Visual Artists Collaborate at Unique Saigon Arts Festival

From April 16 to 22, the Krossing Over Arts Festival will bring together artists and dancers for performances across Saigon.

in Vietnam

Uber Exits Vietnam, Leaves $2.3m in Tax Debt That Grab Refuses to Pay

Last Sunday, Uber officially ceased operations in Southeast Asia, allegedly leaving behind in Vietnam US$2.3 million (VND53 billion) in tax debt.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: HCMC-Vung Tau Hydrofoil Sinks After Collision With Unknown Object

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam cycling queen on a roll to Asian Games [VietnamNet] ▪ Ho Chi Minh Ci...

in Saigon

D4 Seafood Paradise Vinh Khanh Is Now an Official Saigon Food Street

District 4’s nhậu neighborhood has been turned into an official food street by Saigon authorities.

in Vietnam

Most Vietnamese Are Likely to Save Spare Cash: Report

Frugality is the go-to lifestyle for many Vietnamese.

Khoi Pham

in Travel

[Video] Under Muted Tones, Vietnam's Northern Landmarks Are No Less Striking

For those of us who are stuck working behind a desk all day, at times watching beautifully put together travel features might be our only reprieve from the humdrum of daily routines.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam PM Approves $1.2bn for Infrastructure in Coastal Economic Zones

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Mandarin Airlines pilot dies of illness before flight from Vietnam to Taiwan [Taiw...

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Pass the Bánh Ướt on the Left-Hand Side

Thanks to Banh Uot Banh Me, you can finally put to use those rolling skills you honed back in your university days...rolling gỏi cuốn, obviously (wink).

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam, South Korea Agree to Do $100bn in Bilateral Trade by 2020

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ City needs to VND 10 bln to build three new bus stations [SGGP] ▪ Vietnam, S...

Michael Tatarski

in Food Culture

From Texas to Saigon: Viet-Cajun Cuisine's Journey Around the World

Given the size of the overseas Vietnamese diaspora, it comes as little surprise that the community has had a huge influence on the cuisines of countries around the world.

in Travel

[Photos] Kahtein Festival: The Joy of Giving in Myanmar’s Shan State

Nestled in the luscious green hills of Myanmar's Shan State and peppered with Buddhist temples, the sleepy town of Hsipaw is perhaps not the most obvious location for a bustling street party.

in Society

Meet Ho Nhat Ha, the Man Who Walked the Length of Vietnam With No Money

You might have seen him, had you been anywhere between Saigon and Ha Giang in the last four months. The proud owner of a guitar and a 100-watt smile, the simple fact is Ho Nhat Ha would have been hard...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: HCMC May Fall Short on Old Apartment Restoration Target

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnamese surgeons succeed in lung transplant from brain dead donor [SGGP] ▪&nbs...

Thi Nguyen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Unapologetic Simplicity of Ben Thanh's Bun Rieu Ganh

Working in the middle of a market that houses a plethora of food collectives can be a double-edged sword. It's convenient when you’re pressed for time, but after a while, you tend to get lazy and just...

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

A Brief History of Hanoi's Iconic Bia Hơi Glass

Hanoi’s iconic bia hơi glass is more than meets the eye.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Ranks 33rd Among Emerging Economies In Inclusive Development: Report.

Inclusive Development Index is a newly created measurement which assesses 103 countries on eleven dimensions of economic progress.

Khôi Phạm

in Snack Attack

The Yin and Yang of Saigon Street Desserts: Black Sesame Soup and Bean Curd

In the back of my mind lives a chorus of street calls: the staccato pauses in a recorded advertisement "bánh mì Sài Gòn, một ngàn một ổ" (hot Saigon bánh mì, only thousand [dong] per loaf), the clink-...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Work Starts on $1bn Industrial Zone in Nghe An

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Work starts on 1-billion-USD industrial zone in Nghe An [SGGP] ▪ Vietnam nam...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC to Welcome Nearly 700,000 Foreign Visitors in March

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ HCMC People’s Committee approves car parking fee increase [SGGP] ▪ HCM City ...

in Saigon

Saigon Offers Workers Highest Wages in Vietnam in 2017: Report

Saigoneers are currently being offered the highest salaries in the country.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A No-Name Chợ Cũ Food Collective to Satisfy All Your Snack Cravings

Some street eateries in Saigon are so good they don't need a name.

in Asia

Is China’s Social Credit System a 'Black Mirror' Dystopian Scenario?

On 14 June 2014, the State Council of China issued the "Planning Outline for the Construction of a Social Credit System," one of the most ambitious e-governing efforts in the country.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Hanoi Proposes Ban on Uber, Grab on 11 Streets

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Uber, Grab proposed to be banned from 11 streets in Hanoi [DTI] ▪ Ho Chi Min...

Khoi Pham

in Culture

The Legends of Tam Nương: Why You Shouldn't Start a Business on the 7th Day of Tet

There’s little doubt that superstition is still deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. These silvery threads of mysticism are woven into a plethora of aspects of locals’ daily lives, ranging from rather...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Passengers Threaten to Boycott Air France Over Invalid Discounts

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Your next hot fashion is made in Vietnam [OZY] ▪ Vietnamese passengers oppos...

Khoi Pham

in Culture

[Illustrations] How Tet Traditions in Saigon and Hanoi Differ, From Booze to Bánh

How one’s family celebrates Tet can reveal a lot about where they hail from.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] A Pre-Tet Trip to Sa Dec, the Mekong Delta's Flower Capital

Sa Dec, a small Mekong Delta city four hours away from Saigon, turns into a vibrant flower kingdom in the weeks leading up to Tet.

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

Ve Ve Hat Boi: Saving Vietnam’s Age-Old Art With Youthful Passion

Obsolescence is not a problem unique to Vietnam’s traditional art forms. All over the world – in Cambodia, Bangladesh, and India, for example – ancient crafts are going out of fashion faster than they...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Saigoneers Make Trek to Da Lat to Buy Vegetables Straight From Farms

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ AFC Futsal: Vietnam reach quarters as Malaysia eliminated [Fox Sports Asia] ▪&nbs...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Cities Plan for Urban Green Growth

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam pursues goal of ‘universities of international stature’ [VietnamNet] ▪&...

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

Kato Sakae and 34 Years of Translating Vietnamese Literature Into Japanese

There’s little doubt that Vietnam is enchanted by Japanese culture. From sushi restaurants to anime to the works of Japanese novelists like Haruki Murakami and Kenzaburo Oe, cultural imports are welco...

Michael Tatarski

in Society

500 Startups' Investor Trek Highlights Vietnam's Robust Tech Scene

It’s no secret that Vietnam's rapidly growing tech industry is garnering the attention of international investors thanks to an active startup scene and an expanding digital economy.

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Milk Tea-Flavored Water Is Here. Is the Apocalypse Near?

The stark, clinical fluorescent lighting inside the convenient store casts an air of ominous dread all over the shop’s beverage section. With a glance, I find it. The blue package stares back at me me...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam’s International Internet Connectivity Fully Restored

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam’s international internet connectivity fully restored [VietnamNet] ▪ ...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Fine Dining at a Budget Price in Binh Thanh's Mai Sen Bistro

When it comes to dining in Binh Thanh District, most Saigoneers probably think of street food, or perhaps the strip of Japanese establishments on Pham Viet Chanh Street.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC Closes 2 Central Streets Today for Tet Offensive Ceremony

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Ho Chi Minh City canal cleanup projects may fail to meet deadline [DTI] ▪ HC...

Khoi Pham

in Sports

It's Official: Vietnam Beats Qatar, Advances to Final of AFC U-23 Cup

Un-f*cking-believable!

in Arts & Culture

Empty Forest: Dissecting the Fraught Relationship Between Man and Animal

In April 2010, a ranger in Dong Nai Province’s Cat Tien National Park found a rhino skeleton with its horn chopped off. Illegal poachers had killed the last Javan rhinoceros on mainland Southeast Asia...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Posts Record-High $3bn Trade Surplus

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Korean convenience store chain to open first branch in Vietnam [SGGP] ▪ Viet...

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

Preserving Hanoi's Hang Trong Paintings Through Digitization

You’ve probably spotted them before: a black catfish leaping out of the water, people dressed in ancient festive costumes or, most famously, a pack of five tigers staring at you with piercing eyes. Th...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: PM Wants to Transform Vietnam From ‘Beautiful Girl’ to ‘Economic Tiger’

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ PM wants to transform Vietnam from ‘beautiful girl’ to ‘economic tiger’ [VnExpress...

Khoi Pham

in Society

H'Hen Nie's Pageant Win Sparks National Conversation on Racial Diversity

Vietnam’s new Miss Universe, 25-year-old H’Hen Nie from the E De ethnic minority in Dak Lak Province, has quickly become one of the most beloved winners in the history of the contest in the country.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] Hue's Abandoned Waterpark Is a Post-Apocalyptic Beauty

Just south of Hue sits the Ho Thuy Tien Waterpark. Once a sign of aspirational middle-class family entertainment, it now sits abandoned, creating an eerie, graffiti-splashed destination in its own rig...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam's Logistics Sector Too Expensive to Compete With Foreign Rivals

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Unemployed university graduates study for doctorate despite job outlook [VietnamNe...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Thai Tycoons' Deals in Vietnam Pose Risks to Domestic Market

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Thai tycoons' deals in Vietnam pose risks to domestic market [VnExpress] ▪ H...

Brian Letwin

in Food Culture

Hẻm Gems: In Thao Dien, a Modernist Building Houses D2's Best Bánh Canh Stall

For many Saigoneers, central Thao Dien is known for its plethora of high-end restaurants catering to the neighborhood’s large expat population. However, if one looks closely enough between the scores ...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Seeks to Cut Half of Business Rules in 2018

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Jetstar flight makes emergency landing in Hanoi [Tuoi Tre] ▪ Vietnam governm...

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Cơm Âm Phủ: Hue’s ‘Purgatory Rice’ That Tastes Like Heaven

Throughout the Vietnam’s decades of development from a war-torn nation to one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, rags-to-riches stories are a dime a dozen. This is especially true in the country’s c...

Michael Tatarski

in Development

This New Map of Every Planned Saigon Metro Line Will Leave You Drooling

A Saigon-based blogger and rail enthusiast has released an updated map of the city's long-dreamed of metro system.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Launches Digital Database Aimed to Increase Public Knowledge

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnamese guy cycles across Southeast Asia to raise charity funds [Tuoi Tre] ▪&n...

in Society

Saigon, Dawn of the City of the Digital Nomads

Every profession has its own grind. For those of us who sit behind a desk, the day-to-day routine can quickly turn monotonous: you drive to work, sit at your desk, scroll through emails, make phone ca...

in Travel

Vietnam Approves Master Plan to Turn Dong Van Plateau Into National Tourism Site

A new tourism development master plan has been approved for an area of Vietnam's northernmost province known for its stunning natural beauty.

Thi Nguyen

in Music & Arts

Collective Remembrance Project Delves Into Artists' Personal Connection to Saigon

In his comprehensive work The Past is a Foreign Country, American historian and geographer David Lowenthal contends that, even in spite of historical accounts, recollections and relics that contribute...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Memories of 1997 Vietnam Through the Lens of Saigon's Canadian Consul General

Digging into one’s collection of old mementos can be a thrilling experience. From antique watches to tattered letters, these trinkets serve as a remembrance of a period of time in our past. For Kyle N...

Brandon Coleman

in Society

[Photos] Catholic Neighborhoods in Saigon Celebrate Christmas With Elaborate Nativity Scenes

Unlike most of the western world, Saigoneers see Christmas as less of a time for cozy gatherings at home with family and friends but more as an oppotunity to take to the street to bask in the festive ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Food Culture

Tracing the Lineage of Da Lat's Delicious Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

Every morning, the corner of Da Lat’s Hoang Dieu and Tran Nhat Duat streets is a mess of plastic tables and rubbish bins, bánh mì crumbs and bodies hunched over small bowls. This particular patch of s...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Vietnam

[Photos] The Iconic La Dalat, Vietnam’s First Domestic Vehicle

Though production only lasted five years, the La Dalat has earned a place in Saigon history as Vietnam’s first locally manufactured commercial car.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cocktails and Conversation at Saigon’s Classiest Sidewalk Spot

Editor's note: This review from 2017 was of City Beer Station's first location on Pham Ngoc Thach Street, which has since closed. Over the past years, the cocktail bar has moved numerous times. Recent...

Michael Tatarski

in Development

On Preserving Laos' Botanical Diversity in the Garden of Luang Prabang

In a region where rapid urbanization, hydropower development and resource demand is devastating natural ecosystems, a dedicated team is working hard to preserve Laos’ unique plant species.

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: The Serenity of Japan's Countryside

Japan is rightfully famous for its exciting, neon-bathed major cities. Every year, Tokyo and Osaka draw millions of visitors with their incredible food and bars, as well as their mix of traditional an...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: World Bank Raises Vietnam’s Growth Forecast to 6.7% for 2017

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Facebook livestreaming a new medium for celebrity ads in Vietnam [Tuoi Tre] ▪&nbs...

Khoi Pham

in Culture

Doraemon and 25 Years of Fostering Friendship in Vietnam

To a generation of young Saigoneers, there are many things that might conjure up fond memories of childhood. Those remnants of past decades could take the form of once-popular TV series about time-tra...

Khoi Pham

in Film & TV

Co Ba Sai Gon: A Reverent Homage to Áo Dài and a Feast for the Eyes, but Not Much Else

When the poster of Co Ba Sai Gon (The Tailor) was unveiled for the first time, you could almost hear the sound of Old Saigon fans’ panties dropping all over town.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

From the Bottom of the Barrel to the Top of the Heap: The Rise of Cơm Tấm

Swing by chị Hien’s street cart for dinner on any given day and you’ll find a cross-section of Saigon that covers all demographics: middle-class residents from the apartment blocks up the street,...

in Vietnam

UN Gives Vietnam $4.21m to Rebuild Typhoon-Battered Provinces

The Vietnamese government recently pledged VND1 trillion (US$44 million) in disaster aid after the United Nations (UN) approved US$4.21 million to provide additional assistance to those affected by Ty...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

On Creating Art With the Water From Saigon's Polluted Canals

A new art exhibition in Saigon looks at the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the importance of clean water in daily life.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Hẻm 284, O Thu Brings a Touch of Hue to Saigon With Cơm Hến

As the sun went down and Saigon’s throngs of workers ventured out of their office nests to fill local streets, I was perched on a red plastic stool in a hẻm in District 3 weeping and snorting like an ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Travel

Mai Chau: A Delicate Balance of Mass Tourism and Independent Travel

With an expected 13 million international visitors this year, not to mention an ever-increasing number of domestic tourists, Vietnam’s tourism industry is growing at a rapid pace. Across the country, ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Food Culture

Sủi Dìn’s Journey From Imperial China to the Streets of Hai Phong

The first time I stumbled upon cô Ut’s nightly sidewalk ritual, the performance was already well under way. Perched on the low steps of what serves as a VietinBank branch by day, the young woman sat r...

Khoi Pham

in Tech

A Brief History of the Internet in Vietnam on Its 20th Birthday

My first memory of the internet in Vietnam occurred in an internet café on Tran Hung Dao Street. It was the early 2000s: Walkman players were still a thing, MTV actually played music, and Britney Spea...

Khoi Pham

in Society

Meet Le Duy Loan, the First and Only Female Senior Fellow at Texas Instruments in 87 Years

When Le Duy Loan fled to the US in 1975, she was still a shy and demure girl from Nha Trang who barely knew any English. Today, Loan belongs to the top rung in her field of engineering and remains the...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Chinese-Malaysian Noodles and Saigon's New Generation of Street Food

When it comes to Saigon’s culinary landscape, the southern hub is pretty progressive. In addition to an array of Vietnamese dishes from every corner of the country, the city has also acquired a cosmop...

Khoi Pham

in Film & TV

Short Film 'The Old Ways' Reminds Us Why We Love Vietnam's Northwest

Travelogues are a special genre of video. For those who have set foot in the actual locations featured, perhaps nothing could compare with being able to immerse oneself in the local landscape and cult...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

A Very Saigon Collaboration: Hey Camel Ceramics and Linda Mai Phung’s Workwear Collection

Saigon breeds unusual collaborations. Take a walk around most neighborhoods and you’ll spot the odd storefront that sells both cơm chiên and motorbike parts, or an entrepreneurial spirit who’s managed...

in Vietnam

Typhoon Damrey: 44 Dead, 22 Missing, 40,000 Houses Damaged

Vietnam’s coastal provinces were battered by devastating Typhoon Damrey during the weekend.

in Arts & Culture

For Saigon's Circus Performers, Money Is a Problem. But the Lack of Viewers Hurts the Most.

Nestled in a corner of Phu Nhuan District’s Gia Dinh Park, the Phuong Nam Circus is hidden under a canopy of towering trees. The main facility is an old, patched-up canvas that’s seen better days, whi...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Ingenuity of 24-Way Grilled Oysters in D4

Innovation is important. With a healthy imagination and a bit of gusto, humans have the ability to create everything from DIY submarines to all-terrain wheelchairs to helmets specifically for married ...

Khoi Pham

in Culture

Saigon's Creepiest 'Haunted' Places and the Urban Legends Around Them

Saigon has no shortage of eerie stories surrounding the city’s most famous “haunted” locations. Vietnam’s impressive leaps in wealth and modernization haven’t stopped local citizens from leaving a spe...

in Society

New Saigon Heat Coach Shakes up Team Roster Ahead of Next Season

Not many professional basketball coaches guide their team to a league title and then bolt to lead a new franchise on the other side of the planet.

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

A Food Folk Tale: The Savage Clapback That Turned a Girl Into a Pineapple

Growing up in Vietnam, it seems that everything – from common household objects to fruits – has an origin story. Some of these local folk tales have a decidedly romantic angle, but others – like the l...

in Travel

[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Laos' 50 Shades of Green

The first thing you notice when you arrive in Laos is the green: it’s everywhere. It’s not the buildings that catch your eye but the landscapes: untouched wilderness, valleys, trees, fields, all of it...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Tokyo's Historic Tsukiji Fish Market After the Morning Rush

Tsukiji Market is one of Tokyo's most well-known destinations, famous for its early-morning tuna auctions and frenetic wholesale seafood stalls. However, visiting the market once the action has died d...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Green Delight of Phu Yen's Bánh Canh Hẹ

In the age of the internet, we go back and forth about everything, including whether or not the most important meal of the day is, in fact, important. While members of the medical profession continue ...

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

Retro Typeface 'Cotdien' Is an Homage to Vietnam's Old Hand-Drawn Signage

Vietnam’s sense of aesthetics is going through a retro revolution: from niche cafes playing nhạc vàng and an upcoming feature-length film on áo dài artisans to retrofitted album covers of to...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Food Culture

Watch out for These 5 Vietnamese Food-Related Superstitions

Every culture has its own customs, superstitions and traditions, some of which are so time-honored that even their strictest followers aren’t really clear on where the etiquette comes from. Vietnam ce...

in Sports

In Its Second Season, Vietnam's Pro Basketball League Continues to Grow

Fresh from the success of its 2016 debut, the Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) recently began its second season. In addition to an increase in the league’s number of competing teams, the VBA is al...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Sumptuous Street Snacks of Ha Cao Ban Co

Whether we’re talking about the packaged foods aisle at Circle K or the lady whipping up bánh tráng trộn on the street corner, snack foods often meet two distinct criteria: they are both delicious and...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

Board Game Van Tich Turns Vietnamese Legends Into Action Figures

Step into Nguyen Huu Tu’s office, and it’s pretty clear from the get-go how he feels about action figures. Running along one side of the room are several display cases, each housing an array of superh...

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Bánh Cuốn, Chee Cheong Fun and Pork Intestine Rice Rolls: A Sprawling Family Tree

One of Vietnam’s most common breakfast foods, bánh cuốn, might not save a life – not in the way that a bowl of hearty phở can – but the silky rice rolls sure do make living easier.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Evening of Bánh Xèo Phan Rang and People-Watching by the Canal

There are certain foods in life that take time to love. Mắm tôm, for instance, or mắm chưng. Any of the mắms, really. Durian, I’m told, is a wonderful fruit on the fourth or fifth try. And while some ...

in Vietnam

Draft Law Limits Foreign Property Ownership in Special Economic Zones to 30%

A new draft regulation would limit foreign ownership of real estate in future special economic zones in Vietnam to 30% of any project.

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

A Food Folk Tale: Mai An Tiêm, CEO of Vietnam’s First Watermelon Startup

If you’ve been around a traditional Vietnamese household during Tet, you have probably noticed the presence of gargantuan, child-sized, dark green watermelons on the altar. 

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Quick, Delicious, No-Nonsense Lunch at Quan Com Ga Hai Nam

Now that I'm on my fourth chicken-centric Hẻm Gem, I guess I might as well start carrying out these assignments dressed as a chicken.

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Bò Bía: A Piece of Saigon's Hokkien Heritage in a Simple Street Food Roll

Historically Saigon has been a busy trading hub that attracts merchants from all over the region, and the city's culinary repertoire is a smorgasbord of eclectic cultural influences. In the latest ins...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

[Video] Coi: A Creative Plea for Less Horn-Honking on Saigon’s Streets

Vietnamese traffic has a bad reputation among both local and foreign drivers for its chaotic nature. From sidewalk driving to texting behind the wheel and creative interpretations of local street sign...

in Food Culture

Meet Linh Nguyen, the Fulbright Scholar Spreading Vietnamese Culture Through Food

Linh Nguyen is a Fulbright scholar, blogger and writer whose first book, Lemongrass, Ginger and Mint Vietnamese Cookbook: Classic Vietnamese Street Food Made at Home, became an Amazon bestseller after...

Khoi Pham

in Arts & Culture

Young Saigoneers Encapsulate the Charm of Ben Thanh Market in Mini Wooden Model

There’s no doubt that Saigon is a charming city. From internationally produced films such as The Quiet American to colorful art projects by local illustrators, the city’s landmarks seem to be popular ...

in Literature

Vietnamese, English Versions of Acclaimed Art Book 'The First Journey' Now Available for Order

Fans of 'The First Journey' will be glad to find out that both the Vietnamese and English versions of the book are now available to order.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Sủi Cảo and Handmade Noodles, a Match Made in Food Heaven

Is this the best mì sủi cảo in Saigon? I don’t know, but it’s pretty goddamn delicious.

Michael Tatarski

in Arts & Culture

How Virtual Life Is Transforming Saigon's Public Spaces

Observe public spaces in Saigon for any amount of time and you'll quickly notice many interactions take place in both the physical world and within the virtual sphere. Whether it’s teenagers taking In...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Travel

Tourism Businesses Are Trying to Clean up Vietnam

The sun already threatens to sap our energy even though it’s barely mid-morning on Thanh Da Island. Devoid of the tall buildings and claustrophobic blocks found downtown, this small patch of greenery ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Phieu Ky’s Fantastic Phở Sa Tế

While Pho Phieu Ky’s white walls and fluorescent lighting are nothing special, the hideaway shop in District 5 makes up for its bland color scheme by pasting neon characters – Roman and Chinese – acro...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cô Nhi and Chú Den's Humble Nui Xào Bò Cart

At this point in our Hẻm Gem journey, I’ve stopped thinking of us – a two-person team consisting of me and my photographer colleague Brandon – as mere food reviewers, but rather food hunters from hunt...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

The Renovation Generation: Exploring What It Means to Be Young and Vietnamese

In the years after 1986, Vietnam’s Doi Moi economic reforms transformed one of the world’s poorest countries into a dynamic, fast-growing nation, shaping a generation of young Vietnamese into bright, ...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Praise Be to Cheap, Tender, Delicious Chicken by the Mosque

Thanks to central Saigon's blistering pace of development and the short-lived sidewalk-clearing campaign of 2017's early months, the downtown area can be something of a street food desert.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Malaysia Sets Oct 2 for Trial of Suspects in Kim Jong Nam Killing

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Malaysia sets Oct 2 for trial of women suspects in Kim Jong Nam killing [VnExpress] ...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Street Cred: The Ill-Fated Power Couple of Vietnam's Literary Scene in the 1980s

It’s been almost three decades since that fateful day in 1988 when, in a blink of an eye, Vietnam’s literary scene was robbed off two most beloved talents. Luu Quang Vu and Xuan Quynh’s death was some...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Chef Badeh Brings Syrian Cuisine to Saigon

In the small covered area outside the front door, Chef Badeh brings together two of my favorite things: bread and fire.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Music & Arts

With Ariana Grande, International Pop Culture Comes to Vietnam

When Ariana Grande takes the stage at Saigon’s Quan Khu 7 Stadium on August 23, it will be one of the many nights she’s done so during her Dangerous Woman tour. The American pop star will sing her cha...

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

Sketching Saigon: Charming Indie Cafes Through the Eyes of Taiwanese Illustrator

In Shao-Chen Lin’s new sketchbook, On-the-spot Sketching at Cafes in Saigon, Vietnam, the southern metropolis is defined by its most charming aspect: a robust coffee culture that permeates every ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Kickin' It at Kim Thao's Hột Vịt Lộn Hangout

In the thick of rainy season, afternoon snack spots are hard to come by. Street vendors make do with cement-weighted umbrellas and heavily used tarpaulin, carving out (relatively) dry patches on the s...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Travel

Is Over-Tourism Threatening Sapa?

Heading back from So’s village, there is only one way into Sapa, and one way out.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Society

At Hanoi’s Fury Room, Young Vietnamese Relieve Stress Through Destruction

Next time you’re in the capital and looking to unwind, you could opt for the standard walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and an ice-cold bia hơi. Or you could break something.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Search of Saigon's Best Home-Cooked Char Kway Teow

Saigon’s street vendors are a special bunch. They come in various shapes, sizes and backgrounds, but all have one raison d'être: creating the most enticing and memorable dishes that leave patrons year...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Health

In Vietnam, Taboo and Tradition Hinder Contraception Awareness

With many urban Vietnamese waiting longer to get married, the country’s younger generations are recognizing the need to open up about sex education in the conservative country.

Michael Tatarski

in Arts & Culture

[Photos] Taipei's Ghostly Disused Leprosy Sanitarium

Taipei is known as a highly advanced, efficient city famous for modern marvels such as the Taipei 101 and a fantastic metro system.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The D5 Beefsteak Joint That Means Business

There is no shortage of restaurants slinging beef-based dishes in Saigon, but every now and then one comes along and stands out from the pack.

Michael Tatarski

in Literature

Bringing Literature to Life: Kickstarter Campaign Aims to Translate 2 Vietnamese Novels

For Minh Bui Jones, editor and founder of the Mekong Review, the greatest pleasure of his work is discovering an exciting book or writer that he has never heard of before.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Co Huoi and Her West-of-the-Border Delights

One of my favorite Saigon pastimes is wandering around strange neighborhoods. If you’re feeling lost or bored or lonely or just a little too comfortable, have someone drop you off in a district you do...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Life-Changing Beauty of Bánh Cuốn Trứng

If I have to drive eight kilometers across the city to get breakfast, it’d better be damn good.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Pasteur Street's Well-Hidden Cơm Trưa Mother Lode

Every once in a while, you come across a simple Vietnamese restaurant that absolutely blows you away.

Khoi Pham

in Literature

Award-Winning Vietnamese Children's Book 'The First Journey' Finally Released

It’s been over a year since we wrote about The First Journey, the award-winning children's book that clinched the top prize at 2016’s Asia-wide Scholastic Picture Book Award competition.

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

'Girls Rock Asia' Brings Together Female Musicians From Across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia isn’t particularly well-known for its live music scene. Major international acts might only play Bangkok or Singapore, if they stop in the region at all. Home-grown acts are common, but...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: D5's Bò Xào Sa Tế, a Feast for All the Senses

Saigon is changing at a dizzying rate, and so is its food scene: forget about your favorite café or restaurant for a few months and you can come back one day to find it replaced by a convenience store...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] A Peek Inside Da Lat's Abandoned Franciscan Mission

Da Lat is rightfully beloved for its cool climate, pine-scented air and verdant mountains. However, there is more to this popular Central Highlands city than just natural escapes.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Music & Arts

A Present Retrospective: Fusing Past, Present and Propaganda

Work Room Four’s current exhibition, A Present Retrospective, connects past and present in the iconic work of Cuban graphic artist René Mederos and the responses of five contemporary Vietnamese artist...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Vietnam

Street Cred: The Brothers From Tay Son

Flip through the history books and you’ll find a recurring character trait in many national heroes. From the Trung sisters to Ngo Quyen to Vo Thi Sau, Vietnamese history is full of badasses. While sev...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Quan 249’s Wondrous Cơm Chiên Emporium

It’s 6pm on a Thursday, and I’m up to my eyeballs in cơm chiên. Page after page, Quan 249’s excessively handled menu features a laundry list of fried rice combinations, some you’ve heard of, some you ...

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

[Video] Saigoneer Session: Ca Hoi Hoang's Paper Dream

The first time I met Ca Hoi Hoang frontman Nguyen Viet Thanh and band leader Nguyen Thanh Minh was in the midst of a sweltering Saigon afternoon.

Mel Schenck

in Architecture

Opinion: Saigon’s Architecture Should Express Our Times Today, Not the Past

Based upon its fascinating history, modern-day Saigon displays a rich character all its own, with buildings across the city representing each era of its storied past. However, several faux colonial bu...

in Development

Work Begins on $3bn Tourism Complex on Cat Ba Island, Threatening National Park

Sun Group has begun construction of a US$3 billion resort and entertainment complex on Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Music & Arts

French Hip-Hop Meets Viet Rap in New Piu Piu Collaboration

As Vietnam’s underground hip-hop scene begins to emerge into the spotlight, one of its rising stars joins forces with an up-and-coming foreign artist to create a track for worldwide release.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: To Chan's Noodle Soup Offers Comfort in a Bowl

If you turn up to a hủ tiếu spot anywhere in this city and there is not a hand-painted, wooden noodle cart taking up one corner of the venue, you may want to think twice about sitting down.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: D5's Glorious Com Tam Is the Perfect Drunk Food

Saigon is a city of a million cơm tấm carts, meaning it is easy to pick one at random and chow down. But some stand out from the crowd.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Vietnam

Street Cred: Duy Tan, The 8-Year-Old Emperor

When the French first enthroned Duy Tan, the youngest emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, their expectation was that a boy, at the ripe age of eight, would not take much interest in imperial rule.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Anh Tư's Dreamy Grilled Chicken in Binh Thanh

Around the Saigoneer office I've become the go-to scribe when it comes to chicken-related Hẻm Gems. Therefore, when a friend described a Binh Thanh-based restaurant with dozens of chickens hanging abo...

in Film & TV

Hands-On Vietnam Brings Intensive, Affordable Workshops to Saigon's Budding Filmmakers

In a city brimming with actors, producers and filmmakers, it’s hard to imagine that a communal space for collaboration didn't already exist. Until last week, informal spaces like Facebook groups offer...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Balanced Beauty of Bacon and Fried Rice

Our dining experience at A Lung was remarkably simple: there was no turning back when we saw bacon on the menu.

Michael Tatarski

in Society

Chasing Pavements: In Defense of Saigon's Sidewalk Economy

As Doan Ngoc Hai, the leader of Saigon’s most aggressive sidewalk-clearing campaign in recent memory, takes a brief hiatus, headlines about towed cars and demolished buildings often obscure the r...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

Looking Ahead While Remembering the Past: Cu Lac’s Bomb Crater Bar

The village of Cu Lac in central Vietnam is a postcard image of rural life. Water buffaloes and cattle graze among low-slung houses, and verdant rice paddies stretch to the nearby Ho Chi Minh Highway....

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Travel

[Video] A Mesmerizing Timelapse of Mui Ne From Above

It’s safe to say that Rufus Blackwell has a soft spot for Vietnam.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Chicken Noodles in Phu Nhuan's Flower Neighborhood

Located deep in the heart of Phu Nhuan District’s “flower” neighborhood, Mi Ga Lua Hong offers up a solid addition to Saigon’s host of chicken-centric dishes: a fried chicken drumstick with dry, green...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Street Cred: Thich Quang Duc, the Monk Who Set Himself on Fire

Despite his peaceful nature, Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc is known today as “the monk who set himself on fire”, serving as a symbol of protest against religious discrimination. In today’s ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

Art for You Returns to Saigon

In Vietnam and around the world, Art with a capital "A" can be an intimidating subject. The pressure to "get" abstract or contemporary artwork has a way of deterring some from becoming museum goers or...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

Saigoneer Getaways: Vietnam’s Subterranean Wonders

The dense, untouched forests of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province hide some of the world’s greatest underground geological formations. Beneath the park’s stunning limestone mounta...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Expedition to D2's Hole-in-the-Wall Mexican Joint

On the modest patio in front of Simple Place, a charming little hole-in-the-wall in District 2, my Spanish coworker Victor launches into a stirring speech about tacos.

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

Saving the City's Soul: The Release of Saigon Supersound, Vol. 1

Despite being subject to a bombardment of ruthless changes, Saigon is surprisingly persistent in its love for all things old, rustic and gritty. For someone who was not born and bred in the bustling m...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Street Cred: Alexandre de Rhodes and the Birth of Chữ Quốc Ngữ

Among Saigon's many streets, there are only four roads named after foreigners: Yersin, Pasteur, Calmette and Alexandre de Rhodes.

Michael Tatarski

in Society

The Rise of Saigon’s Stand-Up Scene

Ahead of Saigon’s first major international comedy festival later this month, Saigoneer talks to members of the local stand-up community, from veterans to relative newcomers, to find out where the jok...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Bún Bò Breakfast in D3

Tucked away in a narrow storefront along District 3’s Nguyen Thien Thuat is a mean bowl of breakfast bún bò Huế.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cô Khanh's Vegetarian Banquet and a Trip Down Memory Lane

On days when the thought of biting into a slab of greasy fried pork fills your gut with mild disgust, Saigon’s scores of vegetarian eateries are exactly what you need to cleanse your palate.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

3A Station Is Closing in 2 Months

After three years, 3A Station is closing.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Grilled Chicken With a Side of Jet Fuel

In the pantheon of great street food locations in Saigon, many of my favorite places to chow down can barely even be considered restaurants. Is there really a need for four walls and real furniture wh...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Sports

Vietnamese Athletes Head to the Start Line in First-Ever Asian Winter Games

This week, even during Saigon’s cool, dry season mornings, people across the city will face 34-degree heat on their morning commute, many of them heading toward air-conditioned offices and shaded pati...

in Heritage

The Ongoing Evolution of Quach Thi Trang Square

Over the weekend, Saigon’s iconic Quach Thi Trang Square disappeared behind a wall of blue fencing in preparation for further metro construction.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Beef and Booze at Lau Bo Co Thao

The alley where cô Thao has set up shop isn’t worth remembering. A high concrete wall runs down one side, reflecting the sun that’s sapping our energy on this hot, dusty Friday afternoon, while the ot...

in Culture

Cambodia Is Losing Its Buddhist Monks to Modernization

Rocked by scandals, rapid modernization and a changing society, membership in Cambodia's Buddhist monkhood is on the decline.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon

Street Cred: Nguyen Du, Father of Vietnamese Literature

Even if you’re in need of a refresher on Vietnamese history, chances are you know the name Nguyen Du. The 19th-century statesman and poet is often known as the father of Vietnamese literature, and his...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Refreshing Chè at Hiển Khánh, a 60-Year-Old Retro Hangout

Relishing a bowl of assorted chè at Thach Che Hien Khanh is more than just an afternoon spent shooting the breeze with friends, it’s also a trip down memory lane and an exploration into Saigon’s herit...

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Prickly History: The Fruit That Tastes Like Heaven and Smells Like Hell

Despite its regal title — “the king of fruit” — durian’s taste and distinctive smell have long been a divisive topic among foodies the world over. Originally from the island of Borneo, through ti...

Michael Tatarski

in Travel

[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Outdoor Adventures Abound on Cat Ba Island

Our smooth ride down the Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway comes to an abrupt end when our bus lurches into Dinh Vu Port, a hopelessly run-down facility beyond the huge factories of the city’s industrial par...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Environment

Southeast Asia's Air Pollution Deaths Could Triple by 2030

A new Harvard-backed report is predicting the future of Southeast Asia’s air quality, and it does not look good.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Culture

The Story of Ông Táo, the Kitchen God Who Rides a Carp to Heaven

This evening, as Saigoneers continue their many Tet preparations and young revellers head out for a night on the town, Ong Tao is packing his bags for his annual trip to heaven.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Loriekot’s Filipino Fare in the Heart of Saigon

In Saigon, there are plenty of places you don’t see when you’re breezing by on a motorbike. If you are (hopefully) focused on the road ahead, the narrow shopfronts and modest quán lining most Saigon s...

Michael Tatarski

in Literature

How Mekong Review Aims to Connect Southeast Asia Through Literature

First published in late 2015, The Mekong Review has quickly garnered a sterling reputation in a region short on quality print publications. Minh Bui Jones, its founder and editor, talks to Saigoneer a...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Perfect Plate of Cơm Trưa by the River

In Saigon, cơm trưa is more than just a meal: it’s also a cultural trait, a community and, at times, a serious business, all wrapped up in a plate of freshly cooked rice and perfectly caramelized chun...

Khoi Pham

in Vietnam

Street Cred: Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh, the Yin and Yang of Vietnam's Insurgency in the 1900s

In today’s Saigon, Ben Thanh Market’s eastern and western entrances are joined by Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau Streets, respectively. While the two short, cozy roads never intersect, the fate of t...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Lunch Hour Gone Rogue at Oc Thao

In the vast and complex world of Saigon street food, ốc is generally classified as a staple of the fourth meal: nhậu. Its various forms, whether doused in garlic, drizzled with mỡ hành or swimming in ...

Mel Schenck

in Architecture

How Vietnam Created Its Own Brand of Modernist Architecture

Throughout the 20th century, as Vietnam underwent dramatic historical and political changes, a unique brand of modernist architecture developed in the country, transforming its present-da...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Getting Your Fried Chicken and Noodle Fix in D4

“When in doubt, have chicken.” – Saigoneer proverb

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

Coffee Production in Vietnam Faces Dark Future Under Climate Change

Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns may cost Vietnam 50% of its current Robusta coffee production areas by 2050. Experts agree the situation looks dire, but there is hope that the count...

in Arts & Culture

Wonderfilled Magazine Explores Saigon’s Sustainable Leather Goods

Ahead of their Saigon issue, Saigoneer presents an exclusive excerpt from Wonderfilled Magazine. Now in its sixth volume, the travel magazine tells stories about creativity around the world. Each issu...

in Travel

Riding the Rails in Yangon and Beyond

“Hmmm…very interesting,” our new Myanmar friend muttered to herself, eyebrows arched, as she reached out to stroke Matt’s hirsute American arm.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cô Hong’s Killer Late-Night Cơm Tấm

In the 16 years she’s spent selling cơm tấm on the District 4 side of the Calmette Bridge, cô Hong has seen some things.

Khoi Pham

in Vietnam

Street Cred: The Tragic Demise of Vietnam's Most Loyal Family

Through several eras of colonization and numerous wars against foreign powers, history has shaped Vietnamese culture in a huge way. In today’s Saigon, much of this rich history is retained in an ...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Phu Nhuan's Beef Inferno

It might take more than a few Hẻm Gem reviews to chronicle all the things I have gone through for good food in Saigon.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Striking a Balance With D10's Chè

If life is all about balance so, too, is food.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

In His Second Feature, Viet Max Leans on Hip-Hop Roots, Unconventional Style

Viet Max is a man of many talents. At 37, the Hanoi native has managed to parlay his eclectic skill set into a breakdancing career, a street fashion brand and, more recently, work as a feature film di...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: D1's Rainy-Day Cháo Mực

“A cháo a day keeps the cold at bay.” – Saigoneer proverb

in Development

As Myanmar Grows, Yangon Balances History With Modern Development

Yangon has one of the most intact historic cityscapes in Southeast Asia, and under the current government administration, new development is rising fast. While deliberating over how to develop, Yangon...

Khoi Pham

in Vietnam

Street Cred: Chu Van An, Vietnam's Educator Extraordinaire

To celebrate Vietnamese Teacher’s Day 2016, this week’s Street Cred brings you the story of one of Vietnam's most beloved educators, Chu Van An.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Society

Take a Tour of D10’s 64-Year-Old Mosque

The gate to Masjid Niamatul Islamiyah does its best to hide the shaded, green garden behind it from street view. On the outside, you’re more likely to notice the motorbike repair shop next door spilli...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Travel

Earn a Free Stay in Da Lat by Planting a Tree

In Da Lat, the cozy Nha Gio Countryside guesthouse opens its doors to travelers who are willing to plant a tree as payment for a night’s stay.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Old-School Nhậu on D10's Bia Hơi Block

Any self-respecting Saigoneer has a certain reverence for the art of nhậu.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Travel

Vietnam Launches New National Tourism Website

On Tuesday, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) launched its new and improved tourism website in an effort to boost the quality of the country’s tourism information and services.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Heritage

Lost and Found: A Trip to Saigon’s Antique Market

The second he sees me, rolling down the crumbling concrete path on a dented bicycle, Chien perks up and heads in my direction.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Nguyen Thuong Hien's Quaint Corner Juice Heaven

In Saigon, when life gives you grapefruits, you create a thriving business to sell its juice to health-conscious locals.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Tech

Vietnamese Design Startup Earns Over $27,000 in First 3 Days

Fresh off a win at the Vietnam Creative Business Cup, Hanoi-based startup DesignBold raked in over US$27,000 in the first three days of its beta phase, a promising sign for the young venture.

Michael Tatarski

in Development

Saigon-Based Digital Nomad Creates Epic Map of Future Southeast Asia Rail Lines

A Saigon-based travel blogger and location-independent entrepreneur, or digital nomad, recently released a subway-style map of what train travel would look like in Southeast Asia if every currently pr...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Society

Taiwan Is on the Brink of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

Tens of thousands of people recently descended upon Taipei to celebrate Taiwan’s 14th annual Pride weekend with a renewed hope: as early as next year, the small island nation could become the first in...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

International Photographer Captures Spirit of Đạo Mẫu in Vibrant New Photo Book

Tewfic El-Sawy’s introduction to Đạo Mẫu, also known as the Mother Goddess religion, began with music.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: D1's Bún Mọc Assembly Line

We leave our office in search of District 1’s famed phở áp chảo only to find bún mọc in a hopeless place.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Eat & Drink

International Pop-Up Restaurant to Open This Week in Saigon

When James Sharman starts talking about the last three weeks, he gets a little wide-eyed. His hands animate each story, hovering above the table. Between sips of coffee, he launches into tales of squi...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Nguyen Tri Phuong's Chicken Rice Paradise

We promise this will be the last Nguyen Tri Phuong-based Hẻm Gem…for now.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Development

Slimmer New MEGA City Book Highlights Rapid Change in Saigon

For many downtown Saigon residents, it’s hard to remember a time when the Nguyen Hue walking street didn’t exist, despite the fact it’s not even two years old. Such is life in the southern hub: i...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Conquering the Giant Bánh Canh Ghẹ Muối Ớt Xanh of D10

My uncle used to say that you haven't had real crab until you have to cook and dismantle one. For this week’s Hẻm Gem, Saigoneer takes you on a trip to do just that, relishing real crabs by break...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Street Cred: Bui Vien, the First Vietnamese in America...or Was He?

In today’s Saigon, Bui Vien Street is commonly known as the city’s backpacker paradise, not to mention one of its many nightlife hotspots. It’s unclear whether urban planners in the southern hub had o...

in Arts & Culture

Youth Culture Library Finds Niche in Saigon Cafe

The Youth Culture Library sets out to become an outlet of self-expression for young people and non-commercial artists through the ultimate form of alternative culture: zines.   

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Saigon's Original Bò 7 Món

Going to dinner at Au Pagolac is like going to dinner with family. That is, of course, provided your family spans several generations and also serves its meals in crisp, white button-ups and the occas...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Film & TV

[Video] Mini-Documentary Weaves Visual Portrait of Ta Oi Artisan

As urban Vietnam charges into the future, connecting to the global economy during its modern development, the traditions of rural Vietnam stay alive through a handful of artisans.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Cuppa in Saigon's Oldest Cafe

One of the first things Co Suong does when we sit down in the back of her tiny District 3 cafe is bring out the newspaper clippings.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Getting Lost in D3’s Soup Bermuda Triangle

During a busy Thursday lunch hour, my coworker and I commit a soup drive-by.

Khoi Pham

in Vietnam

Street Cred: Thoai Ngoc Hau, Dedicated but Misunderstood

For someone whose entire life was dedicated to national progress, Thoai Ngoc Hau really didn’t receive the treatment he deserved for his achievements. Marred by a wrongful conviction, even after his d...

in Music & Arts

After Curatorial Shift, Saigon Artbook Delivers Best Exhibition to Date

Founder Dang Thanh Long and curator Shyevin S’ng talk about the work behind Saigon Artbook’s sixth edition and what the future holds for the local nonprofit art initiative.

Khoi Pham

in Food Culture

Bánh Trung Thu: From Traditional Festive Fare to Asia’s Answer to Fruitcake

While Saigoneer’s previous installment in our Food History series touched on the evolution of bánh xèo, a light, airy crepe that screams summer with every bite, this week’s dish belongs to t...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Lão Hương Thân, One of Saigon's Oldest Cơm Gà Xối Mỡ Restaurants

Is there anything quite as glorious as beautifully done fried chicken?

Khoi Pham

in Music & Arts

Nhạc Vàng: Bridging the Generational Gap With Retro Saigon Tunes

As the chatter starts to die down and the soft disco lights turn on, peppering the room with a myriad of colors, it seems as if the entire interior of Nguoi Sai Gon cafe has travelled back in time to ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Food Culture

The Evolution of Bánh Xèo: A Street Food History

While phở, bánh mì and now, occasionally, bún chả hog the spotlight in Vietnamese cuisine, everyone in Vietnam is familiar, to some degree, with bánh xèo. On street corners and in tiny, mode...

Michael Tatarski

in Sports

Can Vietnam Become Asia’s Sports Tourism Mecca?

Sports-minded residents in Vietnam’s major cities don’t have it easy: traffic overwhelms the streets and sidewalks; air quality is generally terrible; open spaces are nearly non-existent and it’s alwa...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon

Street Cred: Hai Thuong Lan Ong, the Father of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

Hai Thuong Lan Ong is one of the most influential figures in the history of traditional Vietnamese medicine.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bún Sứa Serves Up a Jellyfish Medley Without the Sting

The menu at Bun Sua Co Hanh is geared towards diners with a hankering for seafood, and not just your regular fish and company. They serve something out of the ordinary at this slightly drab river...

in Music & Arts

Saigon Skill and the Rise of Alternative Art Projects

Saigon Skill’s first art group show was a vibrant and uplifting display of Saigon’s unheralded talents. Hopes are high that this new project will expose the untapped creatives in the city.

Khoi Pham

in Society

Catching 'Em All in Saigon: Pokemon GO Brings More Than Old School Nostalgia to Vietnam

One of my colleagues threatened to ban Pokemon GO in the Saigoneer office after he saw me catching a Pidgey, a bird-type Pokemon, at our desk.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Development

Saigon’s Traffic Nightmare: Challenges and Potential Solutions

On one particularly horrific Monday evening last summer, I wound up in a traffic jam. Bounding over the bridge between District 1 and Phu Nhuan, my jaw dropped as I found a sea of vehicles on the othe...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Slurping Mì Ốc Hến in District 4 With Công 'the Enforcer'

Shuffling along in flip-flops and a pair of baggy shorts, Công the Enforcer arrives at our table.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Food Culture

Chowing Down on Crickets: Vietnam’s First Mass-Market Edible Insect Business

Crickets look a lot different when they’re fried and doused in seasoning.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Street Cred: Ho Xuan Huong, a Woman Ahead of Her Time

Despite being one of Vietnam’s most prominent classical poets, Ho Xuan Huong’s existence remains an enigma to this day.

in Literature

Meet Inrasara, the Poet Keeping Cham Culture Alive

Born in the oldest Cham village in Vietnam, poet and literary critic Inrasara has been keeping Cham literature alive for over 30 years. From textbooks to poetry, literary criticism to publishing, the ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Development

For Japanese Retailers, Saigon Center Opening a Sign of Good Things to Come

Across the street from a colorful, decades-old Hindu temple, motorbikes pour into the parking garage of the newly opened Saigon Center. Spiraling five floors below ground, the downtown shopping m...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Vietnam

Street Cred: Princess Huyen Tran's Historic Hanky Panky

Arguably Vietnam’s most famous princess, Huyen Tran was born in 1287 to King Tran Nhan Tong and Queen Thien Cam, rulers of the Dai Viet kingdom. Throughout her childhood, Huyen Tran was your standard,...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Saigon’s Original Bánh Mì Breakfast

I am a lifetime supporter of the sandwich.

Michael Tatarski

in Food Culture

Crossing the DMZ: A Visit to Saigon’s North Korean Restaurant

UPDATE: We're sad to announce that as of October 2017, Ryu Gyong has been shuttered permanently, along with a few other North Korean restaurants in Da Nang, Hanoi, and Saigon.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Dessert Happy Hour at Quynh Hoa

Just as rush hour traffic starts to pick up around me, motorbikes zipping back and forth down the wide alley, I send a message to my coworker.

in Music & Arts

Dislocate: Artist Bui Cong Khanh Deconstructs Vietnamese Identity

A beautiful large-scale recreation of a fortress, a photographic essay and a documentary video feature in Bui Cong Khanh’s latest exhibition, Dislocate, an impactful reminder of Vietnam’s heritage and...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Music & Arts

[Videos] Hanoian Rappers Take Center Stage on Pan-Asian Music Platform

Staring straight into the camera, Emcee L addresses his viewers with confidence.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon

Street Cred: The Badass Tale of Co Giang

If there’s one thing you need to know about Vietnamese women in history, it’s that they were badasses. From waging wars to avenge their husbands to throwing a grenade at enemy lines, countless Vi...

in Music & Arts

Quach Phong’s Monumental Take on Vietnamese History

An ambitious and essential art project, Sketching Vietnamese History – the first major solo exhibition by established artist Quach Phong – is a tribute to Vietnam’s history and its people. It is a wor...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Good Bánh Bèo Comes to Those Who Wait

The most memorable eating experiences are the ones that take time. Of all the meals Saigon’s sidewalks can offer, the best require a pilgrimage to some faraway district and a series of trial-and-error...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Buys 8,000 New Motorbikes, 750 Cars a Day

There is an automotive epidemic in Vietnam as domestic sales of motorbikes and cars have increased 8% and 31%, respectively, compared to the same period last year.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

When WRONG Is Right: Vietnamese Tradition Meets Contemporary Fashion

There’s an hour to go before Fashion4Freedom unveils its latest collection and LanVy Nguyen is buzzing about, all smiles, in sneakers and a black-and-white embroidered áo dài.

Khoi Pham

in Tech

Busted: A 3D Printing Adventure in Saigon

My journey with 3D printing begins with me mishearing “bust” as “butt.”

in Music & Arts

Gender Behavior: An Artistic and Interactive Social Experiment

Gender Behavior brings to Saigon’s The Factory a research-based photography, dance, film and performance show which discusses the notion of gender in Vietnamese society. 

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

[Video] Hẻm Gems: Fish Balls, Curry and Noodle Soup, a Perfect Storm

Some may say that good things in life come when you least expect them, and from my encounter with this week’s Hem Gem – curry fish balls and noodles – you can count me in as a firm believer in this pa...

in Arts & Culture

Sophie Hughes: Drawing Links Between Vietnamese History and Contemporary Art

Art is not the first thing on people’s minds when they come to Saigon, and yet the independently organized Sophie’s Art Tour has managed to become one of the southern hub's top attractions.

Khoi Pham

in Vietnam

Street Cred: Han Mac Tu

Vietnam’s literary scene is filled with colorful characters and mystifying urban legends, but no other poet has received as much fanfare – or as much scrutiny – as Han Mac Tu, one of the country's mos...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Film & TV

[Video] Filmmaker Explores the Fading Tradition of Vietnamese Funeral Singers

Trapped among Vietnam's fast-fading cultural markers is its funereal music. Passed down for generations, these slow, melancholy songs are a mainstay at Vietnamese funerals, ushering the dead comfortab...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: For Good Phở in Saigon, a Dollar Is All You Need

You can really stretch a dollar in this country. That's two cà phê sữa đá or two bánh mì, a couple liters of bia hơi, a xe ôm ride, a well-bargained souvenir, enough snacks to constitute a meal or a s...

in Music & Arts

OXYMORON: An Exploration of Sound, Dance and Light

If it were possible to condense the creative output of Saigon’s urban dance and music scene into one show, OXYMORONmight be it. Creative directors Lai Tran and Chieu Tori – a DJ duo also known as Chee...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Best Bún Chả in Hanoi…in Saigon

The weather was truly Hanoian earlier this week. Outside, rain fell in sheets, flooding the pockmarked alley outside our office door. The sun had disappeared. Though a few particularly photo-obsessed ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Legend of Baby African

You'll have to clear an afternoon to get to Baby African.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Music & Arts

[Video] Rapper Wowy Preserves a Piece of Saigon History in Music Video 'Do Tao Lam'

Late last month, Saigon rapper Wowy debuted his “Do Tao Lam” music video, the first clip from his most recent album, Lao Dai.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

[Video] Hẻm Gems: The Long but Worthwhile Wait for Xôi Chiên

They say the best things in life are worth waiting for. In the case of the elusive xôi chiên, they're right.

in Music & Arts

Unlocking the Potential of Vietnam's Art Market

As one of Vietnam’s most prolific art organizations reduces its cultural and residency programs, we look at the state of national contemporary art in the global market and its economic impact on Vietn...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Saigon's Sủi Cảo Street

Saigon is, in essence, a giant food court. From District 1 to Binh Chanh, the city streets are pretty much a macro version of the cooked food section at your local market, spread out over miles of une...

in Music & Arts

Livinwondr: A People’s Art Project

The first installation of new community project Livinwondrexpresses the stories and creative ideas of the public through transformative media art.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Saigon's Street Food Unicorn

Not only are unicorns real, they are edible. In fact, these beauties are an animal of such mythic deliciousness that you should count yourself lucky to even catch a glimpse of one, much less feast on ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

[Video] Hẻm Gems: D5's Drop-Dead Delicious Xôi Mặn

Saigon street food tastes best when the whole experience feels like a secret. Head to some of the city's most successful street carts and there are no place names or proper business hours, no phone nu...

in Music & Arts

'Farmers Got Power': A Satirical Look at Social Upheaval

Satire and humor have long been recurring tropes employed by artists to deal with uncomfortable topics, to challenge people to discover on their own the object and meanings of their satire. Nowhere co...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Perfect Saigon Breakfast

Most days, I roll out of bed 15 minutes after my alarm has stopped ringing, stumble downstairs, brush my teeth and leave the house just in time to grab my morning dose of caffeine before heading to th...

in Music & Arts

Technology Has Officially Entered Saigon’s Art Scene

From the invention of farming to the advent of military drones, technology has shaped the economy, politics and culture of every society. It was inevitable that such a vital element of our lives would...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: On Eating (Chicken) Ass

Let’s play a game. I tell you a word and you tell me the first thing that comes to mind. Here goes: chicken.

in Film & TV

April Films at Saigon’s Alternative Movie Venues

A filmmaker fights censorship, an architect’s endeavors reassess the leftist ideology and documentarians raise awareness about contemporary capitalist practices as well as development. From fictional ...

Michael Tatarski

in Music & Arts

Contemporary Asian Art Program Turns Its 'Eye' to Vietnam

In 2008, British contemporary art collector David Ciclitira and his wife Serenella, an art critic, visited South Korea. Though they were struck by the modern art scene there, the couple struggled to f...

in Music & Arts

'Tokyo, Blind': Eerie, Black-and-White Images From a Saigon Photographer

In Tokyo, Blind, the first solo exhibition in Vietnam by Saigon-based photographer Ryan Neilan, men and women emerge as ghostly bodies, depicted either as a composite of fragmented shadows or as isola...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

[Video] Hẻm Gems: D1's Not-So-Secret Snail-Grilling Operation

At first glance, Oc Dao looks like a factory. A giant, secret snail-grilling operation tucked behind several twists and turns along a narrow downtown alley, where plates of fresh crustaceans are churn...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

Urban Distortions: Contemporary Dance Comes to Saigon

It's mid-morning on a hot, humid Sunday in Saigon's Botanical Gardens, and the audience in front of the main stage represents an eclectic cross-section of Vietnamese society. Parents field phone conve...

Michael Tatarski

in Arts & Culture

teamLab Unveils Digital Artwork in Singapore, Vietnam Next?

For many people, particularly from younger generations, art museums can seem a little stale. When there are so many digital entertainment outlets, standing in a room and silently contemplating a paint...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

[Video] Hẻm Gems: The Merits of Chè Dim Sum

If we're being real, I would not break an appointment for chè.

in Culture

The Twilight of Saigon’s Cyclo Drivers

Among Bui Vien's assortment of xe ôm drivers and street food vendors, Bible-toting religious enthusiasts and other colorful personalities, 66-year-old Mr. Nghia stands out for his kind eyes and walrus...

in Culture

[Photos] Exploring Saigon’s Sun-Deprived Hẻms

Saigon is full of interesting, undiscovered places. While many people have explored the alleys in their own neighborhoods, few are willing to brave the narrow, crumbling side roads that look a little ...

in Arts & Culture

Q&A: Thai Artist Bends Reality With Kaleidoscopic Saigon Photo Collage

Saigon is the latest city to join the urban landscape photo collage series by Thai artist and graphic designer Pariwat A-nantachina, also known as Big. With drastic perspective compositions, rich deta...

in Arts & Culture

A Tribe of Survivors: The Ethereal Jewelry of La Fiancée du Facteur

The new collection by Saigon-based jewelry designer La Fiancée du Facteur is an ode to human strength where the mystical and the mythological merge in wearable original art pieces.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

[Video] Hẻm Gems: The Lazy Man's Bánh Xèo

I have a confession to make: my spring roll game is embarrassing.

in Society

Saigon Children's Shelter Struggles to Stay Open

Everyday is a new challenge for the Green Bamboo Warm Shelter, a non-governmental organization which assists former street boys aged eight to 16.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Arts & Culture

Drawing Saigon: How One Artist Is Preserving the Downtown Skyline

Tawny brown, a few inches thick and secured with a cord, the leather binder lands on the bar with a thud. Midday sun beams into the pop-up whisky library atop Centec Tower, a room that could pass for ...

in Film & TV

March Movies at Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

Transporting a novel or news story from the page to the big screen does not always have to be disastrous, as Carol,Room, High Fidelity andSpotlighthave demonstrated. Saigon's March film program shows ...

in Arts & Culture

Inside THE BOAT: Phnom Penh’s Floating Art Space

Last October, Phnom Penh's ambitious floating art center, THE BOAT, announced its plan to renovate a majestic but disused vessel docked where the Tonle Sap River meets the Mekong. Earlier this mo...

in Film & TV

Readers' Picks: 20 Best Films From the Year of the Goat

We asked both our readers and regular moviegoers at local alternative film venues like DeciBel and Saigon Outcast to weigh in on the top three films from the Year of the Goat. The results are in and A...

in Arts & Culture

Nuoc 2030: Inside Vietnam's Visually Stunning, Character-Driven Sci-Fi Flick

A wonderfully shot love story set in a water-logged dystopian world, Nuoc 2030 is the first Vietnamese sci-fi film produced to international standards. Filmmaker Nguyen Vo Nghiem Minh discusses t...

in Film & TV

Saigoneer’s Picks: 20 Best Films From the Year of the Goat

Life Itself, a film about the life of the late film critic Roger Ebert opens with one of his quotes: “We are born with a certain package. We are who we are [...], we are kind of stuck inside that pers...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: District 1's Cơm Trưa Food Court

If you've ever driven along Ton Duc Thang during rush hour, there's a strong chance you've almost run over a street food tout just north of the Le Thanh Ton-Nguyen Huu Canh intersection. While I have,...

in Film & TV

February Movies at Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

This year's controversial awards season is drawing to an end. With the BAFTAs and the Oscars still to come, Saigon's February program includes two long-awaited biopics, one of the most revolutionary a...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: More Cold Spells to Strike Vietnam Ahead of Tet

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnamese man wanted by Interpol on smuggling charge [Vietnam News] Vietnam tuna auct...

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer’s December and January Art Picks

Between Christmas and Tet, everything slows down in Saigon's art world, but a few venues have still found time to put on new shows. Here is some of our favorite work from the holiday season's exhibiti...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Film & TV

City of Mirrors: A Local Filmmaker's Crowdfunding Quest

For his first-ever feature film, Truong Minh Quy spent two months waiting around for it to rain.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Cơm Tấm, Breakfast of Champions

There are three kinds of people in this world: early birds, night owls and the perpetually tired. Try as I might to adapt, I am the third.

in Saigon

Up to 8.5 Million Motorbikes Flood Saigon’s Streets Each Day

While cars seem to be taking over the streets these days, Saigon is without a doubt a city of motorbikes...and it's getting out of hand.

in Film & TV

January Movies at Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

With both the Golden Globes (you can find a full list of nominations here) and the Oscars looming, it is an (almost) all-American program this month at Saigon's alternative film venues. From a sci-fi ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Chị Hiền's Cơm Sườn and the Single Greatest Fish Sauce of All Time

As an accomplished eater and failed cook, I spend a lot of time scouting street food venues.

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Check out the New Street Food Mecca Behind Ben Thanh Market

Barely more than a week old, Ben Thanh's brand-new street food market is already turning heads with its souped-up version of the standard roadside dining experience.

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes To The Gallery: Hope

From social critique and political satire to the celebration of human strength, Hope – the inaugural exhibition of Craig Thomas Gallery's new downtown location – is the most personal exhibition to dat...

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer’s Picks: 10 Places to Buy Artsy Gifts in Vietnam

From rich textile traditions to innovative contemporary art, ethnic minority handicrafts and dozens of local and international designers, there's far more to shopping in Vietnam than conical hats and ...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Universal Truth of Fish Sauce Fried Chicken

There are few indisputable facts upon which good, reasonable people the world over can agree. Here are three: the sky is blue, the earth is round and fried chicken, in any form, is delicious.

in Music & Arts

Soul Archive Captures Vietnam’s Spirit Through Its Photographers

A quick Google search is all it takes to learn that photography about Vietnam is still predominantly linked to the war or, if not, dominated by images of the country’s iconic landscapes. Yet anyone li...

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer’s November Art Picks

With Saigon's first-ever affordable art fair taking place last month as well as three exhibitions from two of the city's major galleries, November left art lovers spoiled for choice. Here are sev...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Music & Arts

Inside Award-Winning Vietnamese Children's Book 'The First Journey'

A couple months back, we wrote about Phung Nguyen Quang and Huynh Kim Lien, a pair of Vietnamese children's book authors who took the top prize at this year's Asia-wide Scholastic Picture Book Award&n...

in Film & TV

December Movies at Saigon's Alternative Film Venues

The awards season has officially started and for once, we welcome the razzle-dazzle that will come in the next three months, after a very dull summer, which was rescued only by independent cinema. The...

Mel Schenck

in Architecture

New Facebook Group Highlights Vietnamese Modernist Architecture

Facebook has proven to be a capable tool for those looking to raise awareness for the preservation of Saigon's historic buildings. 

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes to the Gallery: In Opposite 2

Ngo Van Sac presents a fragmented and polarized reality in his latest solo exhibition In Opposite 2. Magic and reality, tradition and capitalism, nature and fabrication are the opposing elem...

in Music & Arts

Maison Kenji: Emerging Designers Push the Vision of Fashion in Vietnam

As one of the newest players in the town, Maison Kenji brings a Euro-Asian flare to Saigon’s fashion scene. These Japanese-inspired, modern and ethically conscious threads distinguish this new indepen...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: District 1's Delightfully Decrepit Bia Hơi

UPDATE: It is with heavy hearts that we inform our readers that the Thi Sach bia hơi has permanently closed. We will miss its regular crowd and grimy, beer-stained walls. In a city that pretty much r...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bánh Căn and the Elixir of Life

In the world of hẻm gems, gritty is a good thing. The more battered the tables, the more precarious the seating, the more dubious the location, the more we feel at one with the chaos of Saigon street ...

in Saigon

Saigon Registers 900 New Vehicles Everyday

In the last few months, Saigon's traffic has gone from bad to worse. These days, you might as well stay put when 5pm hits, as congestion on the city streets has become near unbearable. But while local...

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes to the Gallery: The Power of Semiosis

French-based Japanese artist Yohei Yama lights up Vin Gallery with a feast of colorful Op art canvasses during his debut exhibition, The Power of Semiosis.

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer's October Art Picks

October saw several Saigon debuts of emerging, mid-career and established artists from a variety of artistic backgrounds. Here are the pieces that caught our attention over the previous month.

in Film & TV

November Movies at Saigon's Alternative Film Venues

As award season approaches, November might be the last chance you have this year to dive into the world of alternative and low-budget films, which is dominated by French and American productions.

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes to the Gallery: Jack Clayton Solo Exhibition

Fragmented images of a bustling Saigon, Vietnam’s past and present, the theories of Francis Bacon and Carl Jung – all find a place within the intricate woodcut prints and ink illustrations of Jack Cla...

in Music & Arts

Saigon's First-Ever Affordable Art Opens This Week

Following two successful events up north, affordable art fair Art for You is coming to Saigon with the help of Hanoi-based galleries Work Room Four and Manzi. We caught up with the fair's organizers t...

in Development

[Photos] The Evolution of Bitexco in 25 Photos

Between Thu Thiem's ambitious new skyscraper, the planned transformation of Thanh Da Island and a LEED-standard apartment complex that looks like Marina Bay Sands, Saigon's skyline seems to chang...

in Stories

A Look at Saigon’s Interesting Definition of ‘Traffic Jam’

When it comes to Vietnamese traffic management, the fun never ends. Between Hanoian officials telling drivers in the capital to be more like the Saigonese, Saigon officials insisting there are no...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Tech

The Story Behind Google's First-Ever Made-in-Vietnam Ad

Director Bao Nguyen explains the story behind Google's first-ever TV commercial made for Vietnamese audiences.

Tim Doling

in Saigon

Date With the Wrecking Ball: Thu Thiem Parish Church and Lovers of the Holy Cross Convent

Two of Saigon’s oldest Roman Catholic institutions, located across the river in Thủ Thiêm, may soon be gone.

in Music & Arts

Islands, Archipelagos and Other Liquid Territories: Exploring the High Seas with Map Office

Acclaimed Hong Kong-based artists Laurent Gutierrez and Valerie Portefaix of Map Office bring to Dia Projects their first solo show in Saigon, titled Islands, Archipelagos and Other Liquid Territories...

in Development

[Photos] Innovative Design Sets This Da Nang Garden Villa Apart

If you're the type to spring for a beachfront resort on holiday, you know that nobody wants to stay in the garden villa. It's almost a tease, being led so close to those sweeping ocean views only to h...

in Architecture

[Photos] Meet Tan Phu District's Breeze House

Saigon is full of surprises. Whether it's a theme park in District 9, a hidden temple in the heart of downtown or a high-end fashion shop in Binh Chanh, things in this city crop up exactly where you l...

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer's September Art Picks

After the city's gallery scene took a summer hiatus, Saigoneer is back with our art picks for the month. September was off to a good start with a variety of exhibitions, employing everything from urba...

in Music & Arts

New Edition Of Standpoint Theories Will Hit Saigon This Month

Multi-disciplinary production company Standpoint Theories returns to Saigon with three performances of Legends of Vietnam: Remix, an evolution of last year's Legends of Vietnam. The new and improved p...

in Film & TV

October Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

It is not Halloween without a dose of horror. Check out which spooky films made the list this year at Saigon's alternative movie-viewing venues. If zombies, ghosts and paranormal activity are not your...

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes To The Gallery: Khói Sóng

Khói Sóng, Ha Manh Thang’s new exhibition and his second at Galerie Quynh, is part of the artist's ongoing Vietnam Landscapes (2010 – present) project, in which his reflections on Vietnamese...

in Music & Arts

The Story of the Greatest Female Pirate Retold via Cinemagraph

When it comes to brave, daring women, Asia has no shortage of badass heroines. In Vietnam alone, historical figures like Vo Thi Sau and the Trung sisters are hailed for their courage and str...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Lunch Lady You Haven't Met

In Saigon, there is no such thing as a one-stop shop. It's part of the city's charm: coffee in one place, lunch in another, dessert three blocks down and two alleys away. You can turn a single outing ...

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes To The Gallery: Urbana

When I arrived at deciBel Lounge last week, ready to meet two of the three artists behind photography project Urbana: City View, I was dreading what I would see. Too often, urban-themed artwork turns ...

in Music & Arts

Metiseko: How One Local Designer Created An Eco-Friendly Brand

When it comes to fashion, sustainability is not always a high priority in Vietnam. These days, Vietnam is beginning to see more campaigns which aim to raise public awareness around environmental issue...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Tech

[Infographics] Vietnam's Mobile Games Are Taking the World by Storm

Whether you're reading this on a smartphone or tablet, a desktop or a laptop, look up: chances are at least a few other people are also deeply engrossed in a screen of some kind.

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes To The Gallery: A Material History Of Man And Animal

Cave paintings, the Latin poet Lucretius, the slavery of consumerism and, more prominently, the evolution between mankind and nature are some of the ingredients effortlessly intertwined in the rivetin...

in Film & TV

September Movies At Saigon's Alternative Film Venues

This month’s film line-up ranges from stories centered around the world of music to the tale of post-civil war Mali, an animal uprising and a biopic of the painter that would change landscape painting...

Dana Filek-Gibson

in Asia

What Happened When the South Korean Government Invested in K-Pop

Long before Psy sang about 'Gangnam Style', K-Pop was spreading like wildfire across Asia and around the world.

in Film & TV

August Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

This month, Saigon’s alternative film venues are offering up a solid selection of foreign films, Hollywood classics and recent hits.

Tim Doling

in Saigon

Saigon’s Famous Streets and Squares: Quách Thị Trang Square

In this, the first of a new series about the history of the famous streets and squares of Saigon and Chợ Lớn, Tim Doling looks at the history of Quách Thị Trang square.

in Music & Arts

Vănguard: Giving a Voice to Saigon’s LGBT Artists

The launch of Vănguard’s second issue last week followed the slow but swelling wave of support for LGBT rights in Vietnam.

in Music & Arts

San Art Laboratory Launches Kickstarter Campaign

Saigon-based non-profit art organisation San Art has just launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for their Laboratory.

in Music & Arts

Fashion Is Art At Dzung Yoko’s First Solo Exhibition

While in Paris the Helene Bailly Gallery is hosting an art show by designer Maurizio Galante and Viktor & Rolf are dressing models in canvasses, here in Saigon, we have the city’s very first show that...

in Music & Arts

“One Country” Celebrates 15 Vietnamese Contemporary Artists

Vietnamese fine art is often looked through a geographic lens (South, Central and North) or by groups of artists rather than individual ones.

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer's June Art Picks

Two video installations from the 6th San Art Laboratory, a sculpture from one of Vietnam’s most prolific artists, photographs depicting life in Vietnam and the works from the latest Saigon Artbook are...

in Music & Arts

Vietnamese Performance Artist Featured At The Artists’ Film International in London

Vietnamese pioneer performance artist, Tran Luong, continues to attract huge interest abroad. His video, Lập Lòe/Welts, is currently being shown at White Chapel in London (UK) as part of Artists’ Film...

in Film & TV

July Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

Dinosaurs, androids, socio-political documentaries and juicy indie films from around the world make up this month’s menu at Saigon’s alternative film venues.

in Music & Arts

Esoteric And Reimagined Religious Rituals Lay The Ground For “Carne Vale” At Galerie Quynh

Greco-Roman ruins and imaginary masked characters set the stage for “Carne Vale,” the new exhibition by Nadege David and Sandrine Llouquet at Galerie Quynh.

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer’s Recent Art Picks

The haunting installation by a Saigon-born writer/artist; a visual diary of Vietnamese portraits; a visual map of Saigon’s urban changes and the opening of the first urban gallery in town are among ou...

in Music & Arts

Designer Spotlight: Linda Mai Phung

The last couple of months have been exciting for Saigon-based fashion designer, Linda Mai Phung. The young French-Vietnamese designer recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of her eponymous bran...

in Culture

Vietnam’s Cities Are Losing A Lot More Than Their Old Buildings: Experts

“A city is enriched by accumulation over generations. Accumulation incorporates destruction but keeps enough fabric to retain cultural identity, while obliteration erases everything includin...

in Film & TV

June Movies at Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

This month’s films show us that it’s possible to make a great sequel from an 80s classic, that Twilight has accidentally done something good for cinema and that Hollywood producers can’t always constr...

in Music & Arts

Dragonfly: Setting the Standard for Theater in Saigon

Oscar Wilde, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Samuel Beckett, Rajiv Joseph and now Tennessee Williams - those are some of the figures whose literary works have been brought to Saigon by the only professional...

in Film & TV

May Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

There’s a bit of everything in store this month at Saigon’s alternative film venues, from some recently acclaimed independent films and genre classics to the two most talked about documentaries from t...

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer’s March Art Picks

Last month was, without a doubt, the most extravagant (artistically speaking) in the past four years; Saigon was a theatre unto itself with a variety of art shows and exhibitions. Here are some of our...

in Music & Arts

Forgotten Vietnamese Communities Come To Life At Sao La

Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai’s latest thought provoking and socially conscious exhibition, Day by Day, is currently on view at Sao La.

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes To The Gallery: World in My Mind

For his first exhibition, The World in My Mind, now on view at deciBel Lounge, Saigon-based concept designer and illustrator Hoang Trung has assembled nine medium-scale digital paintings inspired by h...

in Film & TV

April Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

As we slowly move away from the awards season, our local film venues go back to what they do best: indie and cult cinema. 

in Music & Arts

Three Saigon-based Artists Bring Their Diverse Urban Art To Vin Gallery

This evening, American illustrator and street artist Kristopher Kotcher AKA Frenemy is bringing his work back to Vin Gallery with a new exhibition, Trialogue. It has been almost a year since his first...

in Film & TV

March Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

This month’s film programme is packed with films that address socio-political issues including gay rights, civil rights and freedom of speech. If that’s not your cup of tea, you have the opportunity t...

in Music & Arts

The Best Cultural Happenings In The Year Of The Horse

As we say goodbye to the year of the Horse, our editorial team looks back at the increasingly expanding cultural scene in Saigon and beyond. From theatre to art exhibitions, these are, in no particula...

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer’s February Art Picks

Saigoneer's arts & culture guru, Zelda, highlights some of the best art being displayed and exhibited around town this month.

in Music & Arts

Exhibition Spotlight: Leonid Keller

Leonid Keller is the first and only exhibition in Saigon by Berlin-based artists Julia Ossko and Eugen Schulz.

in Music & Arts

Galerie Quynh and San Art Announce Relocation Plans

On January 31, Galerie Quynh permanently closed its original location in 65 De Tham, leaving the new downtown gallery on Dong Khoi as its sole exhibition space.

in Film & TV

February Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

Classic and witty comedy, the one of the greatest sci-fi epics in recent history, the biggest Oscar contender of the year and a special screening from Saigon-based film festival, Impressions are some ...

in Music & Arts

Behind The Curtain: Standpoint Theories

Brimming with creative ideas, the multi-disciplinary Standpoint Theories, which first made an appearance last year at Cargo Bar, will grace Saigon once more for three days in January.

in Music & Arts

Artist Spotlight: Tonstartssbandht

Tonstartssbandht is one of those bands which occupy that very rare dimension in music defying categorization. Psychedelic-rock, pastoral vocals, pop undertones, rock-n-roll and lo-fi are all terms tha...

in Film & TV

December Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

The Christmas holidays are fast approaching but our alternative film venues have more in store for you than just Christmassy-flicks. Philosophy in cinema, the first Saudi Arabian film in history and a...

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes to the Gallery: Mr. Bastian the Time Traveller

Mr. Bastian The Time Traveller opened last week at the majestic HCMC Museum of Fine Arts, where Sri Lankan-born, Australia-educated Kumkum Fernando brought to Saigon this year’s most electrifying and ...

in Film & TV

November Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

If you believe that humanity is the essential aspect of cinematic endeavours, you will find plenty of it in this month programme from Saigon’s alternative film venues.

in Film & TV

October Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

With Halloween coming up soon, expect some horror and gothic films at Saigon’s alternative film venues this month. Alongside titles that pay homage to the much-loved remembrance of the dead, these pro...

Mel Schenck

in Saigon

[Photos] The Amazing Evolution Of Phan Xích Long Street

When we think about the words “new urban area” applied to Ho Chi Minh City, we usually think about Phu My Hung at Saigon South in District 7. Many people do not realize that one of the most successful...

in Music & Arts

'Licence 2 Draw': UuDam Tran Nguyen Brings Robotic Art to Vietnam

Software-based creations are increasingly populating the 21st century art scene, which sees smart phones, websites, digital moving images and software used to investigate and address the most varied t...

in Film & TV

September Movies At Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

This September, our local, alternative film-venues are sharing their love for the silver screen through their own selection of both new titles and films that you will not find in mainstream cinemas ar...

in Music & Arts

Photographer Spotlight: An Interview With Cuong Do Manh

This is a continuation of our series that presents some of the most influential and prolific Vietnamese photographers. Whether photojournalism or fine art photography, their work investigates Vietname...

in Music & Arts

Photographer Spotlight: Dinh Q. Lê

Photography has been, over the past 180 years, one of the most misjudged artistic mediums. Some consider it a way to simply record the surface of reality, indiscriminately used by the masses. After al...

in Architecture

Canadian Artist Reimagines Saigon's Architecture

Stories have recently surfaced about historical buildings in Saigon that have been or are on their way to being destroyed to make room for new, modern offices and luxury apartments.

in Culture

A Short History Of Vietnam And Palestine

Israel is (yet again) attempting to bomb Palestine back into the stone age. At the time of writing, the Palestinian death toll is at least 98 (the Israeli death toll is 0), which leads me to suspect t...

in Music & Arts

The Amazing Story And Art Of Chau Diem

It is fair to say that every work carries, willingly or unwillingly, the story and life of its maker.

in Music & Arts

New Art Initiative In Saigon: Sao La

Here is a new addition in town that art lovers will welcome with open arms. Sao La is a non-profit initiative by the well-established Gallery Quynh, located on the ground floor of the HCMC Fine Art Mu...

in Music & Arts

Artist Paul Frank Wagner To Exhibit In Con Dao

Less than two weeks ago, I attended the opening of Sao La. While in the midst of the hustle and bustle typical of the opening of an art space, I found myself chatting away with artist Paul Frank Wagne...

in Film & TV

5 Great Ways to Watch Independent Films in Saigon

I spent my childhood in a family that worshiped cinema, all sorts of films, from Disney cartoons, unsuitable films such as All that Jazz (way too early, I was 8 at the time), art films – Cinema Paradi...

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes to the Gallery: Art Basel Hong Kong

Last week, Art Basel Hong Kong proved itself worthy of its older siblings (Art Basel – Miami and Art Basel – Switzerland) and probably even bested them by becoming the meeting and merging point b...

in Vietnam

The Labor Swimming Pool: An Exaltation

With International Labour Day fast approaching, I’d like to take this opportunity to sing the praises of one of my favourite places in the city: Hồ Bơi Lao Động, also known as the Labour Swimming Pool...

in Music & Arts

3A Station: Saigon’s Answer to Zone 9?

There is a new area in Saigon, closed off to motorbikes, where artists and creative minds from different disciplines as well as businesses come together. This is the idea sketched out so far behind th...

in Music & Arts

Saigon Artbook Presents: Laurent Judge

Due to high demand, the release party for Saigon Artbook’s 3rd edition will be held over two days at Lê Công Kiều Station starting this evening. For those unfamiliar with the project, it is a quarterl...

in Food Culture

Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro Winery Makes its Vietnam Debut

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ignacio Arzuaga, from Bodegas Arzuaga Navarro, who came to Vietnam to share information about his winery and wines which are now available locally.

in Music & Arts

Behind the Curtain: My Village

Aerialists flying through jungles of bamboo sticks, jugglers and acrobats delicately walking on movable bridges; twenty artists and musicians came together to reinterpret the daily life of Northern Vi...

in Tech

Why Bitcoin Matters in Vietnam - Part 3

This is the final part of our 3 part series on Bitcoin in Vietnam. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

in Tech

Why Bitcoin Matters in Vietnam: Part 2

This is part 2 of a 3 part series on Bitcoin in Vietnam. You can read part 1 here. What is Bitcoin anyway and why does it matter?

in Tech

Why Bitcoin Matters in Vietnam - Part 1

In January, Marc Andreesen’s article, “Why Bitcoin Matters” went viral just as Vietnam’s Central Bank, among others, rejected the technology’s legitimacy. In order to move the conversation away f...

in Music & Arts

The Second Portion 'Red' Opens at the Observatory

Upon entering the gallery section, visitors find themselves in a dark space lit only by Le Brothers’ video installations on the wall and by the shiny red reflections coming from the two cage-like scul...

in Music & Arts

The Story Behind the Melting Pot Festival

Last weekend, the Melting Pot successfully celebrated its 4th event as well as its 1st anniversary with art exhibitions and a line-up of musicians and DJs, proving that there is a Saigonese’s experime...

in Music & Arts

Artist Spotlight: Yanneth Albornoz

There are very few people that you encounter accidentally in your lifetime with whom you can strike a spontaneous four hour conversation as if you have known each other for a very long time. Usually w...

in Food Culture

Australian Wine Dinner With The Yalumba Winery

What happens when you put together amazing food, great wines, excellent customer service and a fantastic host? Well the answer is that you feel in heaven, and that was how most, if not all, of us felt...

in Music & Arts

Event Rewind: Saigon Artbook Party 2

Saigon Artbook released their second edition on January 16th at Zest Café where the books’ artists and locals came out to support Saigon’s growing art scene. Zest proved to be an incredible space for...

Tim Doling

in Saigon

Saigon's Cầu Mống and the Remnants of Gustave Eiffel's Work in Vietnam

Many people will be familiar with the spurious claims that French civil engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923) was responsible for two of Vietnam’s most iconic buildings, the Long Biên Brid...

in Music & Arts

Laurent Judge: The Evolution of a Graffiti Artist

“It’s like a nightmare where everything is in slow motion, some lights will appear, then shadows and creature, which could be real but they are abstract.” This is how Parisian painter and graffiti art...

in Food Culture

Sava: An Epicurean’s Paradise in District 2

Sava the Gourmet is located in a beautiful villa located in the heart of district 2. Although the company used to focus on wholesale products, it has recently extended its retail arm, bringing gourmet...

in Saigon Events

'Right Fiction' - Opening Exhibition @ San Art

San art Laboratory has arrived at the end of its third session, and as always, the artists in resedency will mark this moment with a final group exhibition, ‘Right Fiction’.

in Travel

Spain, Land of Churches, Castles and Wine - Part 2

This is part 2 of Spain, Land of Churches, Castles and Wine. Click here for part 1. Of the many Rioja wineries that have opened their doors to wine lovers, we visited one of the best known in in the...

in Music & Arts

San Art Laboratory: Open Studio Session 3

Have you ever been in front of a painting, a photograph, a video installation or any other form of artistic creation, for that matter, and asked yourself “What was the artist/author thinking?”, “What ...

in Travel

Wine, Grapes and Relaxation

Although there are many reasons to visit Spain, including good weather, history and food, wine tourism has become one of the latest trends with foreigners and locals alike. You may enjoy drinking wine...

in Film & TV

South East Asian Portraits - A Documentary Series

Sunday 5 p.m - I have just finished work and I look outside the window like a child on Christmas morning, hoping that the rain has stopped. No luck. I prepare myself for yet another ride under the rai...

in Music & Arts

Creative Shakes - Where Art Comes to Life

Who defines art? Who can make art? Who is an artist? These questions have been explored, dealt with and talked about by artists and critics since the beginning of the 20th Century. The perception and ...

in Music & Arts

Why You Should go to Future Shorts Tonight

Don's miss out on Future Shorts, tonight at Decibel. Our Arts & Culture contributer, Zelda Rudzitsky, caught the first showing last weekend at Snap Cafe. Here's what she though of this month'...

in Music & Arts

Ode To Saigon

When Mark Batchelor found himself in an all-to-familiar power outage, he was left with no internet and decided to spontaneously pick up a pen a paper and whip together a poem/rhyme about his first imp...

Brian Letwin

in Development

Power Players: Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectric plant. This is the first article in our series “Power Players” which examines the different paths Vietnam is pursuing to feed its power-thirsty cities and industrial centers.

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