Saigoneer | Arts & Culture

New EP 'Gen Z và Trịnh' Released to Promote Upcoming Trịnh Công Sơn Biopics

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 05:20:50 GMT

To promote two upcoming Trịnh Công Sơn biopics, the production team collaborated with Universal Music Vietnam to release an extended play (EP) of Trịnh Công Sơn classics performed by young musicians.

Rec Tour Returns This July With Month Full of Live Music Across Central Vietnam

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 07:57:52 GMT

From a humble audio recording studio, Rec Room went from a small close-knit community of like-minded music lovers to organizing multi-event live performance tours spanning provinces.

New Mộc Châu Bridge Enters Guinness Records as World's Longest Glass Bridge

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 01:59:19 GMT

This dizzying bridge is not for the faint-hearted.

Vietnam Halts Covid-19 Test Requirement for International Travelers From May 15

paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photo by Alberto Prieto.) — Mon, 16 May 2022 09:47:31 GMT

Were those nose swabs all a dream?

How Châu Đốc's Chăm Muslim Community Celebrates Ramadan

paul@saigoneer.com (Joanik Bellalou. Photos by Joanik Bellalou.) — Mon, 16 May 2022 07:18:21 GMT

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

Here Are the Fabulous Finalists of Miss Universe's National Costume Design Competition

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Thu, 12 May 2022 05:53:06 GMT

From feng shui to bánh tráng trộn, the chosen designers find their inspiration everywhere.

Vọng Cảnh, the Picturesque Hill in Huế That Even Emperors Cherished

paul@saigoneer.com (Tran Duy Minh. Photos by Tran Duy Minh.) — Mon, 16 May 2022 06:57:50 GMT

The poetic Hương River flows calmly, the fresh air and breeze whisper through the lush pine forest, a coming sunset colors the peaceful natural spectacle. All of this can be experienced during a late-afternoon visit to Huế's Vọng Cảnh Hill.

Thai Rapper Eats Mango Sticky Rice During Coachella Set, Wins Our Hearts

matatarski@gmail.com (Saigoneer.) — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 08:18:27 GMT

Maybe Suboi can eat a plate of cơm tấm during her next performance.

Marvel at These Ceramic Boots Created by Legendary Bát Tràng Artisan Vũ Đức Thắng

paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 09:49:27 GMT

"The Bát Tràng Ceramic Boots. An Inspiration from Italy" exhibition will feature 12 ceramic boots created by artisan Vũ Đức Thắng, who blended Italian fashion and Bát Tràng craft traditions.

Local Photographer Recreates Mai Trung Thứ Paintings in Fashion Shoot

khoi@saigoneer.com (Ann Ann. Photos courtesy of Minh Sơn.) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 08:21:54 GMT

In hopes of recreating the paintings of silk master Mai Trung Thứ, photographer Minh Sơn and his collaborators have done something extraordinary with this photo collection. The resulting works bear striking resemblance to their painted predecessors and have taken Vietnam’s social media by storm recently.

Mythology, History, and Supernaturals Mingle in the World of 'Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái'

khoi@saigoneer.com (Nhi Phạm. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 02:17:52 GMT

Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái was one of Vietnam’s first anthologies written in Hán characters in prose form. It’s a collection of 22 folk tales, mythologies, and legends surrounding the origin story of the Vietnamese civilization, how our ancestors built and defended our sovereignty, and a myriad of ancient customs and spiritual folk beliefs.

Japanese Mobile Game 'Fate Grand Order' Unveils Hai Bà Trưng as Playable Heroines

paul@saigoneer.com (Thế Anh.) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 11:53:02 GMT

Time for all Vietnamese Masters to save their Saint Quartz.

Handbook Project Empowers Local Communities to Write Their Own Cultural Narratives

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 09:50:17 GMT

“No one could sing our song but ourselves.” — Inrasra, Chăm poet and anthropologist.

Photography Exhibition Spotlights the Beauty and Perils of Vietnam's Mangrove Forests

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Images courtesy of Chiron Duong.) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 05:20:39 GMT

Transcending the boundaries of a conventional art exhibition, “Midnight in the Mangroves - Đêm Trong Rừng Ngập Mặn” tackles the beauty and important environmental role of mangrove forests via the language of photography.

New App ConstructionBnB Helps You Explore Vietnam's Beautiful Construction Sites

hoangnguyenlethai@gmail.com (Saigoneer. Photo by Linh Pham) — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 03:26:51 GMT

If you live in Vietnam, chances are you live next to a construction site: hotels, condos, shopping centers, etc. But why see the same old site every day when there are so many different ones out there to experience?

Thanh Hóa Announces Mắm Tôm-Drinking Contest to Lure International Tourists

matatarski@gmail.com (Saigoneer.) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:15:22 GMT

How much mắm tôm can you chug?

Party Like It's 1985: A New Mixtape Resurrects Vintage Vietnamese New Wave Bangers

khoi@saigoneer.com (Uyên Đỗ. Top image by Simona Nguyễn.) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 02:24:53 GMT

Born of the vivacity and flashiness of the 1980s, a novel wave of music once became the symbol for a whole generation of Vietnamese, and then faded into obscurity at its peak. It took over two decades for this golden era to resurface thanks to the efforts of young musicians.

In Hòa Bình, a Social Enterprise Supports Vietnam's Last Remaining Paper Artisans

khoi@saigoneer.com (Claire Harvey.) — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 07:41:36 GMT

As aid to Vietnamese communities decreases, how do we continue to preserve cultural heritage? Zó Project, an organization based out of Hanoi, offers a compelling example of the role social enterprise can play in Vietnam.

A Mythic Vietnam Through the Brushstrokes of Architecture and History

khoi@saigoneer.com (Yui Nguyễn. Images courtesy of Vũ.) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 10:16:13 GMT

“A steady country is one with a wealth of history and a steady generation is one that can understand and respect the heritage that their forefathers left behind,” Vũ says of his exhibition “Kỳ Ẩn Việt Nam.”

The Charm of Hòn Yến, Where Coral-Watching Doesn't Involve Diving

Mon, 16 May 2022 07:06:30 GMT

Every year, from May to August, when the water reaches its lowest levels at Hòn Yến, a “jungle” of vibrant coral reefs and other marine creatures rises to the surface.

On the Hunt for Colorful Murals in Đà Lạt's Hilly Hẻms

guionbajotal@gmail.com (Paul Christiansen. Photos by Alberto Prieto.) — Mon, 16 May 2022 07:00:41 GMT

Was color a casualty of COVID-19? Along with the freedom to gather, to attend live concerts and travel, did the pandemic rob us of opportunities to fully appreciate color?

In Điện Điên and Mutant Lounge Radio Shows, a Hidden Universe of Vietnam's Electronic Music

khoi@saigoneer.com (Elise Luong. Top image by Phan Nhi.) — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 08:58:44 GMT

Many moons ago I had the pleasure of encountering Tobias Paramore’s lopsided grin in a dimly lit music event in Hanoi. Originally from Australia, Paramore has been creating electronic music since 2003. Currently based in Đà Nẵng, he arrived in Vietnam in 2016 and threw himself into the eclectic underground of Hanoi’s music scene.

Digital Artist Transports Us Back to Hanoi Tramway’s Halcyon Days

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 07:30:54 GMT

Many Hanoians have seen historical photos of the capital’s lost tramway network, which was inaugurated in 1901. What began as a state-of-the-art electric tramway eventually fell into disrepair in the late 20^th century, with some lines continuing to function as late as the 1980s.

12km From Huế, a Hidden Lake Welcomes You to a Night of Stargazing

khoi@saigoneer.com (Tuyết Nhi. Photos by Nguyễn Hữu Bảo.) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 08:50:38 GMT

If you’ve been meaning to embark on a trip to escape from the chaos of daily life but aren’t quite keen to plunge straight into the wilderness, Huế might be the perfect next destination. The city center embodies calm, quietude and a sense of poetic beauty — these are all great qualities that have long drawn visitors to it, but not many are aware that there’s an entirely different side of Huế if one just takes a short ride away from the urban heartland alongside the Perfume River.

Adorable Metro Illustrations Take Viewers on a Joyride Through Saigon

uyendo@urbanistvietnam.com (Uyên Đỗ.) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 09:26:56 GMT

As fans of Vietnam’s busiest city, graphic designers An Nguyễn and Học Nguyễn launched a mock communication campaign to create prospective visual branding for the upcoming Ho Chi Minh City Metro. The vibrant project celebrates the city’s many identities through the crossover between its different lifebloods — namely traffic, food, architecture and people.

Vietnam Post Releases Special Set of Stamps That Smell of Coffee

matatarski@gmail.com (Saigoneer.) — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 09:12:30 GMT

Have you ever sent a letter and thought "I wish there was some coffee in this envelope?"

Sirens of Ha Long Drops New Album, Dedicates Part of Proceeds to Hanoi Rock City

paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:41:05 GMT

Hanoi-based punk group Sirens of Ha Long released a new album last month. They have pledged 50% of the Febuary sales to Hanoi Rock City, a venue they describe as having "given Sirens countless memories we’ll cherish till the day we find our watery graves."

A Local High School Student Gives His Own Textbooks a Sleek Makeover

paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 03:38:48 GMT

"I embarked on the project with the desire to help students like me have a more positive and interesting view of textbooks in particular and learning in general, making subjects no longer an abstract concept, but a close friend you can see through sight, feel, and visualize easily in your head," explains project creator Nam Bảo.

The Wall, a Costume, and a Nation's Identity: How the First Áo Dài Came to Be

khoi@saigoneer.com (Linh Pham. Top graphic by Hannah Hoang.) — Mon, 09 May 2022 02:41:56 GMT

How does a nation represent itself to the world?

An Eclectic Collage of Tigers From the Viewpoint of Vietnamese Artists

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 08:38:27 GMT

The Year of the Tiger is officially here. To celebrate the arrival of the third zodiac animal, many Vietnamese artists have contributed to the community project "Behum 2k22." The name is a portmanteau of Behance and "hùm," which is Vietnamese slang for tigers.

Designer Lucia Phạm's Animated Video Refreshes Tết Wishes With New Visuals

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 08:44:41 GMT

To Lucia Phạm, a young graphic designer and illustrator, creating a personal project for the Lunar New Year has become an annual tradition. This year, instead of crafting static images, Lucia went all-out with an animated video to showcase Tết well-wishes.

[Illustrations] Colorful Cats Simply Being Loveable

paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 10:11:06 GMT

Artist Dương Nguyễn has illustrated a delightful collection of cats who are as vibrant as they are adorable.

[Video] A Wonderfully Whimsical Wander Around Saigon

matatarski@gmail.com (Saigoneer.) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 04:31:45 GMT

Here at Saigoneer, we would argue that you can never have too much whimsy.

'54 Shades of Dần,' a Tribute to Tết in Tiger-Themed Playing Cards

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Images courtesy of Quý Đôn.) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:05:48 GMT

Tết is coming, a time of joy, new beginnings and, for some, the ideal time for card games.

At Hanoi's Thousand-Year-Old Flute Kite Festival, Melodies and Prayers Cross the Sky

khoi@saigoneer.com (Chris Humphrey. Photos by Chris Humphrey.) — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 07:40:43 GMT

Passed down by village forefathers since the Dinh Dynasty, Ba Duong Noi Village’s kite festival has become a source of pride for the local community. With three bamboo flutes attached to each kite, it’s not just a show of color, but rather a symphony that fills the sky.

John Legend to Perform at Vingroup Ceremony in Hanoi Tomorrow

paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 07:08:46 GMT

On January 20, the American singer behind hits such as 'All of Me' and 'Love Me Now' will perform at a Vingroup event at the Hanoi Opera House.

A Vietnamese French Artist Reunites With His Own Roots Through Painting

uyendo@urbanistvietnam.com (Uyên Đỗ. Photos by Lê Thái Hoàng Nguyên.) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:10:23 GMT

On display at Thảo Điền’s Ngõ Art Gallery, the watercolor painting exhibition “Dream” is the conclusion of a decades-long artistic journey that has led a French national to learn more about both his motherland and himself.

'In Art We Trust,' a Propaganda Art Exhibition for Gender Equality

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos by Linh Pham.) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 05:25:23 GMT

Last weekend, Heritage Space and Ơ Kìa Hà Nội held the exhibition “In Art We Trust” — a collection of propaganda art on gender equality — at the Goethe Institute.

In Remembrance of Saigon Street Calls Past

uyendo@urbanistvietnam.com (Như Quỳnh.) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 08:46:15 GMT

Drowned out by the noises of modernization, sounds that once served as the background to a simpler time have begun to shrink, and eventually become lost in the wheel of progress. Tiếng rao, or street calls, happen to be one of those dying noises, but they remain a poignant reminder of the past for many.

The Graceful Rhythms of Áo Dài Through the Lens of Chiron Duong

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer. Photos courtesy of Chiron Duong.) — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 08:11:50 GMT

Dương Quang Đạt, better known as Chiron Duong, is a Vietnamese fine art photographer. One day, his foreign friends asked him about áo dài, and he realized that he hadn’t worked much with this national costume yet.

Indie Meets Classical in a New Rendition of 'Tôi và Em' by Pink Frog

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:37:29 GMT

In the company of three violins, a cello, and a double bass, Pink Frog delivers a version of ‘Tôi và Em’ that is even sweeter than the original.

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

khoi@saigoneer.com (Khôi Phạm. Graphic by Phan Nhi.) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 06:39:21 GMT

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.

Private Company Wants to Build $1.3bn Launchpad in Phú Quốc for Space Tourism

paul@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 02:47:42 GMT

Conglomerate Thaigroup hopes to build the nation's first spaceship launchpad to facilitate space tourism.

Saigoneer's Favorite Original Photography of 2021

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 09:46:16 GMT

If Vietnam was able to skirt the worst of the pandemic in 2020, that was no longer the case this year, which saw major localities in the country battered by waves of COVID-19 deaths and extended bouts of economic downturn.

On Its 100th Birthday, a Brief History of Hanoi's Theater Scene

khoi@saigoneer.com (Chi Phạm and Đức Cầm. Top graphic by Vũ Hải Anh.) — Thu, 12 May 2022 03:42:47 GMT

Hanoi is home to many kinds of art forms, but to me, theater is the most special — an art that blends charisma, brilliance, and elegance. When I was growing up in Hanoi, my father used to take me to the Old Quarters to have Trang Tien ice cream and catch the plays at the Hanoi Opera House. No one in my family is an artist, but we have been in love with the stage for the past 20 years.

A Series of Live Sessions That Add a Classical Flair to Pop Favorites

khoi@saigoneer.com (Saigoneer.) — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:57:43 GMT

Continuing with their goal to bring to the table a different musical experience, 8 the Theatre returns this month with a new project to combine classical music with a contemporary stage.

Exhibition 'Hà Nội Là' Showcases How Local Youths Define the Capital

hoangnguyenlethai@gmail.com (Saigoneer.) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:57:26 GMT

Twenty-nine outstanding artworks from the illustration contest “Hà Nội Là” are on displayed at the French Institute in Hanoi-L’Espace from December 18, 2021 to January 2, 2022.

Have an Interest in Creating? Saigon's Ươm Art Hub Welcomes All.

khoi@saigoneer.com (Uyên Đỗ. Photos by Lê Thái Hoàng Nguyên.) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:22:58 GMT

“There’s nothing much to say of Ươm except for the fact that it’s a collective of zany 20-somethings aspiring to do something that one might sort of categorize as ‘creative.’” — This is how Ươm Art Hub, Saigon’s brand-new creative commune, describes themselves.

Inside Á Space's Residency Program Where Emerging Artists Shine

khoi@saigoneer.com (Bex Hughes. Photos courtesy of Á Space.) — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 07:41:50 GMT

Founded in May 2018, Á Space offers a safe haven for burgeoning young Vietnamese artists, offering them a platform to actualize their ideas while inviting them to participate in Hanoi’s contemporary art scene.

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

khoi@saigoneer.com (Diệu Anh. Images courtesy of Khô Mực Studio.) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:16:11 GMT

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