in Saigon

A Brief History of Cung Văn Hóa Lao Động and Saigon's First Swimming Pool

Once a fashionable rendezvous for the elite of colonial society, the Labour Culture Palace ( Cung Văn hoá Lao động ) ...

Paul Christiansen

in Vietnam

In Bình Định, a Museum Retells Nguyễn Huệ's Glorious Life via Vivid Murals

About 45 kilometers from downtown Quy Nhơn stands the Quang Trung Museum (Bảo tàng Quang Trung), one of Vietnam’s finest museums.

in Vietnam

Quy Nhơn's Rustic Coastal Charms in the 1960s via Vintage Photos

Saigoneer makes no attempts to hide our love for Quy Nhơn.

in Hanoi

The Rich History Behind One of Hanoi's 2 Remaining Chinese Guild Halls

With the changing gears of history, at times even the oldest layers of a thousand-year-old town must evolve to house new meanings.

in Vietnam

The History of Hanoi's Lost Tramway Network

When they first drew up plans for a citywide tramway network in 1894, it seemed as though the Hanoi authorities would follow Saigon’s example by opting for steam traction. Yet, by the time government approval was forthcoming in 1899, advances in technology made it possible to construct the entire system as a state-of-the-art, one-meter gauge electric tramway.

in Vietnam

Wander Through the Streets of the Old Quarter in 1995 Hanoi

What do you miss most about the 1990s?

Back Heritage

in Heritage

[Photos] This Is What Saigon Looked Like 150 Years Ago

These rare photographs are the work of Émile Gsell, the first commercial photographer based in Saigon.

in Vietnam

A Train Ride From Saigon To Nha Trang (1952)

During his short time in Vietnam, Swiss photojournalist, Werner Bischof, captured rarely seen slices of life on a train from Saigon to Nha Trang in 1952.

in Saigon

Ancient Tombs of Saigon: Phan Tan Huynh Tomb

Hidden away at the end of an alley in Phu Nhuan is the forgotten tomb of Marshal Le Van Duyet’s deputy, Phan Tan Huynh.

in Saigon

Ancient Tombs of Saigon: The Lâm Tam Lang Tomb

Described by one local expert as “a rare surviving vestige of its era,” the tomb of Lâm Tam Lang and his wife in Tao Đàn Park is one of the city’s abiding mysteries.

in Saigon

15 Nostalgic Photos of Life in 1990s Saigon

When she arrived in Saigon in 1990, Catherine Karnow was introduced to local legends such as General Vo Nguyen Giap by her father, historian Stanley Karnow. Over the past 25 years, she has continued t...

in Saigon

In Search Of Saigon’s US Vestiges: Part 2

As the international media descends on the city for the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, travel companies report a growing demand from returning American veterans for tours which point out the ...

in Saigon

In Search Of Saigon’s US Vestiges – Part 1

As the international media descends on the city for the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, travel companies report a growing demand from returning American veterans for tours which point out the ...

in Vietnam

[Photos] This Is What Life in Vietnam Looked Like 100 Years Ago

When photographer, Charles Peyrin, visited Vietnam in the 1920’s, he snapped dozens of candid shots that offer a rare glimpse into the daily life of locals and French colonists.

in Saigon

What Does The Future Hold For Petrus Ky’s Mausoleum And Memorial House?

Not yet recognised as a heritage site, the Mausoleum and Memorial House of Pétrus Ký, one of Việt Nam’s greatest intellects, has fallen into a state of disrepair.

in Vietnam

[Video] Public Transportation In Old(er) Hanoi

While the last streetcar disappeared from Saigon’s streets in 1959, Hanoi held on to theirs until 1989. By the time service ended, the city’s light rail system was completely dilapidated aft...

in Saigon

Date With The Wrecking Ball: 606 Trần Hưng Đạo

The grand old villa at 606 Trần Hưng Đạo, one of Chợ Quán’s few remaining heritage buildings, is currently threatened with redevelopment.

in Saigon

[Video] Inside A 1972 Saigon Áo Dài Beauty Pageant

This short video was filmed at an áo dài beauty contest that took place in Saigon on November 27, 1972 to raise funds for the Vì Dân Hospital project.

in Saigon

16 Rare Photos That Show Life In Saigon After Japanese Surrender (1945)

These rare photos, taken by John Florea in October 1945, show what life was like in Saigon as Japanese forces laid down their arms following four years of occupation. 

in Saigon

Date With The Wrecking Ball: Ba Son Shipyard

According to a recent article in Thanh Niên newspaper, the Ba Son Shipyard – Saigon’s oldest and most important maritime heritage site, recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1993 as...

in Saigon

Old Saigon Building Of The Week: 32 Hàm Nghi

Notwithstanding its 1939 makeover, the flat iron building at the corner of Hàm Nghi and Hồ Tùng Mậu street is still one of the city’s most attractive colonial relics.

in Saigon

Old Saigon Building of the Week: The Former Grall Hospital

One of the oldest hospitals in Asia, the Children’s Hospital 2 (Bệnh viện Nhi đồng 2) at 14 Lý Tự Trọng began life as a French military hospital.

in Vietnam

These 25 Pictures Show What Life Was Like in 1990 Hanoi

These photos, taken just as the effects of “Đổi Mới” reforms were kicking in, show a Hanoi transitioning from an impoverished capital city into one embarking on a path towards the free market.

in Saigon

Old Saigon Building Of The Week: The Municipal Theatre

Built by the French at the mid-point of historic rue Catinat, the Municipal Theatre is one of Saigon's most iconic landmarks.

in Heritage

[Photos] Inside The Pages Of “Saigon Roundup”

Saigon Roundup was a weekly, English-language digest and advertising magazine published by International Publicity Agent during the 1960s. While its pages may not hold particularly stellar examples of...

in Saigon

Icons Of Old Saigon: The Canal Bonard

Though now little more than a rat-infested sewer, the former canal Bonard was once a busy waterway which made an immense contribution to the economic prosperity of Chợ Lớn. As work begins to restore t...