Khôi Phạm

in Literature

5 Indie Bookstores in Saigon for Those Who Are Addicted to the Scent of Paper

Most Saigoneers who spent their formative years in the 2000s and 2010s probably grew up amongst the aisles of bookstores, not because we were particularly bookaholic, but because they were pretty much the only third place around with free air-conditioning.

Paul Christiansen

in Music & Arts

Review: Saigon Soul Revival Returns to Familiar Inspiration on 3rd Album ‘Chốn Ta Về’

More ambitious and self-assured than ever, Saigon Soul Revival (SSR) embraces their own sound and its many influences on their latest album, “Chốn ta về.”

in Music & Arts

Phương Mỹ Chi's Latest MV Tells Eternal Love Story in Vietnam's Khmer Community

After forays into the worlds of reality TV and cinema, Vietnam’s folk pop princess Phương Mỹ Chi has returned to her roots with a fresh new full-length album, pioneered by the lead single ‘Thiên đường với người thương’ (lit: In heaven with my beloved).

in Music & Arts

Tracing My Family's Fondness for French Tunes, From Colonial Times to Vietnamese Versions

“Tombe la merde; tu ne viendras pas ce soir [Shit is falling; you’re not coming tonight]”: an outburst of laughter and applause would inevitably fill the room as my dad, in his deep, mellifluous voice, put his own profane twist on Salvatore Adamo’s ‘Tombe la neige.’ This track, like ‘Paroles… Paroles…’ by Dalida or Christophe’s ‘Aline,’ are widely known and adored in both France and my family in Vietnam. My childhood unfolded against these rhythms, melodies, and lyrics, whose origins were so far removed from me, both temporally and geographically.

in Culture

But What Even Is an Expat: Unpacking the Highly Contentious Term, in Vietnam and Abroad

“Expat is a racist as hell term” — this is the take of Misan Harriman on the popular internet show  SubwayTakes. The ...

Adrien Jean

in Travel

The Enigmatic Neon-Lit World in the Mist of Sapa

Is there a more atmospheric place in Vietnam than Sapa on a misty night?

Khôi Phạm

in Music & Arts

Review: Pieces of Me | Nao Yoshioka (feat. Mỹ Anh)

Mỹ Anh has come a long way since becoming the runner-up of The Heroes in 2021. Five years later, now with a full-length album and a spectrum of singles and extended plays under her belt, the Hanoi-based artist has proven to be one of the most dynamic singer-songwriter-producer of her generation.

in Music & Arts

Art Exhibition ‘Limerence’ Explores Where Romantic Desire Distorts Into Obsession

Thom Nguyen utilizes portraiture and depictions of mushrooms and organic objects to explore the concept of limerence in a solo exhibition at Permanently Closed Gallery in Thảo Điền, beginning Friday, August 28.

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Kit Humphrey

in Culture

[Photos] Manga Costumes and Virtual Idols at Japanese Cosplay Festival

Last weekend, the Ichigo Ichie 2018 Japanese Culture Festival - Kamisama & Yokai, which took place at Hanoi Children's Cultural Center, brought gloriously eccentric cosplay characters to the capital.

Kit Humphrey

in Music & Arts

Interactive Art Installation ‘Synescape: Please Touch’ Enthralls the Senses

Anita Wilczęga sits on a stool in Tinh Dau art studio, trying to explain the final project she’ll curate in Vietnam before departing for Italy. Behind her, ten white boxes hang from the rafters, swayi...

in Film & TV

[Video] This Tongue-in-Cheek Short Film Imagines a World Without Bum Guns

Empty toilet paper holder, not a single tissue or scrap of useless paper in your pocket and no one else in the bathroom to head your calls for help: its a nightmare we all understand. 

in Literature

Hanoi Autumn Book Fair Taking Place This Week

The event will be held from August 22 to 26 at Thong Nhat Park, running from 8am to 10pm every day.

in Arts & Culture

The Horror-Comedy Zombie Flick That's Raking in 250 Times Its Budget in Japan

Made by a group of unknowns, One Cut of the Dead, cost just US$27,000 but is set to earn US$10 million amid international acclaim.

Paul Christiansen

in Postcards

Saigon Postcard No. 9: The City's Traffic Shoals

The city's motorbikes move with an effortless grace governed by rules reserved for groups of fish.

in Music & Arts

[Illustrations] Preserving Hanoi's Old-School Cool in Digital Stamps

When was the last time you sent a letter or used a stamp?

in Music & Arts

Q&A: How A O Show Creative Director Tuan Le Actualized His Vision for Performance Art in Vietnam

Some may say that modern performance art in Vietnam looks the way it does thanks to the works of Tuan Le and his colleagues. Almost two decades into a series of smashing theatrical successes across th...

in Music & Arts

Q&A: AO Show Creative Director Tuan Le Had a Vision for Performance Art in Vietnam. And He Built It.

Some may say that modern performance art in Vietnam looks the way it does thanks to the works of Tuan Le and his colleagues. Almost two decades into a series of smashing theatrical successes across th...

in Music & Arts

[Illustrations] Local Illustrator Captures the Charm of Vietnam in Mini Icons

When asked for the reasons why one loves Vietnam, many might hesitate. There is a lot to love about this chaotic, eclectic, bewildering nation; but there is a lot to frown upon as well.

in Film & TV

[Video] Vingroup Premieres First-Ever Animated Series by In-House Studio VinTaTa

Have you ever wondered what a Vingroup-funded animated series would look like?

in Music & Arts

Sixty Square: Crumbling Colonial Buildings House Hanoi’s Hippest New Art Quarter

Ever since the closure of Zone 9, Hanoi’s young artists have been longing for a new spot to rise from the ashes and fill the hole the defunct art hub left in the capital's creative landscape. Creative...

in Music & Arts

[Photos] In Minimalist Street Photography, Good Frames Come to Those Who Wait

Photographer Victor Morante is all about the little details in a frame.

in Film & TV

Hanoi Queer Film Week Provides Platform for Vietnam's LGBTQ Voices

Starting today and running until Friday, August 17, Hanoi International Queer Film Week 2018 (HIQFW), will include 14 film screenings followed by audience discussions. 

in Podcast

Saigoneer Podcast: Seafood Fight, Traditional Medicine and L'Arrange Rhum

We're a quarter of the way to 100 episodes!

in Music & Arts

[Illustrations] Minimalist Pastel Renditions of Hanoi’s Historic Landmarks

Local illustrator Nguyen Minh Trang brings calming colors and geometric aesthetics to some of the capital’s most striking architecture.

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 Film & TV

Ahead of Its Premiere Next Week, 'The Bachelor Vietnam' Reveals the Bachelor in New Trailer

The Vietnam adaptation of American reality TV show The Bachelor will premiere this month.

in Film & TV

Vietnam's Cinema Industry to Receive $50m Financial Boost

Lack of funding has always been an issue for Vietnam's film industry.

in Podcast

Saigoneer Podcast: Exercise in Vietnam, Street Cred and Hanoi Zine Library

Episode 24 is out now!