Tracing the History of 'Hello Vietnam,' the Overnight Sensation From Europe
Most people who have flown with VietJet are probably familiar with the song ‘Hello Vietnam’ or its Vietnamese version ‘Xin chào Việt Nam.’ As it's often played during landing, tourists might mistake the song for a cute jingle of the company, but the meaning behind the song lyrics is much more nostalgic. It’s about a person of Vietnamese descent longing for their ancestor’s homeland, a place they’ve never been — a story that can certainly strike a chord with many Vietnamese people. Few know, however, that this song was originally a French-language song, one that was almost never released.
Khôi Phạm in Music & Arts
The Little Moments of Stillness on Hanoi Streets via Artist Hoàng Hiền's Illustrations
Whether they're from Saigon, Hanoi or Đà Nẵng, urbanites in Vietnam have all grown up amid the chaos of local street culture, where the pulses of civic life churn with every vendor, family business, and gig worker. "Moment of Stillness," a collection of colorful illustrations by artist Hoàng Thanh Hiền, was born of the artist's keen observations of the familiar scenes in her immediate surroundings.
Dispatch From Udine: Vietnam's Cinema Reaches the World Stage While Rooted in Local Culture
Vietnamese cinema experienced a watershed moment at the 28th Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy.
Short Story Collection 'Gills' Pieces Together a Raw and Complex Portrait of Saigon
Saigon’s landscape looks dramatically different from how it did three or even two decades ago. As the country’s economic powerhouse, Saigon has seen rapid urban development: new highrises like Landmark 81 and the Bitexco Financial Tower that now define the city’s skyline, new urban infrastructure like the Ba Son Bridge and Saigon’s first metro line, as well as the city’s expansion into areas like District 7’s Phú Mỹ Hưng and District 2’s Thủ Thiêm. If the west has long viewed Saigon under the shadow of war, it is clear that such a rigid frame fails to contain the Saigon of today, whose entropic inner life seems to constantly overflow; with motorbikes onto sidewalks, loud honks through windows, and rainpour over Saigon’s riverbeds.
Paul Christiansen in Culture
Whale Worship: Exploring the Role of Whales in Vietnam's Coastal Lore
In 1799, the ferocious Tây Sơn army forced the first Nguyễn Emperor, Nguyễn Ánh, and his troops to flee to the sea. While making their escape, a great storm engulfed the retreating army. As their ship’s mast shivered and the hull shuddered, threatening to break it into splinters, a great whale rose from the depths. It lifted the emperor's boat and carried him and his men to safety. To thank the animal, Ánh bestowed upon whales the official title of "Nam Hải Cự Tộc Ngọc Lân Thượng Đẳng Thần," which was shortened to Cá Ông, or “Lord Fish.”
A Special 'Doraemon' Episode Taking Place in Vietnam Will Be Released in May
After decades of watching Doraemon and his close friend groups adventure to all sorts of strange lands from the deepest trenches on Earth to fantastical planets, fans of the beloved cat robot in Vietnam will finally see our country in the cartoon series.
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.
Mầm in Music & Arts
Vietnamese Painter Một Quả Tắc Creates an Intimate and Gentle World on Silk
Silk is an inherently finicky, demanding medium. Yet from the very first encounter, Quế Hương had chose to embrace its temperament and has devoted herself to it for nearly a decade.
Vietnam's Representative Wins Mrs. Universe 2017
A Vietnamese-American woman was recently crowned Mrs. Universe 2017, making it the first time a Vietnamese participant has ever achieved the title in such a pageant.
[Photos] Japanese Artisan Creates Meticulous Animal Sculptures From Sugar Syrup
These handmade Japanese confections are almost too exquisite to eat.
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 ...
[Photos] Chinese Photoshop Genius Reimagines 'Game of Thrones' Characters as Street Vendors
The most recent season of 'Game of Thrones' may have ended on Sunday, but fans of the show can now visit their favorite characters in China - through Photoshop, that is.
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.
Popular EDM Duo The Chainsmokers to Play Saigon in September
Pop duo The Chainsmokers will perform in Saigon on September 14 as a part of the Asian leg of their “Memories…Do not open” world tour.
Ariana Grande Cancels Saigon Concert 4 Hours Before Showtime
Saigon’s Arianators must be feeling devastated at the moment.
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...
How Widespread Art Fraud Could Tarnish Vietnam’s Reputation on International Market
The popularity of Vietnamese art is on the rise internationally, but its reputation is in jeopardy as more and more incidents of art fraud are being uncovered.
[Illustrations] A Colorful Collection of Saigon Landmarks
From its earliest days, Saigon has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history, the stories of which live on in its most iconic landmarks.
[Illustrations] Osaka Illustrator Turns Hometown Into Manga Backdrop With Quirky Sketches
An Osaka-based illustrator turns his hometown into detailed ballpoint sketches that could pass for the backdrop of a manga series.
'Dunkirk' Director Christopher Nolan Was in Saigon During the Weekend
Some hopeful fans were wondering if he was in the country to find inspiration for a Dunkirk 2.
[Photos] Squeeze Through Hanoi's Tightest Old Quarter Alleys
If you think Saigon’s hẻms are narrow, these Hanoi alleys shown below will make you question your notion of personal space.
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, ...
Art Photographer Explores Vietnam's Spirituality Through Muted Conversations
In his latest exhibition, Muted Conversations, Vu Tien Dat invites his audience to explore the unspoken in Vietnam’s spirituality and superstitions.
Vietnamese Cineplex Galaxy Cinema Looking to Exit Movie Market
Vietnam’s movie fans will be disappointed to find out that one of their favorite cinema chains is leaving the market.
[Podcast] Renovation Generation: Suboi's Hard-Earned Wisdom
For Renovation Generation’s latest installment, the Hanoi-based team took a trip down to Saigon to speak with the country’s "Queen of Hip-Hop", Suboi.
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...
Vietnamese-French Playwright Uncovers Vietnamese Immigrants' Lives on Stage
Saigon, Caroline Guiale Nguyen's new play, taps into the untold stories of Vietnamese exiles and their struggles to settle themselves abroad.
Ha Giang Artisan Brings Mong Flax Brocade to International Markets
An entrepreneurial artisan from Ha Giang province recently made the list of the top 50 most influential women in Vietnam in 2017 because of her contribution in bridging the gap between her hometown’s ...
