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.

Back Arts & Culture

in Film & TV

Three VTV Documentaries Shortlisted for International Broadcasting Awards

State-run television network VTV has made the shortlist in three categories of this year’s Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) Prizes.

in Arts & Culture

[Photos] Romanian Photographer Captures North Korean Fashion Sense

A Romanian photographer has released a collection of photographs of everyday women in North Korea taken during a recent trip to the reclusive country.

in Culture

[Photos] The Fabulous Lives of Hong Kong's Shop Cats

Life as a cat in Hong Kong’s shops is fabulous.

in Culture

[Photos] The Discomfort of a Rush Hour Ride on Tokyo's Metro

Though it’s not (yet) a reality for Saigoneers, there are certain discomforts inherent in a rush hour commute by metro.

in Arts & Culture

[Photos] This Thai Cosplayer Is the Light the World Needs

If you’re still looking for costume ideas this Halloween, look no further than Toffie, Thailand’s schoolgirl cosplayer extraordinaire.

in Arts & Culture

#WeAreSaigoneer: Instagram Shots of the Week

From boats and bicycles to the epic landscapes of the Central Highlands, this is what we saw through our lens this week.

in Culture

[Photos] 3D-Printed Chess Set Features Famous Figures From Vietnamese History

A trio of RMIT students are turning heads after creating a custom chess set featuring famous figures from Vietnamese history.

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.   

in Arts & Culture

#WeAreSaigoneer: Instagram Shots of the Week

From countryside farms to Saigon street food, this is what we saw through our lens this week.

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.

in Arts & Culture

[Podcast] Renovation Generation: Plaaastic, Fashion Blogger Extraordinaire and Queen of Virtual Emo

In this installment of Renovation Generation, the Hanoi-based podcast team sits down with Plaaastic, the mysterious mind behind one of the region’s most popular fashion blogs.

in Music & Arts

Saigon Dance Crew Breaks It Down on Nguyen Hue

Since opening in April 2015, Nguyen Hue walking street has become the “it” place for young Saigoneers to take a stroll and hang out with friends. But for Good Morning Vietnam, a group of six energetic...

in Arts & Culture

#WeAreSaigoneer: Instagram Shots of the Week

From shipyards to fishing villages, this is what we saw through our lens this week.

in Culture

[Photos] National History Museum Celebrates 90s ‘Luxury Items’ From Hanoi

In the age of Instagram, selfies and social media, it’s easy to forget how much Vietnam has changed in the last few decades.

in Arts & Culture

[Photos] Saigon Stormaggedon Gives Birth to Epic Memes

As torrential downpours flood the city for the third straight day, Saigoneers are finding solace – or, at the very least, entertainment – by way of the internet.

Brian Letwin

in Arts & Culture

‘Co Hau Gai’: Horror as a Vessel for History

Vietnamese cinema is entering a new stage of development, one in which Vietnam-based directors are seeking to create compelling storylines that keep up with the industry’s ever-increasing production q...

in Arts & Culture

[Photos] Photographer Highlights Tokyo’s Surrealistic Neon-Lit Nightscape

The first time Liam Wong visited Tokyo, he was captivated by the buzzing energy of the Japanese capital. Enamored of its crowded streets and lively nightlife, Wong returned to Tokyo for a second trip,...

in Arts & Culture

[Podcast] Renovation Generation: Hoang Duc Minh’s Socially Conscious Startup

In its most recent episode, Hanoi’s Renovation Generation podcast profiles techie Hoang Duc Minh.

in Arts & Culture

#WeAreSaigoneer: Instagram Shots of the Week

From waterfalls to power lines to a sea of umbrellas, this is what we saw through our lens this week.

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.