Composer Hoàng Việt and a Radical Romance Across the North-South Border
In a country fractured by ideology, Hoàng Việt's love for his wife Ngọc Hạnh persisted like a secret melody carried across closed borders by weak radio signals, and letters that had to circle the globe before finding their way home.
The Cultural Depths in Contemporary Hip-Hop Dance ‘129BPM: Động Phách Tách Kén’
Have you ever witnessed a live performance so powerful that it still lives in your mind weeks later? “129BPM: Động Phách Tách Kén” is not your usual hip-hop breakdance battle, but a contemporary dance performance combining live music with Vietnamese folk elements. It is a journey that requires your full presence and attention to appreciate its fleeting and transformative moments.
New 'Số Đỏ' Movie Announced, Directed by Phan Gia Nhật Linh, Starring MONO
Another classic of Vietnamese literature is heading to the big screen in the near future.
Thi Nguyễn in Loạt Soạt
Revisiting the Delicious Satirical Society of 'Số Đỏ' by Vũ Trọng Phụng
Published in 1938, Dumb Luck , or Số Đỏ , remains one of Vietnam's most popular and controversial novels. Vũ Trọng Phụng was ...
Severine Phương Trần's Debut Exhibition in Saigon Celebrates a World of Colors
Step into Severine Phương Trần’s first-ever exhibition in Saigon, where you can explore the artist’s inner world of vibrant colors and different emotions. To fully enjoy this exhibition, it is best to let your inner child and imagination roam free and allow the flow of colors and different sceneries to guide you through a journey of creativity, self-discovery, and personal artistic transformation.
From Germany to 'King of Rap' Runner-up: How Tuimi Becomes a Hip-Hop Breakout Star
Tuimi, a Vietnamese German singer and rapper, has become one of the most notable female voices in the local hip-hop scene and been making big waves since her return in 2019.
Paul Christiansen in Travel
Ruminate on Our Natural Legacies While Surrounded by Cây Sao at Ao Bà Om
I never pass up an opportunity to reflect on chò nâu and its dipterocarp relative, cây sao. The massive trees that gracefu...
What Will Become of Chợ Quê in the Era of Widespread Online Shopping?
Firmly taking root in everyday life, our hometown markets — chợ quê — are not simply a place to trade, but also puzzle pieces that make up childhood memories, holiday excitement, and even tales of hardships and life milestones of countless people.
Graphic Designer Recreates Saigon's Colorful Concrete Tiles in New Book
When Giang Nguyen decided to hunt for old typography around Saigon, what began as a personal research project soon grew into an obsession with the city's old-school design.
[Photos] 13 Pictures of Vietnamese Locks in the Wild
When parking your bike for five minutes or simmering your broth for five hours, it’s hard to take stranger’s goodwill for granted. These photos show how some Vietnamese take the necessary steps for pr...
December Movies at Saigon's Alternative Film Venues
The awards season has officially started and for once, we welcome the razzle-dazzle that will come in the next three months, after a very dull summer, which was rescued only by independent cinema. The...
Event Rewind: Saigon Soul Pool Party @ The New World Hotel
As the Saigon rains yield to hot and dry weather, the time is right for the return of the Saigon Soul Pool Party.
Brian Letwin in Culture
[Photos] The Bike Blanket is Taking Hanoi by Storm
While Vietnamese people are well versed in sun protection gear, a new niche product has become an increasingly common sight on Hanoi’s roads – the bike blanket (think Snuggie for motorbikes).
Zelda Goes to the Gallery: In Opposite 2
Ngo Van Sac presents a fragmented and polarized reality in his latest solo exhibition In Opposite 2. Magic and reality, tradition and capitalism, nature and fabrication are the opposing elem...
[Video] This Animated MV Made by Local Artists Will Give You All the Feels
Animated with beautiful black and white watercolor illustrations, the music video for 00:00 not only provides a stimulating visual experience, but also shows off the creative skills of a group of youn...
[Video] Vietnamese Director’s Animated Film Makes Oscar Shortlist
Saigon-born, Paris-based director Nguyen Phuong Mai has struck gold with her professional cinematic debut. Her short film, My Home will compete with nine others for an Oscar nod this year.
Da Nang to Host First Southeast Asia Skateboarding Championships
Vietnam seems to play second fiddle to its more developed SE Asian neighbors when it comes to sporting events. In what is hopefully a signal of this trend’s reversal, the World Skateboarding Federatio...
Maison Kenji: Emerging Designers Push the Vision of Fashion in Vietnam
As one of the newest players in the town, Maison Kenji brings a Euro-Asian flare to Saigon’s fashion scene. These Japanese-inspired, modern and ethically conscious threads distinguish this new indepen...
Local Illustrator Recreates Famous Saigon Street Corners
In From Saigon, a series of colorful drawings, freelance illustrator and graphic designer Lys Bui manages to capture the charm of several well-known Saigon locales, including Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Hue...
Drone Video Shows Off the Ruins, Salt Farms and Pristine Beaches of Central Vietnam
While many of the drone videos we post capture Vietnam’s cityscapes and well-known natural wonders, every now and then we find one focused on less-traveled locations.
[Photos] 5 Vietnamese Photographers Win at International Photo Contest
Last month, the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) announced the winners for their annual photo contest and five Vietnamese photographers found themselves in the top 27.
[Photos] Réhahn Returns With Another Stunning Photo Book
When we meet at a cafe nestled down the alley of 3A Station, Réhahn brings a copy of his second book with him. Based on its weight alone, you can tell how much work the Hoi An-based French photographe...
New King Kong Flick to Film in Son Doong Cave
Son Doong will soon be paid a visit by another of the world’s most exotic attractions (albeit a fictional one) – King Kong.
[Video] The Game Bored Kids Play in the Mekong Delta
Quick: what do you do with a wooden plank, a bicycle and a lot of free time?
[Video] In Case You Were Wondering What Vietnamese Prison Is Like
As a general rule, prison sucks. Anytime you're forced to wake up at a certain hour, go to sleep at a certain hour, eat cafeteria food and wear the same outfit as everyone else, life is not going your...
[Photos] $60,000 Áo Dài Sets New Record
Last month, during the second annual Vietnam International Fashion Week, the folks at PNJ Jewelry decided to kick their áo dài game up a notch by debuting the most spangly, shimmering, outrageously ex...
A Rich Guy in Thai Nguyen Dropped $135,000 on a Lucky Phone Number
When you're filthy rich, it's hard to keep a firm grasp on reality. This is why Mike Tyson owns a pet tiger and Gwyneth Paltrow is trying to sell everyone gold-plated juicers for Christmas.
[Video] Vietnam Airlines Is Bringing Its A-Game With This TV Commercial
Vietnam Airlines is really stepping up its game these days. Between a fleet of sexy new Dreamliner planes and its recent investment in international TV spots, the country's national carrier is we...
