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 Music & Arts

[Video] Check out David Bowie's 1983 Tour of Southeast Asia

If you're at all human – or, for that matter, alien – you heard of the passing of David Bowie last week. The prolific musician was not only celebrated for his unique sound and chart-topping hits ...

in Culture

[Pictograms] Chinese-German Graphic Designer Captures What Happens When East Meets West

When she was 13, Yang Liu moved from China to Germany. Ever since, the graphic designer has been learning to navigate the myriad differences that exist between eastern and western culture.

in Film & TV

Vietnam Filming of 'King Kong' to Begin in February

Next month, Vietnam will once again prepare for its Hollywood close-up, as filming for Kong: Skull Island is set to begin.

in Film & TV

January Movies at Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues

With both the Golden Globes (you can find a full list of nominations here) and the Oscars looming, it is an (almost) all-American program this month at Saigon's alternative film venues. From a sci-fi ...

in Culture

Vietnamese Model Confesses to Plagiarism, Doesn't Care

We've all seen our fair share of “Chanel” and “Gucci” floating around this city. In the world of contemporary Vietnamese fashion, imitation – or out-and-out plagiarism – is the sincerest form of flatt...

in Music & Arts

Bollywood Is Coming to Vietnam

India and Vietnam may be seeing a lot more cooperation between cinematic industries in the coming year.

in Film & TV

American Film Seeking Vietnamese Actress to Star Alongside Matt Damon

Think Matt Damon is dreamy? We have good news for you.

in Music & Arts

Zelda Goes To The Gallery: Hope

From social critique and political satire to the celebration of human strength, Hope – the inaugural exhibition of Craig Thomas Gallery's new downtown location – is the most personal exhibition to dat...

in Culture

Here's What Vietnam Googled This Year

Looking back on 2015, Vietnam's internet search history suggests we could all use a good cry and a hug.

in Music & Arts

Saigoneer’s Picks: 10 Places to Buy Artsy Gifts in Vietnam

From rich textile traditions to innovative contemporary art, ethnic minority handicrafts and dozens of local and international designers, there's far more to shopping in Vietnam than conical hats and ...

in Music & Arts

Vietnam Immune to 'Star Wars' Fever

Last weekend, moviegoers the world over collectively went insane over the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Fans of the franchise purchased tickets weeks in advance, the internet was abuzz with...

in Music & Arts

[Video] Local Videographer Shows Why Sapa Is Awesome in Under 5 Minutes

Any good traveler will tell you that the best way to explore a place is by getting to know the locals.

in Music & Arts

[Video] Take a Look at Giant 17th-Century Drawings of Vietnam

History books tend to make for dry reading. Of course, they're full of important facts and details to be remembered for generations to come, but if you're looking for an interesting read, historical r...

in Arts & Culture

[Photos] Cu Chi Teen Creates Model Planes, Ships out of Recycled Materials

Anyone can get a little carried away with a hobby, but Cu Chi teen Nguyen Chi Thanh is taking his love of model military vehicles to a whole new level.

in Culture

Vietnamese Gameshow Contestants Make Terrible Fake DJs

The fastest way to a man's heart is through impeccable fake DJ skills. We all know it's true: you may have intelligence or beauty or an incredible sense of confidence, but a woman is nothing without t...

in Culture

[Video] Hanoi Newlyweds Celebrate Marriage With Military Jeep Parade

Ever wonder what happened to all those American Jeeps left over from the 60s?

in Culture

[Video] Vietnamese YouTubers Show You How to Step Up Your Social Media Game

In the increasingly cutthroat competition for social media attention, modern internet users must be well-versed in the art of sống ảo, or virtual living. Fishing for likes, staying relevant on social ...

in Music & Arts

Soul Archive Captures Vietnam’s Spirit Through Its Photographers

A quick Google search is all it takes to learn that photography about Vietnam is still predominantly linked to the war or, if not, dominated by images of the country’s iconic landscapes. Yet anyone li...

in Film & TV

Agent Orange Documentary Shortlisted for Oscar

An American film about a Vietnamese teen has been shortlisted in the Documentary Short Subject category for the 88th Academy Awards.

in Arts & Culture

[Photos] A Sneak Peek at Miss Universe Vietnam's Stunning Áo Dài

On December 16, Pham Huong will grace the 2015 Miss Universe stage in style.