Thành Đồng's Music Is a Breath of Fresh Air in the Era of Overproduction
Inspired by life 's simple joys, Thành Đồng delivers a sense of familiarity, earnestness, and narrative richness with every song.
Hanoi's Largest Indoor Aquarium Is Surprisingly Impressive for a Mall Attraction
I am a champion of the public aquarium. For many people, the aquarium is the only place where they can meet marine life outside of perhaps a wet market or seafood restaurant. Some research suggests that watching fish swim around can reduce stress and lower blood pressure, and that seeing marine life in their (simulated) habitats can inspire people to care more about these endangered species in their besieged environments. For the serious study of marine life, aquaria allow biologists to observe the behaviors of animals that are otherwise difficult to observe in nature. Vietnam has a few public aquaria: the Viện Hải Dương Học and Trí Nguyên Aquarium in Nha Trang, the Vinpearland-branded aquaria in Hanoi, Phú Quốc, and Nha Trang, and a handful of others. When Vietnam’s newest aquarium opened at the end of last summer, I had to go take a look.
Britain’s Prestigious North London Collegiate School Arrives in Vietnam
A World-class IB Family of schools with 175 years of exceptional education in the UK, Korea, Dubai, Singapore, and Vietnam invites families to join.
Paul Christiansen in Loạt Soạt
Social Commentary, Empathy in Nguyễn Quang Thân's Short Story Collection
Nguyễn Quang Thân passed away on March 4, 2017, several weeks before I moved to Saigon. So of course I never met him, but I feel like I know him. My first introduction was via An Insignificant Family, the fictionalized memoir written by his wife, writer Dạ Ngân, which includes a description of the 10 years they spent apart, writing letters to one another from opposite ends of the nation, followed by their life together. In the years since I first interviewed her about that novel, I’ve been blessed to be adopted as her son; one of the greatest gifts of my life. No visit with her goes past without him being mentioned. For years, Nguyễn Quang Thân has simply been Ba Thân.
Paul Christiansen in Music & Arts
At Bùi Chát's Painting Exhibition, a Freedom to Feel Without Preconceptions
Contemporary art can intimidate viewers. People often think they need familiarity with certain histories, theories, philosophies and biographies to appreciate a painting. I have friends who do not have a formal art education or extensive art background and thus think visual art is not for them.
Paul Christiansen in Literature
How Nam Cao Almost Ruined My Favorite Canal Cafe
Spoilers for an 80-year-old story that every student in the nation is required to read: the dog dies, the old man dies, his son's misfortunes show no sign of abetting. Simply, misery abounds at the end of “Lão Hạc.”
Paul Christiansen in In Plain Sight
On a Boat Ride Through Nhiêu Lộc Canal, a Fish's-Eye View of Saigon
Could your life in Saigon be made into a quirky indie film?
Galuocad's Artworks Create a Universe of Very-Vietnamese Whimsy
Staying in one place for an extended period can lead to what's known as the "boiled frog effect."
[Video] "Memories Of Vietnam" Shows The Country Through A Poetic Lens
Earlier this yeah, Léo Bigiaoui and his friends traveled across Vietnam for a month, filming in Sapa, Hanoi, Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Phu Quoc.
Brian Letwin in Music & Arts
5 Funky Illustrated Maps of Vietnam
They Draw & Travel is a website for artists to express that passion, and for readers to discover their creations by creating their own artistic maps.
[Photos] Saigon’s Rooftop Bonsai Gardens
Growing bonsai trees is becoming an increasingly popular business in Saigon. The Japanese plants, revered around the world, can fetch billions of đồng but take 2 to 3 years to grow.
Live Music - Jeremy Ginsburg @ deciBel
Jeremy is back to rock the house at Decibel for another performance.
Brian Letwin in Music & Arts
[Photos] Photographer Spotlight: Réhahn
Frenchman, Réhahn, has been taking pictures in Vietnam ever since he first visited the country in 2007 with a non-profit organization. He was immediately hooked, making annual trips to the country unt...
A Short History Of Vietnam And Palestine
Israel is (yet again) attempting to bomb Palestine back into the stone age. At the time of writing, the Palestinian death toll is at least 98 (the Israeli death toll is 0), which leads me to suspect t...
Brian Letwin in Music & Arts
[Photos] Propaganda Postage Stamps From North Vietnam (1965 – 1972)
With the American War escalating in the 60s and 70s, North Vietnam produced its famous propaganda posters (which have become popular purchases for tourists) to win the hearts and minds of the people.
[Video] This Old Vietnamese Woman Can Dance Better Than You
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen old Vietnamese women get down, but it’s definitely the most sensual dancing display we’ve encountered. We can only hope that we're this energetic when at her age.
Brian Letwin in Film & TV
10 Movies Set To Hit Vietnamese Theaters This Month
Tired of watching crappy DVDs from local shops or torrents of cam rips? Here are 11 movies that are making their way to Vietnamese cinemas this month with short descriptions and ratings courtesy of IM...
[Photos] The Erotic Animal Art Of Thái Nhật Minh
The progressive works (both in inspiration and material) of Vietnamese contemporary artist, Thái Nhật Minh, have made their first public appearance at Manzi Art Space (14 Phan Huy Ích, Hà Nôi) where t...
Vietnamese Artists Highlighted At New York Origami Exhibit
Pioneering origami exhibition, “Surface to Structure,” held a showcase, “Folded Form,” at New York’s Cooper Union earlier this month, featuring the works of international artists including 5 Vietnames...
Saigon Artbook Call For Donations
Saigon Artbook is calling for donations to support the launch of the series’ 4th edition.
The Amazing Story And Art Of Chau Diem
It is fair to say that every work carries, willingly or unwillingly, the story and life of its maker.
[Photos] A Look Back at the 'Golden Age' of Vietnamese Music
Between 1960 and 1975, South Vietnam’s music scene underwent many phases, eventually culminating in a "Golden Age" of music. This rich musical ecosystem featured different genres and offered something...
A Brief History of Hunting in Vietnam Since the 19th Century
While hunting was probably popular among Vietnamese nobles before the arrival of the French, it was the colonialists who popularized big game hunting in the country when it was still a land of wildern...
Fashion Market @ The House Of Saigon
From the organizer: All about fashion, accessories, art and craft - calling brands, designers who want to exhibit and sell your products at our Fashion Market on Saturday and Sunday, July 12...
The Vietnamese Millionaires Of Angola
Wherever Vietnamese go, they strive and thrive. While the Vietnamese diaspora is best know for its success in North America, Europe and Australia, there is a small, but influential contingent in the ...
[Photos]: Vu Huu Nhung’s “Life” Exhibition
Vũ Hữu Nhung, an heir of Phù Lãng pottery experts, is holding an exhibition of his cutting-edge sculptural artwork in Hanoi.
[Photos] 1,600 Papier-Mâché Pandas Invade Asia
Artist Paulo Grangeon began making papier-mâché pandas back in 2008 to support World Wild Life Fund activities in Europe. While popular on his home continent, he had no idea the excitement they would ...
Vietnamese Model Organizes Fashion Show At NYC’s Tallest Building
Vietnamese model, Jessica Minh Anh, continues her quest to hold fashion shows at iconic locations. After erecting runways in places like the Grand Canyon and the Petronas Towers, Anh held a multicultu...
