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.
Thi Nguyen in Music & Arts
In 'Method,' Performers Explore Contemporary Dance's Universe of Movements
On the day of my visit, the dancers of ‘Method’ were practicing an exercise that involves many people crashing into each other before they all proceed to fall to the ground; their movements resemble v...
[Video] The Effortlessly Cool Longboarders Conquering Saigon Sidewalks in Áo Dài
Have you ever seen something so effortlessly kickass?
Michael Tatarski in Film & TV
[Video] A Day in the Life of an Ordinary Schoolgirl in Saigon
What might life be like for a public school student in Saigon who hails from a less well-off family?
Saigoneer Podcast: The Air Pollution Problem; the Bubble Tea Bubble Bursts
Episode 70 is out now!
3 Vietnamese Authors Honored With Southeast Asian Writers Awards
Nguyen The Quang, Tran Hung and Le Minh Khue were each honored for their work at the Southeast Asian Writers Awards in Bangkok.
Chris Humphrey in Postcards
Hanoi Postcard No. 10: Capital City Claustrophilia
Cramped alleyways thread through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter like arteries, carrying not just people and goods, but also intrigue and fear.
Paul Christiansen in Loạt Soạt
Saigoneer Bookshelf: Americana Through a Vietnamese Lens in 'Butterfly Yellow'
“Read what you don’t know because if you can already imagine it, then you can already imagine it; but if you can’t, then open up something that reveals a world you can’t imagine and then suddenly you’...
Saigoneer Podcast: Alternative Medicine in the Modern World; Can Netflix Dethrone YouTube?
A new episode is out now!
Michael Tatarski in Music & Arts
How Saigon Brought Together Skeleton Goode, the City's Latest Psych Rock Band
While some may find it hard to explore Saigon's music scene given the dearth of live venues, record labels and media coverage, bands like Skeleton Goode ensure that Saigoneers can enjoy a wide range o...
Paul Christiansen in Music & Arts
A Young Violist's Take on Performing in Saigon's All-Vietnamese Orchestra
Notes leap and prance out of bamboo flute the way a cricket prances between stalks of grass.
'The Third Wife' Nominated for 3 Independent Spirit Awards
The controversial film got nods for Best Cinematography and Best Editing, while director Ash Mayfair was nominated as 'someone to watch.'
Chris Humphrey in Music & Arts
Rooftop Concerts: Limebócx – 'Yêu Nhau (Qua Cầu Gió Bay)
Rooftop Concerts, Saigoneer's live music video series, is finally back; this time featuring electronic duo Limebócx, one of the most promising new acts in the capital's underground music scene.
Khôi Phạm in Film & TV
Review: Despite Laughable Jump Scares, 'Bắc Kim Thang' Is Surprisingly Smart and Topical
With lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta as the background, Bắc Kim Thang is surprisingly wicked and intelligent, but most importantly, it provides feminist advocates a new way to topple the patriarch...
Inside Nhật Tảo Market, Saigon's Biggest Informal Recycling Center
The areas around Nhat Tao Market, spanning the border of District 10 and District 11, are well-known for their bustling economy of second-hand electronics and machines.
[Video] Saigon Studio Creates Endearing Tribute to Teachers in Animated Video
Today, at public schools across Vietnam, a festive mood fills the atmosphere as students and teachers take part in the national celebration of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day.
Michael Tatarski in Music & Arts
In November, Two Music Festivals Set to Rock Southern Vietnam
The next two weekends will be huge for live music in southern Vietnam.
Saigoneer Podcast: Our Nguyen Hue Upgrades; We're Loud Fest Organizer Peter Menchetti
A new Saigoneer Podcast episode is out now!
Cà Phê, Stork, Dragon: What Should Miss Universe Vietnam's National Costume Be This Year?
Can this year’s national costume top last year’s perfect bánh mì tribute?
How Hanoi’s Queer Film Week Bridges LGBTQ Communities With Wider Society
The third annual Hanoi International Queer Film Week (HIQFW) is all about love.
Japanese Anthology Film 'Angel Sign' Adapts 2 Comics by Vietnamese Manga Artists
A new cinematic anthology by Japanese author Tsukasa Hojo will feature storylines by two Vietnamese manga artists.
