Thi Nguyễn in Music & Arts
The Facetious Gender Politics of Gỗ Lim, Hanoi's Feminist Post-Punk Quintet
In an example of cruel irony, October 20 is when we celebrate annual Vietnam Women's Day, and also the anniversary of the passing of Mai Nga (commonly known as Nga Nhí), the lead singer of Gỗ Lim — a Hanoi-based female post-punk band that, albeit short-lived, struck a blow for women’s representation in rock and metal music in Vietnam in 2011 and 2012.
Paul Christiansen in Travel
'Chuyện Của Pao' Turned a Historic H'Mông Home in Hà Giang Into a Tourist Attraction
The photos don’t do it justice. That’s what you’ll often hear from people who visit Hà Giang to cruise its famed highway loop.
How Vietnam's Muslims Celebrate Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr in Mekong Delta's Châu Đốc
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world, yet Vietnamese Muslims represent as little as 0.1% of the country’s population. Most are ethnic Chăm, while a few are foreigners and a few converts. After traveling to Châu Đốc in An Giang Province, where the majority are located, I was mesmerized by the unique cultural mix this community represents.
Văn Tân in Culture
A Brief History of Ông Đồ, Vietnam’s Scholars Whose Calligraphy Is Highly Sought After
To say that Tết gathers together everything most beautiful in Vietnamese culture would not be an exaggeration. More than a threshold between the old year and the new, it is also a time when people feel they can return to, and relive, the traditional values that define them.
Paul Christiansen in Travel
From Dark to Dawn, an Early Morning at Hội An's Duy Hải Fish Market
At 3am, Hội An’s streets resemble dog-gnawed pork bones, licked clean of all scent and viscera. No light, no noise, no movement. But that’s the time you must venture out to witness the Duy Hải Fish Market in action.
Review: 'New Wave' Documentary Is a Surprisingly Personal Dissection of 1980s Nostalgia
Melodic synth-lines and steady electronic drums. Today, the signature sounds of new wave music feel perhaps a bit old and outdated. During its high point during the 1980s, however, new wave was hailed as music of the future.
On the Cusp of a Modern New Year, Reflections on a Simpler Tết Past
Every year, as the pages from my block calendar peel off, bringing me towards another Vietnamese New Year, my mind once again fills with nostalgia about an old Tết. Tết in my memory begins with my childhood in a small house nestled under a coconut grove on the outskirts of Bạc Liêu in the Mekong Delta. Those were days of hardship, yet my parents worked hard so that Tết could bloom magnificently for all of us.
A Damaged Masterpiece Reveals How Much We Take Our Cultural Heritage for Granted
A once-damaged national treasure remains on view as if nothing had happened, while other works are displayed with little context — what does this tell us about how art museums preserve Vietnam's cultural heritage and shape our art history narratives today?
[Photos] A Photographer's Quest to Document Vietnam's Provinces From 2 Angles
Hanoi-based photographer Justin Mott has taken a unique approach to depicting Vietnam in his ongoing photo series.
'The Sorrow of War' Author Bao Ninh to Release Part of New Novel
The excerpt will be released on December 25.
[Photos] Giant Caves and Animatronic Santa: Saigon Goes All out on Festivities
By this time of year, many expats living in Saigon have made the annual decision: return home to catch up with loved ones, or stay put in Vietnam. Those who stay in Saigon for Christmas may try to cel...
Saigoneer Podcast: Korea's Presence in Saigon; the Darker Side of K-Pop
A special episode of the Saigoneer Podcast is out now!
Cong Tri Collaborates With 10 Artists to Showcase 20-Year Fashion Career
One of Vietnam’s most prominent fashion designers, Nguyen Cong Tri, will celebrate some of his best works from the last 20 years this month.
An Opera Lover’s Introduction to Cải Lương
“How would you like to see a performance of cải lương — traditional Vietnamese folk opera?” my local friend asked. “Great opportunity for photos, and I think we can go backstage.” Knowing my love...
Son Tung M-TP Is Launching His Own Social Network for Fans in 2020
Forget Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, 2020 will be the year of SkySocial.
Thi Nguyễn in Culture
How Vietnam's Pop Culture Leaves Behind Past Stigmas to Embrace Queerness
The recent rise of music videos and pop culture products that feature androgynous idols and same-sex love has invited mixed responses and debates in the media, which open a window into Vietnam’s histo...
Khoi Pham in Music & Arts
A Young Hanoi Orchestra Brings Symphonic Disney Nights to Saigon
Growing up with the touching stories of Walt Disney Studios, many Saigoneers have formed a personal connection with the cheery tunes of songs like The Little Mermaid’s ‘Under the Sea’ or the icon...
Hanoi Students Win Prize at Asian International Children's Film Festival in Japan
The students won the Excellent Prize for their emotional film about friendship.
Film Adaptation of Comic Series 'Than Dong Dat Viet' to Hit Theaters Next Year
One of Vietnamese youth’s biggest childhood icons is coming to the big screen.
Adrien Jean in Culture
[Photos] The Evolution of Saigon Residents in an Ad, Ad, Ad World
Exploring Saigon’s streets through my lens has helped me to understand the city in a deeper way and to be a witness of its development.
Kit Humphrey in Culture
[Photos] The Naked Truth Behind Hanoi's 'Banana Island' Nudists
Hanoi is a conservative capital where young couples rarely kiss in public, yet along the banks of the Red River, a men's nudist club thrives.
Saigoneer Podcast: A SEA Games Deep Dive; Restaurateurs Phuong Ngo & Jerome Buzenet
Our latest episode is available now!
Paul Christiansen in Postcards
Saigon Postcard No. 20: Ephemeral Holiday Feelings
Soft lights illuminate Saigon's dark alleys and streets the way holiday cheer brightens the lamentations for another year passing.
Đen, Mỹ Tâm, Vũ. Are the Most-Streamed Vietnamese Artists of 2019 on Spotify
As 2019 draws to a close, music streaming platform Spotify has released its year-end statistics.
Khoi Pham in Music & Arts
Year in Review: Saigoneer's 20 Picks for Best Vietnamese Music of 2019
In a nutshell, 2019 has been a year of milestones, blurring of genres and retrospection for Vietnamese music.
Saigon Independent Art Space San Art Launches Fundraising Exhibition This Month
Founded in 2007 by four artists including Dinh Q. Le, Tiffany Chung, Tuan Andrew Nguyen and Ha Thuc Phu Nam, the space is one of Saigon’s pioneer independent, non-profit and artist-initiated art platf...
Michael Tatarski in Music & Arts
What's Inside the Eclectic Sets of Coracle Music Festival's 2nd Edition?
Perfect weather, a beautiful setting and great acts — what more do you need from a music festival?
[Video] Loss and Sacrifice Permeate Every Minute of New MV for ‘Canh Chim Trang’
A profound sense of loss, longing and rueful self-awareness pervade every minute of a new music video for ‘Canh Chim Trang,’ sung by Pham Thuy Dung.
