Paul Christiansen in Culture
Whale Worship: Exploring the Role of Whales in Vietnam's Coastal Lore
In 1799, the ferocious Tay Son army forced the first Nguyen Emperor, Nguyen Anh, and his troops to flee to the sea. While making their escape, a great storm engulfed the retreating army. As their ship...
[Video] The Elaborate 'Holy Tower' of Caodaism in the Outskirts of Tay Ninh
In Tay Ninh Province’s Hoa Thanh District, a sizable community of Cao Dai followers lives thanks to the existence of the religion’s major temple, the Cao Dai Holy See.
[Photos] A Trip to District 12's Stunning Japanese-Inspired Monastery
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape not far from the city, District 12’s Khanh An Monastery is just the place for you.
Vietnam to Translate Sanskrit Texts at My Son Sanctuary Into Vietnamese, English
Sanskrit texts inscribed on the steles at the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Hoi An, will be translated with help from Indian experts.
[Video] Lanterns on the River at Saigon's Dieu Phap Pagoda
For Saigon’s Chinese community, the first full moon of the lunar year is an event of paramount importance. They believe that whatever you do to commemorate the occasion will have an overarching impact...
[Video] At a Hero's Tomb, Vibrant Vietnamese Opera Mesmerizes Passersby
The first full moon of the lunar year is a big deal for Saigon’s Chinese community.
Khoi Pham in Culture
The Legends of Tam Nương: Why You Shouldn't Start a Business on the 7th Day of Tet
There’s little doubt that superstition is still deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. These silvery threads of mysticism are woven into a plethora of aspects of locals’ daily lives, ranging from rather...
Khoi Pham in Culture
[Illustrations] How Tet Traditions in Saigon and Hanoi Differ, From Booze to Bánh
How one’s family celebrates Tet can reveal a lot about where they hail from.
Thi Nguyen in Culture
In Vietnam, Joss Papers Link Life and Death, Modernity and Tradition
Joss papers and effigies consumed my experiences before I began to even question their meaning. On the anniversary of my grandfather’s death (giỗ), my grandmother routinely set up a large pot in ...
[Video] Crafting Altar Brassware in Saigon's Storied Lư Đồng Village
As Tet nears, families all over Vietnam are rushing to decorate their homes and check-off the last few items on their spring cleaning list, such as curtains, glassware, and most importantly, brass hom...
Introducing Nổi, a Live Music Project by Saigoneer and Digipost
There’s little doubt that here at Saigoneer, we’re big fans of Vietnam’s indie acts; just see how we geeked out over Ca Hoi Hoang almost a year ago.
This Thai Makeover of the 2018 Honda Super Cub Is the Dream
Honda recently released the newest model of its iconic Super Cub bike.
Paul Christiansen in Culture
SPRMRKT Singapore: Where the Crème de la Crème of Vietnamese Culture Shines
SPRMRKT, an upscale Singaporean shopping market and restaurant, is spending more than two months showcasing Vietnamese culture through food, art and design.
How Vietnamese Stand-up Comics Juggle Culture, Identity and Language on Stage
As a fan of stand-up comedy, I was curious when I found out that there was a burgeoning scene here in Saigon.
[Photos] Is Saigon's Latest Teen Attraction, Zone 87, the Descendant of 3A Station?
Apart from shopping malls and the odd food court, there are not many dedicated spaces in Saigon for the city’s younger residents to hang out.
[Photos] The Hottest Beauty Trend in 1920s Vietnam Was Ridiculously Long Nails
In 2018 Vietnam, excessively long nails are usually considered a sign of evilness, thanks to the influence of foreign horror flicks. However, not many know that decades ago, this body feature was wide...
Khoi Pham in Culture
Doraemon and 25 Years of Fostering Friendship in Vietnam
To a generation of young Saigoneers, there are many things that might conjure up fond memories of childhood. Those remnants of past decades could take the form of once-popular TV series about time-tra...
The Surprising Health Benefits Behind the Asian Squat
The Asian squat has been getting lots of attention these past few years, but most recently it has been revealed that there may be health benefits to this sitting position.
[Video] This Quirky Stop-Motion Video Shows the History of Women's Fashion in Vietnam
Not long ago, we introduced you to the different styles of Vietnamese men through the years, now it’s time for a history lesson on female fashion.
[Photos] Saigoneers Swamp Bui Vien Last Night to Celebrate Halloween
Ever since District 1's Bui Vien Street was turned into a pedestrian-only zone, the main thoroughfare through Saigon’s backpacker quarter has become a mecca for city dwellers to celebrate any festive ...
