In the Era of Constant Rebuilding, We Turn to Vietnamese Modernism for Nostalgic Comfort
For two years now, I've checked the Vietnamese Modernist Architecture Facebook group almost every day. Here, members post ...
How Laos's Dams Are Powering Vietnam, Other ASEAN Nations Despite Mekong Concerns
Following a spate of foreign investment in the 1990s, Laos began producing surplus electricity and looked to export it. Today, around 80% of its energy, largely from hydropower, is sold to neighbors. Electricity exports from Laos generate around US$2.6 billion for what is one of the poorest nations in mainland Southeast Asia. Across the region, neighbors including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia have become reliant on hydropower from Laos. Slowly but surely, however, this is changing.
A Pop-up Night Park Brings the Joy of Playing in the Rain to Phú Mỹ Hưng
A lack of public spaces and activities has been a chronic problem plaguing Saigon’s urban planning since the city experienced its first population boom a few decades ago. If you happen to be near District 7 in the next two months, a pop-up park could be a new option for children, and perhaps some particularly exuberant adults, to frolic in the rain and the evening.
Elise Luong in Environment
Living, Learning, Loving From the Earth at Ninh Bình's Lá Library
A stone's throw away from Cúc Phương National Park in Ninh Bình Province sits Lá Library, an education center promoting sustainable living through sustainable agriculture farming, earthen building techniques and the art of chilling out.
The Saigon House That Swapped Its Front Door for a Moat
Does a house need walls?
Paul Christiansen in Natural Selection
Is the Yeti Vietnamese? This Ancient Ape Might Hold the Answer.
Can you name a Vietnamese animal that hasn’t been hunted to the precipice of extinction or become a commodified item whose flesh, fur, or feathers are only deemed significant in relation to their practical use by humans?
This Suburban Hanoi House Answers 'Yes' to 'How Many Windows Do You Want?'
Do you love the tropical summer? Does bathing in the warmth of the sun spark joy in you? How many windows are enough to solar-power your everyday life? If you, too, are toiling with these existential concerns on a daily basis, perhaps this recent residential project might provide some inspiration.
A Hanoi Duo Crafts Intricate Silicone and Clay Prostheses for People With Disabilities
“The products we make are fake arms, legs, noses, ears… from silicone. The value we create is emotional healing, giving our customers confidence in themselves and their lives — the things they lack after surgeries,” Phúc shared while introducing their products.
Vietnam Sees Increase in Human Rabies Deaths Due to Low Pet Vaccination Rates
The landscape for dog ownership is changing throughout the country as Vietnam aims to reduce or even eliminate instances of dogs spreading rabies to humans.
Vietnam's Abortion Rates Remain Highest in Asia Due to Lack of Awareness
The frequency of unplanned pregnancies and abortions among young Vietnamese remains high despite government efforts to raise awareness on effective contraception.
[Photos] Saigon's VietPride Celebration Fills Nguyen Hue With Rainbows, Glitter, Corporate Endorsements
Last Sunday, Saigon’s Nguyen Hue Boulevard was filled with members of the LGBT community and supporters to celebrate this year’s VietPride.
How Nguyen Became the Most Common Vietnamese Surname in the World
Vietnam’s current prime minister is Nguyen Xuan Phuc. The previous PM was Nguyen Tan Dung. Since we know these men aren’t all brothers, it begs the question: How did almost half of a single ethnicity,...
Pollution in Vietnam's Atmosphere Shortens National Life Expectancy by 1.16 Years: Study
A new study on pollution shows that the atmosphere in Vietnam is cutting 1.16 years off its citizen’s life expectancy.
Chinese-Backed Projects in Vietnam Get Bad Rap for Poor Quality, Rampant Delays
The trial run for Hanoi’s inaugural railway has been cancelled by the Chinese building team, which further perpetuates the stereotype of troublesome Chinese construction projects in the country.
100-Kilometer Mountain Marathon in Sapa Crowns First Vietnamese Winner
A Vietnamese runner won the 100 kilometer category of the Vietnam Mountain Marathon in Sapa for the first time last weekend.
Urban Rewilding: The Ins and Outs of Organic Food in Vietnam
Navigating the intricacies of a healthy, organic lifestyle can be complicated, ever under the best of circumstances. Today, as awareness surrounding organic produce grows both here and abroad, the cou...
Amid Dengue Fever Outbreak, Vietnam Confirms Cases of 'Super Malaria'
While localities in northern Vietnam are struggling to contain this year’s serious Dengue fever outbreak, epidemiologists just revealed that people living in the southern provinces are facing a strain...
Vietnam to Allow Switching Mobile Carrier While Retaining Phone Number This December
If you’ve been thinking about switching to another service provider but are reluctant to change your phone number, there’s some good news.
Typhoon Doksuri's Aftermath Underscores the Vulnerability of Central Vietnam
Typhoon Doksuri, the most powerful storm to hit Vietnam in a decade, ravaged the central of Vietnam on September 16 and took the lives of six people, drawing greater attention to the layers of harm ca...
[Photos] Saigon Architects Brighten up Contemporary Office With Bamboo Accents
Inspired by materials common found in rural Vietnam, the creative minds behind KIENTRUC O blended a contemporary office with traditional elements.
[Photos] The Last Remaining Blacksmiths of Bien Hoa
Smithy 12 is a traditional, family blacksmith brand near Bien Hoa’s Don Market, which has been active for almost 100 years. The business is not only one workshop but rather a collection of smithies he...
Saigon Puts an End to Projects to Build Apartments Under 25 Square Meters
Ho Chi Minh City officials have closed the door on a government plan to build small apartments in order to prevent overcrowding and the creation of “elevated slums.”
Vietnam Has the Most PhDs, Fewest Research Works in Southeast Asia: Report
Vietnam’s academia is filled to the brim with PhDs, but the country’s scientific journals and inventions are not catching up with the rising population of PhD holders.
Saigon Bans Western Names, Audio-Visual Tools in Primary School English Classes
Ho Chi Minh City's education department has released a new set of teaching guidelines for English-language classes at primary schools banning the use of audio-visual tools, among other rules.
Saigon Delays Construction of 2nd Metro Line to 2020
While the construction of Saigon’s first metro line has been riddled by delays, things are looking even gloomier for the next line which may take another decade to become a reality.
[Photos] Unique Thai Nguyen Primary School Criticized for Alleged High Cost, Low Attendance
A toxic rumor has cast doubt on a primary school project in one of Thai Nguyen province’s most secluded communes.
Michael Tatarski in Development
A Tale of Two Plans: Thu Thiem, Phu My Hung and Future Saigon
Across the Saigon River from central District 1’s glass-and-steel skyscrapers, the Thu Thiem New Urban Area is slowly – very slowly – taking shape. Named after the swampy peninsula on which it sits, t...
Maneuver Vietnam's Hectic Traffic in This Quirky, Locally Made Minigame
Haven’t gotten enough of Vietnam’s traffic pandemonium in real life? Now you can also experience it virtually through this quirky brand-new mobile game.
