in Architecture

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 ...

in Environment

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.

in Architecture

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.

in Architecture

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?

in Architecture

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.

in Health

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. 

Back Society

in Society

Out and About in Binh Thanh's Budding Japan Town

Only a ten-minute ride away from Saigon's established Little Tokyo, another Japanese neighborhood is in the making in Binh Thanh District — and it's a whole world apart.

in Architecture

[Photos] Saigon Architects Create Zen In a Tube House

This tube house in suburban Saigon looks ike a residential structure, a spa and a Buddhist retreat rolled into one.

in Sports

Hanoi Runner Becomes 1st Vietnamese to Complete Everest Marathon

A Hanoi native recently became the first Vietnamese national to complete the Everest Marathon in Nepal.

in Development

Inside Tan Son Nhat's Massive Golf Course

Tan Son Nhat Golf Course, located on the grounds of Saigon's international airport, has come under increased scrutiny recently as airlines have run out of space to park their planes.

in Development

[Video] A Virtual Tour of Saigon's Ben Thanh, Opera House and Ba Son Metro Stations

Ever wonder what Saigon’s future underground metro stations will look like?

Brian Letwin

in Society

[Photos] This Binh Duong Warehouse Is a Treasure Trove of Vietnam's Automotive Heritage

In a dusty Binh Duong warehouse lies one of the world’s largest collections of Citroën Traction Avants, a car commonly associated with Vietnam’s late colonial era. One might hazard a guess that the co...

in Development

[Photos] Take a Tour of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area From Above

Two decades after being approved for development, the Thu Thiem Peninsula is slowly taking shape as one of Saigon’s major future urban areas.

in Architecture

[Photos] Vo Trong Nghia's 'Bamboo House' Is a Green Oasis in Sweltering Saigon

The latest addition to Vo Trong Nghia Architects’ "House for Trees" series is a fusion between bamboo and a typical Saigon tube house.

in Tech

Spotify Likely to Expand to Thailand and Vietnam This Year

It appears likely that Spotify, the popular Swedish music streaming service, will expand to Vietnam and Thailand this year.

in Development

Historic Maison du Combattant to Be Replaced by Mixed-Used Complex

Two years after the real estate giant Tan Hoang Minh won the bid for Saigon's "gold land" property at 23 Le Duan, the former Maison du Combattant will finally meet the bulldozer this fall.

in Tech

Vietnamese Startup VNG Reaches for Country's First IPO Abroad

Vietnamese startup VNG Corp. has signed a memorandum of understanding to list on New York's Nasdaq Stock Exchange.

in Architecture

[Photos] Suoi Tien Park Playground Gets Colorful Makeover

To brighten up an otherwise drab and nondescript playground, all you need is a few hundred colored flags.

in Society

Meet Vietnam's Most Tech-Savvy Great-Grandma

Despite her advanced age, a great-grandmother in Hanoi uses Google, Facebook and Skype to check the news and keep in touch with her family, in addition to regularly writing and painting.

in Development

[Photos] The State of Saigon's Metro: 2017 Progress

Last year you had a chance to marvel at Hanoi’s first metro line from above, now get ready for a glimpse into Saigon’s future Metro Line 1.

in Tech

Vietnam Is Crazy About the New Nokia 'Brick' 3310

Vietnam’s most popular phone model ever has officially made a comeback.

in Architecture

[Photos] Saigon Architects Turn Derelict Office Space Into Colorful Apartment

A Saigon-based architecture firm has made full use of vibrant colors to create a lively living environment that strikes a balance between form and function.

in Society

[Photos] Meet Tao Dan Park's 'Squirrel Lady'

You’ve heard stories about Saigon’s famous cat lady, now meet Tao Dan Park’s squirrel lady.

in Society

[Photos] Hanoi Neighborhood Grows Roadside Vegetable Garden

A neighborhood in Hanoi has turned a patch of roadside into a community garden.  

in Architecture

[Photos] This West Lake House Is the Perfect Place for a Weekend Getaway

Sometimes you need a home away from home.

Mel Schenck

in Architecture

Opinion: Saigon’s Architecture Should Express Our Times Today, Not the Past

Based upon its fascinating history, modern-day Saigon displays a rich character all its own, with buildings across the city representing each era of its storied past. However, several faux colonial bu...