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 Development

Work Begins on $3bn Tourism Complex on Cat Ba Island, Threatening National Park

Sun Group has begun construction of a US$3 billion resort and entertainment complex on Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam.

in Tech

52% of Computers in Vietnam Are at Risk of Ransomware Attack: Cybersecurity Experts

Vietnam’s computer users are at high risk of being attacked by ransomware, according to a recent cybersecurity report.

in Development

Saigon's Metro Line 1 Might Extend Into Binh Duong and Dong Nai: Study

The governments of both Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces are studying the feasibility of extending Saigon's Metro Line 1 into their areas.

in Architecture

[Photos] Saigon's 'Binh House': A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Concrete

This irregularly shaped house is the latest addition to VTN Architects’ “House for Trees” series, a project aimed at introducing more green spaces to Vietnam’s urban housing projects.

in Society

[Photos] A Tour of Saigon's Biggest Motorbike 'Prisons'

In Saigon, motorbikes can go to jail just like their human counterparts.

in Education

New ISHCMC Campus Propels Saigon’s First International School into the Future

Upon opening in 1993 ISHCMC, or the International School of Ho Chi Minh City, became the first such school in Saigon. Though it is the oldest international school in the city it is also the most innov...

in Tech

Gaming, Movies and Kid's Stuff: Here's What Vietnam Watches on YouTube

Vietnamese spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos and being online, recent research shows.

in Architecture

[Photos] A Green Oasis in the Heart of Hanoi

With Hanoi’s environment getting worse by the minute, a group of architects has attempted to create a dash of green scenery to brighten up this Dong Da abode.

in Environment

Officials Present Dire Environmental Indicators at Hanoi Summit on Air Pollution

Shocking information on the state of Vietnam's environment was presented at a seminar in Hanoi earlier this week.

in Tech

Facebook Policy Head, Vietnamese Minister of Information Discuss Curbing ‘Toxic Content’

Representatives of Facebook met with Vietnamese authorities this week to explore preventive measures regarding alleged false information on the social networking site.

in Society

[Video] Forest in South-Central Vietnam Cleared for Golf Course Without Approval

A forest in Phu Yen province has been cleared to make way for a golf course and resort, despite the fact the project hasn't been approved.

in Tech

Viettel to Launch New Luxury Smartphone Later This Year

Time to save up, Saigoneers: rumor has it that Viettel will launch a new luxury smartphone by the end of the year.

in Architecture

[Photos] Hanoi's 'Party Apartment' Is Perfect for the Fun-Loving Crowd

Hanoi’s spacious “Party Apartment” is the perfect home for local social butterflies out there.

Brian Letwin

in Development

Capital City Series Returns With Edition on Phnom Penh’s Rapid Development

Michael Waibel, the German human geographer, is back with another book in his series that takes a close look at the development of Southeast Asian cities from the perspective of both built environment...

in Society

Bear Rescue Center in Northern Vietnam Expands in Effort to End Bile Farming

Vietnam's most well-known bear sanctuary recently expanded, creating more space for animals rescued from bile farming.

in Society

Uber and Grab Are Making Hanoi and Saigon's Congestion Worse: Officials

Authorities in Vietnam’s most populous metropolises are now considering limiting operations of ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Grab, accusing them of worsening traffic. 

in Environment

Vietnamese Beekeepers Fight Climate Change With New Initiatives

Beekeepers and researchers in northern Vietnam are looking for ways to combat declines in vital bee populations.

in Architecture

[Photos] A Glimpse Into Binh Thanh's Terracotta Abode

In Saigon, nothing is impossible when it comes to building a home, even when the lot is 40 meters long and wedged in the middle of a tight space.

in Tech

Apple Warns Unauthorized Local Shops to Stop Using Trademark

In the future, Saigon’s neighborhood phone stores might have to think twice before putting the Apple logo on their front sign.

in Development

[Images] Updated Google Earth Timelapse Shows Three Decades of Development in Vietnam

How has Vietnam changed in the span of three decades, as seen through Google Earth?