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 Health

Social Stigmas in Vietnam Deter Gay Men From HIV Testing and Treatment

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam still face social and bureaucratic barriers when accessing HIV testing and treatment, a survey has found.

in Architecture

Singaporean Architects Design Hotel Featuring Own Ecosystem

A hotel in downtown Singapore features its own ecosystem and an array of innovative environmental features.

in Tech

Vietnam to Get Nationwide 4G Coverage by End of April

Under the central government’s ambitious plan to bring Vietnam up to speed with the region's internet standards, local mobile carriers are extending their fourth-generation (4G) high-speed network.

Michael Tatarski

in Society

Chasing Pavements: In Defense of Saigon's Sidewalk Economy

As Doan Ngoc Hai, the leader of Saigon’s most aggressive sidewalk-clearing campaign in recent memory, takes a brief hiatus, headlines about towed cars and demolished buildings often obscure the r...

in Environment

Cambodia to Relocate 5 Floating Villages Along Tonle Sap River to Curb Pollution

Cambodian officials are preparing to relocate five floating villages in Kampong Chhnang province to help reduce water pollution.

in Architecture

[Photos] Torn Paper House Brings Bright, Minimalist Living to Go Vap

A Saigon-based architecture firm has transformed a small plot in Go Vap District into an enviable townhouse.

in Tech

Vietnam's Pension System to Go Digital by 2018

Vietnam’s pension distribution system is seeking to catch up with the digital age.

in Society

Saigon Winter Park Now Offers Skiing, Sledding, Snowman-Building

As of this month, tropical Saigon is now home to its own winter wonderland.

in Environment

[Photos] Educational Campaign Paints Saigon Walls With Rhino Graffiti

Over the last month, walls along a number of District 1 streets have been covered in graffiti as part of an awareness-raising campaign.

in Tech

Vietnamese Game 'Sky Garden' Wins People's Choice Award at Gaming Event

A Vietnamese game recently surpassed Pokemon GO, Super Mario Run and other famous world titles to earn the prize for most popular at this year's IMGA Global event.

in Tech

Hanoi Pilots Program to Collect Parking Fees via Mobile App

This May, Hanoi will test out a digital parking system on select streets in Hoan Kiem District.

in Society

[Photos] Lensational: Using Photography to Empower Women With Disabilities

Last year, social enterprise Lensational joined forces with Vietnam Assistance for the Handicapped (VNAH) in Binh Phuoc province’s Dong Xoai town to empower women with disabilities through photography...

in Environment

New Frog Species Confirmed in Northern Vietnam

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a new species of frog in the mountains of northern Vietnam.

in Architecture

[Photos] The Shield: Hanoi's 'Machine' House

A group of Hanoian architects rose to the challenge of striking a balance between commercial and residential space in a local tube house.

in Tech

Grab to Open R&D Center in Saigon

In order to ramp up its competitiveness in the region, Southeast Asian ride-hailing app Grab is establishing new research and development centers in Vietnam and India.

in Tech

Chinese Tech Giant Xiaomi to Arrive in Vietnam This Month

The market for smart devices in Vietnam has recently become much more competitive, as Chinese tech giant Xiaomi launched an official distribution channel in the country.

in Society

Vietnam Launches Campaign to Get Citizens to Read 4 Books a Year

In an effort to improve Vietnam’s reading culture, the national government recently greenlit a countrywide project to get citizens to read more books.

in Development

Officials Investigate ‘Shaking’ Phenomenon in Downtown Saigon

Saigon officials are investigating the cause of a shaking phenomenon which occurred last month in the downtown area.

in Environment

Hanoi, Saigon to Ramp Up Environmental Quality Monitoring

In an effort to tackle the country’s severe air pollution, municipal authorities in Hanoi and Saigon are upgrading their monitoring game.

in Society

Vietnam Is Aging Faster Than Its Welfare System Can Handle

Ever since the country opened its doors to foreign investments and free market policies a couple of decades ago, Vietnam has enjoyed an enviable rate of economic growth. However, one of the biggest dr...