in Architecture

A Huế Family Temple Shelters Traditional Ancestral Worship Inside a Modern Shell

Across the rapidly modernizing urban landscape of Vietnam, Huế stands out as a bastion of traditions, not just in its city layout, rich historical wealth, and court cuisine, but also in the way the city has somehow managed to largely resist the power of rampant urbanization. This architectural project in Huế is a great example of a new structure that can quite seamlessly merge old and new into something mesmerizing.

in Natural Selection

Hoa Sữa, Poetic Icon of Autumn in Hanoi or Nasal Health Enemy No. 1?

It was early in the day. I opened my window to let in the very first rays of the morning sun, just to catch a waft of that distinctive floral aroma lingering in the cold air. This year, autumn came early, and hoa sữa has started blooming where I live.

Michael Tatarski

in Natural Selection

The Tragic Story of Cầy Vằn Bắc Is Why You Shouldn't Buy Civet Coffee

While Saigoneer’s Natural Selection series has already covered a number of iconic species and types of animals, including the tiger, Asian elephant, dogs and cats, there’s a good chance most of the people reading this haven’t heard of today’s critter. 

in Architecture

Built for a Painter, This Huế House Brings the Art Gallery Into the Home

A recurring problem in home decor for art lovers is finding enough wall space to display paintings and art pieces in the best way to showcase their beauty. As a painter, the owner of the Nala House project in Huế is well-acquainted with this concern, and set out to rectify it right from the beginning by bringing the gallery into his home.

Paul Christiansen

in Environment

Saigon's Weather Dude Is Dedicated to Keeping Saigoneers Dry This Rainy Season

Why is it raining in Saigon? Because it’s the rainy season. Sure, but if you want to be more specific, you can cite conditions in the Bay of Bengal, more than 2,500 kilometers away. It’s there that the wind conditions form that flow across the Gulf of Thailand, sucking up the moisture that drenches Vietnam’s southern metropolis. 

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.

Back Society

in Environment

Vietnam Might Fine Supermarkets, Malls for Single-Use Plastic Bags in 2026

Large retailers providing single-use plastic bags could be subject to fines beginning in 2026.

in Architecture

[Photos] T3 Architects Turned a Modernist Villa Into a Celebration of Chocolate

Looks like we'll be working remote today.

in Tech

Vietnamese Game 'Hoa' Nominated for Best Art Direction, Music in 2022 Webby Awards

If you spent your 2021 lockdown escaping into the wondrous, whimsical world of Hoa, the locally developed video game, now is your chance to show your support for the creators.

in Architecture

[Photos] A House in Đồng Nai Designed for the Warmth of Tết Gatherings

Family gatherings might be a touchy subject for many of us who don’t connect well with some family members, but if one was to design a house with cordial meals and warm banquets in mind, what would it...

in Education

Australian International School’s Scholarships Put Students on the Path to Success

Financial difficulties stand in the way of too many people reaching their full potential. Being unable to afford tuition or being distracted by the need to earn extra money can severely hinder one’s a...

Brian Letwin

in Parks & Rec

Slugging It Out at Saigon’s Baseball Cage

For much of my adult life, in the months from February to October, my mood was dictated by the results of New York Mets games. 

in Education

Finding the Right University Fit at British International School Hanoi

“My job isn’t to tell students what to do, but to show them their options,” explains University Guidance Counsellor Bernd Widemann.

in Health

Hanoi Opens First Milk Bank at National Children's Hospital

The milk bank will provide pasteurized milk for more than 1,000 babies at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital in Hanoi to reduce the risk of late neonatal infection amongst infants unable to...

in Education

Saigoneer Bookshelf: "Crab Hotpot": A Picture Book for Entrepreneurial Adults

Punisher Crab “pulled Me-First Crab down to the bottom of the pot and pooped on his shell to humiliate him.” One might not expect to find such a sentence in a book dedicated to improving workplace min...

in Development

FLC Group to Help Build $5bn Railway From Vientiane to Hà Tĩnh

All aboard!

in Sports

Alleged SEA Games Branding Designs Draw Criticism for Numerous Typos

The 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), set to take place in two months, have faced a number of hurdles since it was announced years ago.

in Education

How Anne Hill Promotes a Growth Mindset Amongst Students

“We want them to come to school and be happy!” Anne Hill says of the students who attend her namesake primary school.

in Society

Photography Project Shows Hanoi Through the Eyes of Migrant Workers

Some came from the mountains, some were born near the sea — all have come to Hanoi to make a living. They are the migrant workers of this city, yet to them Hanoi is more than just a place to work. Thr...

in Development

Enormous 'City Within a City' Planned for An Phú, Thủ Đức City

It will feature a wide range of building styles and features.

in Education

Families Invited to “Come Home” to European International School Ho Chi Minh City

By providing safe and nurturing environments for students to learn, grow and develop, the best schools function as a home-away-from-home. When children feel comfortable in their surroundings, supporte...

in Architecture

[Photos] A Peaceful House by the Lake in Cổ Đông, Hanoi

This family home outside Hanoi proves that it is possible to build inside nature without destroying it in the process. 

in Health

Health Ministry Proposes International Entry Without Vaccination Proof

Vietnam is expected to resume international tourism tomorrow.

in Development

After Years of Delay, Operating Company of Saigon's 1st Metro Line Is Broke

Years of delay, which has been further compounded by the extended pandemic, have depleted the funding for Saigon Metro's operator.

in Education

International Schools’ Increased Focus on Students’ Mental Health

If a student is not safe and mentally and emotionally healthy, they will be unable to reach their academic and social potential.

in Education

Australian International School Opens its Doors

How do parents choose a school for their child? Considering their impact on an individual’s academic, social and emotional development and the role they play in a person’s life trajectory, finding the...