in Parks & Rec

Forum Theater Brings Real-Life Situations to the Stage, and You Are the Actors

In Vietnam, a novel form of theater is quietly making an impact, not just on stage, but in classrooms, communities, and people's lives. Known as Forum Theater, this interactive art form transforms audience members from passive viewers into active participants. Developed by Brazilian threater practitioner Augusto Boal, Forum Theater was created as a space to “rehearse for real life,” allowing theatergoers to step into the shoes of others, explore difficult situations, and test out new possibilities. 

Paul Christiansen

in Environment

The Overwhelming Presence of Nature's Most Inspiring Sound: Cát Tiên's Gibbon Call

What is your favorite sound?

Văn Tân

in Natural Selection

Hoa Bưởi's Fleeting but Fragrant Season Teaches Us to Find Beauty in Impermanence

Every year during this time, I can’t help but hanker for a taste of sugarcane infused with hoa bưởi, or pomelo blossom. Only hoa bưởi’s tender aroma can accentuate the flavor of this humble snack several folds.

in Environment

A Botanical Illustrator Captures Vietnam's Flora on Paper, One Species at a Time

When science and art commingle in a botanical illustration, it’s as if a magical world appears, where colors, brushstrokes, and lighting work together to not only replicate but also breathe life into nature’s best creations.

in Environment

Lúa Ma, the Mekong's Ancient Wild Rice Varieties Holding Secrets to Climate Resilience

“It’s been so long I can barely remember. It’s delicious, fragrant, soft but not sticky,” says Trần Văn Lựa, 53, a farmer from Đồng Tháp Province, south-west Vietnam, recalling the taste of wild rice. As a child, he would harvest the grain during flood season, when wild rice flowers. Today, however, it is a rare sight.

Paul Christiansen

in Natural Selection

Cầy Mực, the Fluffy Bearcat Whose Pee Really Smells Like Popcorn

Vietnam is home to a diverse range of species, from the elusive sao la to Hanoi's pungently fragrant hoa sữa. As an ode to the wondrous nature of the country, we're introducing a new article series, Natural Selection. Each article will feature a species of plant or animal native to Vietnam — starting with the laidback cầy mực (binturong).

in Environment

As Saltwater Intrudes More of Mekong Delta, Durian Farmers Struggle to Stay Afloat

Nguyễn Văn Quại, 63, walked slowly on the muddy dirt path in his yard, his hands clasped behind his back. He stopped beside a tree split in half, its branches dipping into the stagnant water of a narrow moat, and gestured towards the rest of his leafless crop — their trunks yellow, their bark cracked and brittle.

Khôi Phạm

in Tech

On Vietnam's Internet, You're a Mom, I'm a Mom, Everyone Is a Mom

I am a mom. Well, not in the most conventional meaning of the word — I am childless, and it’s still biologically impossible for men to give birth the last time I checked, but for most of my existence on the Vietnamese cybersphere, I have been using the designation “mẹ” amongst my closest friends.

Back Society

in Environment

Hanoi Greenlights Pilot Project to Install Solar Panels Atop Dong Xuan Market

Some new additions to the roof of Dong Xuan Market will pave the way for more green developments in the city to come.

in Architecture

[Photos] Da Nang Architects Turn Old 1970s House Into New Coffee Shop

If only more new building projects in Vietnam could take a moment to consider which old elements can be improved, instead of going straight for the wrecking ball.

in Health

Hanoi Proposes Plan to Vaccinate 7.5m Residents Over 18 Against Covid-19

As part of a double-inoculation plan, 7.5 million Hanoi residents over the age of 18 would receive the vaccine.

in Health

First Covid-19 Vaccine Doses Arrive in Vietnam. Who Will Get It First?

Vietnam's COVID-19 vaccination drive is about to begin.

in Health

Vietnam to Receive 1st Batch of Oxford Covid-19 Vaccine Doses This Sunday

We are ready!

Govi Snell

in Environment

The Story of Hồng Hoàng: From the 1st Vietnamese in Antarctica to a Fervent Wildlife Activist

For Hồng Hoàng, a career in environmental activism in Vietnam began with a polar expedition.

in Tech

Vietnam has World's Second-Highest Rate of Cryptocurrency Use: Report

Do you crypto?

in Sports

Vietnam's Bobsled Team Prepares for Winter Olympics

If the athletes qualify, it would be the first time Vietnam has ever competed in the Winter Olympics.

in Environment

Vietnam's Plan to Plant 1 Billion Trees by 2025 Gains Clarity

Here's hoping for a greener future.

in Health

Vietnam's Covid-19 Vaccine Strategy Gains Clarity

Vietnam's COVID-19 vaccine strategy is becoming clearer.

in Tech

VinFast Approved For Autonomous Car Testing in California, Eyes US Exports

Vietnamese automaker VinFast has targeted the US market not only for vehicle export but also for testing its autonomous self-driving technology.

in Architecture

The Beauty of Saigon's Mid-Century Shophouses via Street Sketches

What was Vietnamese architecture after colonialism?

in Health

All Airport Staff Nationwide to be Tested for Covid-19

It's the latest step in efforts to combat the pandemic.

in Architecture

[Photos] T3 Architects Design Sustainable Thao Dien Co-working Space

Where would you like to work?

in Health

Vietnam Approves Oxford Vaccine; First Batch to Arrive This Quarter

Good news.

in Tech

As Companies Divert From China, Vietnam Poised to Become Major Apple Producer

When production begins, as early as mid-2021, it will mark the first time that Apple is producing a significant number of its iPads outside of China.

in Architecture

[Photos] Saigon Architects Turn Old French Villa Into Judo Dojo

A team of local architects has transformed a French building into a practice hall for martial arts.

in Health

2nd Made-in-Vietnam Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate Enters Human Trials

A second COVID-19 candidate vaccine has officially entered the human trial phase. 

in Development

How Saigon Moved 2,200km of Electrical Wires Underground in a Decade

So famous they've adorned T-shirts, Saigon's tangles of electrical wires are disappearing.

in Tech

In a Franchise First, Strategy Game Civilization Adds Vietnam as Playable Civ

This is the moment that Vietnamese fans of the Civilization video game series have been wishing for.