Amid Saigon, a Traditional Lantern Craft Village Stands the Test of Time
Cellophane lanterns, the nostalgic anchors of our past full-moon festivals, are still alive thanks to the nimble fingers of craftspeople at the Phú Bình lantern “village” in Saigon.
Thanks for Your Order, Your Bún Will Arrive by Train in a Few Minutes
♫ And the bún mộc on the train goes round and round. Rolling down the track ♫
From Vauban Citadel to Modernist Icon: The History of Turtle Lake
The area of Công Trường Quốc Tế and Turtle Lake (Hồ Con Rùa) has been through many changes both in design and function throughout the history of Saigon. First, it housed a gate for a Nguyễn-dynasty ci...
Hẻm Gems: Tiệm Cơm Ninh Giang, a 'Secret' Hakka Feast Only for Those in the Know
I first heard about Tiệm Cơm Ninh Giang 寧江客家飯店 from some Hoa friends in the city.
After Thủ Đức, Củ Chi Might Become Saigon's Next 'City Within a City'
Two years ago, three districts in Saigon were merged to become Thủ Đức City, Saigon’s first municipal city. Experts and city officials are deliberating a decision to give Củ Chi District a similar upg...
[Photos] A Stroll Through Eclectic Chợ Lớn
Until fairly recently, Chợ Lớn was its own city, long inhabited by người Hoa who carved out an economic hub along the banks of the Saigon River over 200 years ago.
[Photos] In a Thao Dien Concrete Shell, a Mystery Graffiti Mecca
You never know what you'll find amid the glittering facades of Saigon's new upscale residential developments.
PM Endorses Plan to Merge 3 Saigon Districts Into New 'Silicon Valley' Town
The ambitious initiative is part of the city's desire to create the so-called "Vietnam's Silicon Valley."
Saigon Announces Design Contest for D2's $64m Opera House Project
The massive 1,700-seat theater is estimated to cost VND1.5 trillion (US$64 million).
Khoi Pham in Saigon Hẻm Gems
Hẻm Gems: Saigon Retro Cafe Has Just the Right Amount of Sentimentality
It’s a teensy bit weird to say that my new favorite hangout is above a VinMart.
Inside Nhật Tảo Market, Saigon's Biggest Informal Recycling Center
The areas around Nhat Tao Market, spanning the border of District 10 and District 11, are well-known for their bustling economy of second-hand electronics and machines.
[Photos] The Oddly Comforting Mix of Old and New in Thu Thiem
Directly opposite downtown Saigon, a new city is growing that stretches far beyond what the eye can see.
Brian Letwin in Development
The Ghost Town of Thu Thiem
As we’ve written about before, there are big plans to re-develop Thu Thiem into Saigon’s new business and finance center. For the last few years, the city has demolished entire neighborhoods to clear ...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
District 8: Architectural Treasure Chest
Stumbling upon old buildings is one of the best things about living in Saigon. While many are in a state of disrepair, some have retained their original character. Photo blog, Old Saigon, highlights s...
