But What Even Is an Expat: Unpacking the Highly Contentious Term, in Vietnam and Abroad
“Expat is a racist as hell term” — this is the take of Misan Harriman on the popular internet show SubwayTakes. The ...
Adrien Jean in Travel
The Enigmatic Neon-Lit World in the Mist of Sapa
Is there a more atmospheric place in Vietnam than Sapa on a misty night?
Khôi Phạm in Music & Arts
Review: Pieces of Me | Nao Yoshioka (feat. Mỹ Anh)
Mỹ Anh has come a long way since becoming the runner-up of The Heroes in 2021. Five years later, now with a full-length album and a spectrum of singles and extended plays under her belt, the Hanoi-based artist has proven to be one of the most dynamic singer-songwriter-producer of her generation.
Art Exhibition ‘Limerence’ Explores Where Romantic Desire Distorts Into Obsession
Thom Nguyen utilizes portraiture and depictions of mushrooms and organic objects to explore the concept of limerence in a solo exhibition at Permanently Closed Gallery in Thảo Điền, beginning Friday, August 28.
How Vinahouse Fosters Sonic Belonging in Modern Saigon's Queer Collectives
If you spend a night wandering along Bùi Viện Walking Street and its dense concentration of bars and clubs, you will almost certainly hear the same sound spilling from multiple directions: fast, pounding basslines layered with Vietnamese pop melodies, punctuated by dramatic buildups and explosive drops. If you fall into the right algorithm on TikTok, you might encounter these same sounds circulating as background audio. This music is Vinahouse. Its ever-presence in both physical and digital spaces makes it one of the most recognizable yet least critically examined musical forms in contemporary Vietnam.
Xuân Phương in Culture
Inside Tế Tiêu, Home to Vietnam's Rare 'Land Puppet' Performances
Bidding goodbye to central Hanoi, I took the National Road 21B to reach Tế Tiêu Neighborhood, a small community in Đại Nghĩa Township of Hanoi’s Mỹ Đức District. This fertile patch of land by the Đáy River is the cradle of a unique form of traditional folk art: Tế Tiêu puppetry.
How Quy Nhơn's Old Cemetery Slowly Expands up Vũng Chua Mountain
You might miss it if you were driving past, but once you walk down a small hẻm off Quy Nhơn’s main Tây Sơn Street, the massive cemetery sprawls in all directions.
All Aboard the Languorous 35-Hour Train From Hanoi to Saigon
The train connecting Vietnam’s largest cities takes 35 hours. Yet even after the first time I finished the trip, I was already coming up with excuses for why I needed to do it again. For me, the journey is much more than a chance for great views and time to reflect. It’s an exploration of life itself.
The Curious Recent Cases of Plagiarism in Vietnamese Art
Plagiarism not only runs rampant in Vietnam’s online creative industry, but also in more traditional art forms such as oil paintings and lacquer.
Dana Filek-Gibson in Arts & Culture
[Video] Coi: A Creative Plea for Less Horn-Honking on Saigon’s Streets
Vietnamese traffic has a bad reputation among both local and foreign drivers for its chaotic nature. From sidewalk driving to texting behind the wheel and creative interpretations of local street sign...
[Video] There's Now a Mekong Delta-Style Remix of 'Despacito,' Because Why Not
Who would have thought that merging ‘Despacito’ with Vietnamese bolero influences would make a great Khmer-sounding hit?
Vietnam's Representative Wins Mrs. Universe 2017
A Vietnamese-American woman was recently crowned Mrs. Universe 2017, making it the first time a Vietnamese participant has ever achieved the title in such a pageant.
[Photos] Japanese Artisan Creates Meticulous Animal Sculptures From Sugar Syrup
These handmade Japanese confections are almost too exquisite to eat.
Khoi Pham in Arts & Culture
Young Saigoneers Encapsulate the Charm of Ben Thanh Market in Mini Wooden Model
There’s no doubt that Saigon is a charming city. From internationally produced films such as The Quiet American to colorful art projects by local illustrators, the city’s landmarks seem to be popular ...
[Photos] Chinese Photoshop Genius Reimagines 'Game of Thrones' Characters as Street Vendors
The most recent season of 'Game of Thrones' may have ended on Sunday, but fans of the show can now visit their favorite characters in China - through Photoshop, that is.
Vietnamese, English Versions of Acclaimed Art Book 'The First Journey' Now Available for Order
Fans of 'The First Journey' will be glad to find out that both the Vietnamese and English versions of the book are now available to order.
Popular EDM Duo The Chainsmokers to Play Saigon in September
Pop duo The Chainsmokers will perform in Saigon on September 14 as a part of the Asian leg of their “Memories…Do not open” world tour.
Ariana Grande Cancels Saigon Concert 4 Hours Before Showtime
Saigon’s Arianators must be feeling devastated at the moment.
Michael Tatarski in Arts & Culture
How Virtual Life Is Transforming Saigon's Public Spaces
Observe public spaces in Saigon for any amount of time and you'll quickly notice many interactions take place in both the physical world and within the virtual sphere. Whether it’s teenagers taking In...
How Widespread Art Fraud Could Tarnish Vietnam’s Reputation on International Market
The popularity of Vietnamese art is on the rise internationally, but its reputation is in jeopardy as more and more incidents of art fraud are being uncovered.
[Illustrations] A Colorful Collection of Saigon Landmarks
From its earliest days, Saigon has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s history, the stories of which live on in its most iconic landmarks.
[Illustrations] Osaka Illustrator Turns Hometown Into Manga Backdrop With Quirky Sketches
An Osaka-based illustrator turns his hometown into detailed ballpoint sketches that could pass for the backdrop of a manga series.
'Dunkirk' Director Christopher Nolan Was in Saigon During the Weekend
Some hopeful fans were wondering if he was in the country to find inspiration for a Dunkirk 2.
[Photos] Squeeze Through Hanoi's Tightest Old Quarter Alleys
If you think Saigon’s hẻms are narrow, these Hanoi alleys shown below will make you question your notion of personal space.
Dana Filek-Gibson in Arts & Culture
The Renovation Generation: Exploring What It Means to Be Young and Vietnamese
In the years after 1986, Vietnam’s Doi Moi economic reforms transformed one of the world’s poorest countries into a dynamic, fast-growing nation, shaping a generation of young Vietnamese into bright, ...
Art Photographer Explores Vietnam's Spirituality Through Muted Conversations
In his latest exhibition, Muted Conversations, Vu Tien Dat invites his audience to explore the unspoken in Vietnam’s spirituality and superstitions.
Vietnamese Cineplex Galaxy Cinema Looking to Exit Movie Market
Vietnam’s movie fans will be disappointed to find out that one of their favorite cinema chains is leaving the market.
[Podcast] Renovation Generation: Suboi's Hard-Earned Wisdom
For Renovation Generation’s latest installment, the Hanoi-based team took a trip down to Saigon to speak with the country’s "Queen of Hip-Hop", Suboi.
