Euphoria, Ruin, Nostalgia: Tracing Hanoi's Changing Skyline by Its Soundtrack
From loudspeakers broadcasting construction anthems during wartime to melancholic ballads mourning vanished street corners, Hanoi's soundtrack reveals a city that has never quite learned to live in its present tense.
Paul Christiansen in Rewind
In 'Cú Và Chim Se Sẻ,' a Director's Radical Empathy for Saigon's Less Fortunate
“They can do what they want. The city owns the zoo. They could sell all the animals here. They could turn it into a golf course. We’re just little people — you and me.”
In 'No Man River,' Dương Hướng Highlights the Raw Pain of Postwar Survival
Dương Hướng’s No Man River (Bến không chồng) was first published in 1991 and won the Vietnam Writers' Association Prize for Fiction. Translated into English by Quan Manh Ha and Charles Waugh, it captures the brutal reality of conflict in Vietnam from 1945 to 1979.
Nguyễn Đức Tín Weaves Spirituality, Faith, Everyday Life Altogether in His Paintings
Can a painting reflect who we are, even if we can’t see ourselves thoroughly? And how does faith guide us forward in life?
Liên Bỉnh Phát Makes History as 1st Vietnamese to Win Best Male Lead in Taiwan
Vietnamese actor Liên Bỉnh Phát recently made history at one of Taiwan’s most prestigious national award ceremonies.
An Ode to Vũng Tàu, Saigon's Unwavering Summer Crush
I recently took a trip to Vũng Tàu after a long summer of cultural research, which had me traveling up and down Vietnam. It had been seven years since I’d been back to the homeland, and 19 since I’d last seen the beaches of Vũng Tàu, when I was only 16. It felt like returning to a high school crush, and it made me think of the words of Trần Thiện Thanh, who once wrote, “Nhớ lúc xa xưa mười sáu trăng tròn…” I won’t say I wasn’t looking for something familiar, poetic, and possibly even as sappy.
Paul Christiansen in Literature
5 Books by Vietnamese Authors Centered on Strong Female Protagonists
Literature, more than any other art form, allows people an intimate vantage point from which to witness the experiences, emotions, and thoughts of individuals drastically different from themselves. Books thus hold the unparalleled power to inspire, foster empathy, and expand one’s understanding of the human condition.
Women in Post-Đổi Mới Vietnamese Cinema: From Archetypal to Multifaceted
In Vietnamese cinema, the female figure has long been employed to deliver macro-level messages rather than just mundane narratives.
Japanese Artist 3D Prints 'International' Homes for Hermit Crabs
In 2009, Japanese artist Aki Inomata began creating clear, plastic hermit crab shells with the help of 3D printing. Inspired by different cities around the world, the artist brought her creations to l...
[Video] Filmmaker Merges Vietnam Footage With Poetry
There are an abundance of beautiful travel videos on the internet, many of them as visually stunning as the next. But whether you're touring Myanmar, watching Vietnam from above or getting l...
[Video] Check out David Bowie's 1983 Tour of Southeast Asia
If you're at all human – or, for that matter, alien – you heard of the passing of David Bowie last week. The prolific musician was not only celebrated for his unique sound and chart-topping hits ...
[Pictograms] Chinese-German Graphic Designer Captures What Happens When East Meets West
When she was 13, Yang Liu moved from China to Germany. Ever since, the graphic designer has been learning to navigate the myriad differences that exist between eastern and western culture.
Vietnam Filming of 'King Kong' to Begin in February
Next month, Vietnam will once again prepare for its Hollywood close-up, as filming for Kong: Skull Island is set to begin.
January Movies at Saigon’s Alternative Film Venues
With both the Golden Globes (you can find a full list of nominations here) and the Oscars looming, it is an (almost) all-American program this month at Saigon's alternative film venues. From a sci-fi ...
Vietnamese Model Confesses to Plagiarism, Doesn't Care
We've all seen our fair share of “Chanel” and “Gucci” floating around this city. In the world of contemporary Vietnamese fashion, imitation – or out-and-out plagiarism – is the sincerest form of flatt...
Bollywood Is Coming to Vietnam
India and Vietnam may be seeing a lot more cooperation between cinematic industries in the coming year.
American Film Seeking Vietnamese Actress to Star Alongside Matt Damon
Think Matt Damon is dreamy? We have good news for you.
Zelda Goes To The Gallery: Hope
From social critique and political satire to the celebration of human strength, Hope – the inaugural exhibition of Craig Thomas Gallery's new downtown location – is the most personal exhibition to dat...
Here's What Vietnam Googled This Year
Looking back on 2015, Vietnam's internet search history suggests we could all use a good cry and a hug.
Saigoneer’s Picks: 10 Places to Buy Artsy Gifts in Vietnam
From rich textile traditions to innovative contemporary art, ethnic minority handicrafts and dozens of local and international designers, there's far more to shopping in Vietnam than conical hats and ...
Vietnam Immune to 'Star Wars' Fever
Last weekend, moviegoers the world over collectively went insane over the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Fans of the franchise purchased tickets weeks in advance, the internet was abuzz with...
[Video] Local Videographer Shows Why Sapa Is Awesome in Under 5 Minutes
Any good traveler will tell you that the best way to explore a place is by getting to know the locals.
[Video] Take a Look at Giant 17th-Century Drawings of Vietnam
History books tend to make for dry reading. Of course, they're full of important facts and details to be remembered for generations to come, but if you're looking for an interesting read, historical r...
[Photos] Cu Chi Teen Creates Model Planes, Ships out of Recycled Materials
Anyone can get a little carried away with a hobby, but Cu Chi teen Nguyen Chi Thanh is taking his love of model military vehicles to a whole new level.
Vietnamese Gameshow Contestants Make Terrible Fake DJs
The fastest way to a man's heart is through impeccable fake DJ skills. We all know it's true: you may have intelligence or beauty or an incredible sense of confidence, but a woman is nothing without t...
[Video] Hanoi Newlyweds Celebrate Marriage With Military Jeep Parade
Ever wonder what happened to all those American Jeeps left over from the 60s?
[Video] Vietnamese YouTubers Show You How to Step Up Your Social Media Game
In the increasingly cutthroat competition for social media attention, modern internet users must be well-versed in the art of sống ảo, or virtual living. Fishing for likes, staying relevant on social ...
Soul Archive Captures Vietnam’s Spirit Through Its Photographers
A quick Google search is all it takes to learn that photography about Vietnam is still predominantly linked to the war or, if not, dominated by images of the country’s iconic landscapes. Yet anyone li...
