Hanoi's Largest Indoor Aquarium Is Surprisingly Impressive for a Mall Attraction
I am a champion of the public aquarium. For many people, the aquarium is the only place where they can meet marine life outside of perhaps a wet market or seafood restaurant. Some research suggests that watching fish swim around can reduce stress and lower blood pressure, and that seeing marine life in their (simulated) habitats can inspire people to care more about these endangered species in their besieged environments. For the serious study of marine life, aquaria allow biologists to observe the behaviors of animals that are otherwise difficult to observe in nature. Vietnam has a few public aquaria: the Viện Hải Dương Học and Trí Nguyên Aquarium in Nha Trang, the Vinpearland-branded aquaria in Hanoi, Phú Quốc, and Nha Trang, and a handful of others. When Vietnam’s newest aquarium opened at the end of last summer, I had to go take a look.
Britain’s Prestigious North London Collegiate School Arrives in Vietnam
A World-class IB Family of schools with 175 years of exceptional education in the UK, Korea, Dubai, Singapore, and Vietnam invites families to join.
Paul Christiansen in Loạt Soạt
Social Commentary, Empathy in Nguyễn Quang Thân's Short Story Collection
Nguyễn Quang Thân passed away on March 4, 2017, several weeks before I moved to Saigon. So of course I never met him, but I feel like I know him. My first introduction was via An Insignificant Family, the fictionalized memoir written by his wife, writer Dạ Ngân, which includes a description of the 10 years they spent apart, writing letters to one another from opposite ends of the nation, followed by their life together. In the years since I first interviewed her about that novel, I’ve been blessed to be adopted as her son; one of the greatest gifts of my life. No visit with her goes past without him being mentioned. For years, Nguyễn Quang Thân has simply been Ba Thân.
Paul Christiansen in Music & Arts
At Bùi Chát's Painting Exhibition, a Freedom to Feel Without Preconceptions
Contemporary art can intimidate viewers. People often think they need familiarity with certain histories, theories, philosophies and biographies to appreciate a painting. I have friends who do not have a formal art education or extensive art background and thus think visual art is not for them.
Paul Christiansen in Literature
How Nam Cao Almost Ruined My Favorite Canal Cafe
Spoilers for an 80-year-old story that every student in the nation is required to read: the dog dies, the old man dies, his son's misfortunes show no sign of abetting. Simply, misery abounds at the end of “Lão Hạc.”
Paul Christiansen in In Plain Sight
On a Boat Ride Through Nhiêu Lộc Canal, a Fish's-Eye View of Saigon
Could your life in Saigon be made into a quirky indie film?
Galuocad's Artworks Create a Universe of Very-Vietnamese Whimsy
Staying in one place for an extended period can lead to what's known as the "boiled frog effect."
A World of Riveting Medically Inspired Magic in Vanessa Le's YA Debut
Captured by Butchers, the “blackmarket bogey men who deal in rare goods,” Nhika Suonyasan is caged and auctioned off to the city’s elite. A figure in a fox mask attempting to purchase her is outbid by a rich family that carts her off to a mansion that boasts luxury beyond anything Nhika has ever seen. The family immediately commands her to heal a witness to the wealthy patriarch’s death.
Vietnamese Artist Wins Top Prize For Illustrations Showing The Plight Of Circus Animals
In April, Hong Kong-based animal welfare organization, Animals Asia, launched a painting competition about the lives of wild animals in the circus. Hanoi artist, Dương Đoàn Anh Minh, took first prize ...
Chart: Explaining Vietnamese Culture Using The Lewis Model
In Vietnam’s cities, where foreigners and locals interact on a daily basis, both socially and professionally, gaps in cultural understanding are common.
The 2014 Vietnam Salary Guide: How Much Should You Make?
HR Research firm, Adecco, has released its 2014 Vietnam Salary Guide which provides salary information for key positions in various sectors.
14 Incredible Satellite Photos Of Vietnam
There are plenty of hi-tech ways to show Vietnam’s beauty – time lapses and drone panoramas to name a few. But a less common vantage point is from above. Way above.
[Video] This Adorable Kid Washing A Motorbike Will Make You Smile
Not much to see here, just an adorable, chubby little kid having the time of his life washing a motorbike.
Event Rewind: Saigon Artbook 1 Year Anniversary Fundraiser
After 4 editions and parties over the past year, the Saigon Artbook team held their 1 Year Anniversary Fundraiser at 3A Station last Thursday.
[Video] Da Nang Hair Dresser Uses Samurai Swords In Place Of Scissors
Getting a haircut is an exercise of trust as it may be the only situation where one willingly allows a stranger to wield sharp blades around their head. But if you sit in the chair of this Da Nang bar...
[Photos] HCMC: City of Contrasts
One of the things that makes life in Saigon interesting is the blurred line between the city and the countryside. This lack of distinction is most obvious when it comes to the city’s urban animals, bu...
Expat Survey: Vietnam A Great Place To Live, With A Few Exceptions
HSBC Expat recently hired research company YouGov to conduct their annual Expat Explorer Survey in which almost 9,300 expats based in over 100 countries were questioned between April and May 2014.
The Peaceful Corners Of Bustling Hanoi
Although modernization has forever altered the skyline of Vietnam’s ancient capital with gleaming skyscrapers, one can still find moments of tranquility and escape from the city’s traffic-clogged stre...
21 Outrageous Photos Of Vietnamese Motorbikers
If you enjoyed our original illustrations of Saigon motorbikers, you’ll get a kick out of these real-life daredevils.
[Photos] Floods Bring Seasonal Specialties To The Mekong Delta
While few Saigonese smile at the sight of flooded streets, their Mekong Delta brethren welcome high waters with open arms.
[Video] BMX: Saigon Style
The age of the fixie may have dawned on Saigon but another bicycle fad is becoming increasingly popular in the city – BMX.
[Video] A Vietnamese Critique Of Social Networking
The Phở Team, which brought us "What does the Phở Say?" and "Differences Between Hanoi vs Sai Gon" is back with a new video critiquing the social network experience.
Vietnamese Photographer Wins Award At International Competition
Vietnamese photographer, Ly Hoang Long, was selected as the top photographer from the Asia-Pacific region at the recent CBRE Urban Photographer of the Year competition.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam To Resume Horse Racing On New Track
Vietnam to resume horse racing on new track [Thanh Nien] Company builds road without permission in Ha Long Bay’s peripheral areas [Tuoi Tre] Young man creates street library in Danang [DTI]
[Photos] Event Rewind: Saigoneer Photo Walk With Adam Robert Young
Last Sunday, Adam Robert Young led the October Saigoneer photo walk, taking a group of participants around a bustling local market in District 2.
Saigon Artbook 1 Year Anniversary Fundraiser
After 4 successful releases of the Saigon Artbook, the team is launching a special 1 year anniversary edition at an open fundraising event at 3A Station on Thursday, October 23 from 5pm – 11pm.
Wednesday Jameson Jam: Acoustic Open Mic @ Saigon Outcast
From the organizer: Candlelight, cool breeze, and acoustic music, the perfect way to ease into the weekend!
Epic Drone Video Shows Vietnam’s Beauty From Great Heights
If you ever needed proof that Vietnam and drones are a natural fit, look no further than this video made by Duong Dang Dop.
