Văn Tân in Culture
A Brief History of Ông Đồ, Vietnam’s Scholars Whose Calligraphy Is Highly Sought After
To say that Tết gathers together everything most beautiful in Vietnamese culture would not be an exaggeration. More than a threshold between the old year and the new, it is also a time when people feel they can return to, and relive, the traditional values that define them.
Paul Christiansen in Travel
From Dark to Dawn, an Early Morning at Hội An's Duy Hải Fish Market
At 3am, Hội An’s streets resemble dog-gnawed pork bones, licked clean of all scent and viscera. No light, no noise, no movement. But that’s the time you must venture out to witness the Duy Hải Fish Market in action.
Review: 'New Wave' Documentary Is a Surprisingly Personal Dissection of 1980s Nostalgia
Melodic synth-lines and steady electronic drums. Today, the signature sounds of new wave music feel perhaps a bit old and outdated. During its high point during the 1980s, however, new wave was hailed as music of the future.
On the Cusp of a Modern New Year, Reflections on a Simpler Tết Past
Every year, as the pages from my block calendar peel off, bringing me towards another Vietnamese New Year, my mind once again fills with nostalgia about an old Tết. Tết in my memory begins with my childhood in a small house nestled under a coconut grove on the outskirts of Bạc Liêu in the Mekong Delta. Those were days of hardship, yet my parents worked hard so that Tết could bloom magnificently for all of us.
A Damaged Masterpiece Reveals How Much We Take Our Cultural Heritage for Granted
A once-damaged national treasure remains on view as if nothing had happened, while other works are displayed with little context — what does this tell us about how art museums preserve Vietnam's cultural heritage and shape our art history narratives today?
In 'Đêm Giao Thừa' EP, a Đàn Tranh Artist Offers Novel Twists on Nostalgic Tết Sounds
Indie đàn tranh artist Brian Bùi has just released Đêm Giao Thừa, an EP containing energetic covers of three classic Tết songs and an original track that pays homage to styles from the 1960s and 1970s.
Khôi Phạm in Culture
Unraveling the Mystery Behind the 'Mùi Việt Kiều' of My Childhood
My favorite candy used to be Hershey’s Kisses. Wrapped in colorful, sparkling foil, these little nubs of decadence made me feel special as a child, not just because of their sugary sweetness, but also because, for much of Vietnam’s contemporary history, you could only enjoy them if you have relatives abroad.
When Lịch Bloc Is Gone, What Will Vietnam Use to Keep Discarded Fish Bones?
I have never bought a lịch bloc, or tear-off calendar, for personal use, because every new year, I'm bound to be gifted a brand-new one. In Vietnam, a calendar is often something one purchases as a present for others.
Institute of Vietnamese Costumes Officially Opened in Saigon With Discussion on Áo Dài Lemur
Historical fashion enthusiasts might find the newly minted institute a choice destination to explore Vietnam’s past clothing trends.
In a Career First, Rapper Den Vau Announces Solo Concert This November
Tickets for the concert will be available for purchase starting from 8pm today.
Photography Exhibition Highlights Southeast Asia's Emerging Young Talents
The exhibition ‘we will have been young’ features no less than 12 emerging Southeast Asian photographers.
Vietnam to Unite Local, International Filmmakers With New Film Association
Last week, Vietnam announced the launch of its new film commission, the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), during the Busan International Film Festival.
Singer Kacey Musgraves Draws Ire of Netizens for Sexualizing Áo Dài
The popular American singer may want to use her tour earnings to buy some pants.
[Photos] In An Giang, Buddhist Devotees Gather to Observe Uposatha Day
In September, Buddhists in An Giang Province gathered at Tuk Phos Pagoda in Tri Ton District to observe Uposatha day together.
Despite Drama at Home, Vietnamese Film 'Rom' Wins Important Award at Busan Film Fest
Despite legal issues at home, Vietnamese feature film Rom was awarded the top prize in the New Currents category at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) last week.
Vietnam Removes ‘Abominable’ From Cinemas Over Scene Showing East Sea Map
Vietnamese culture officials have pulled the DreamWorks animated film Abominable from cinemas after viewers discovered a scene showing China’s ‘nine-dash line’ in the East Sea.
Saigoneer Podcast: Instagram's Impact on Tourism; the Power of 'Made in Vietnam'
A new Saigoneer Podcast episode is available now!
Tran Kim Ngoc, a Pioneer of Experimental Music and Mixed-Media Art in Vietnam
Experimental music composer, mixed media artist, multi-instrumental performer, pianist and singer, theater-music composer, improvisational sound artist: describing the work of a key figure of the Viet...
Thi Nguyen in Music & Arts
Groundbreaking Saigon Art Project Unites History, Coffee and Rice
Without notice, a gust of July rain swept through the museum of animals and plants' foyer, knocking down several paintings, strewing paper coffee cups and shattering the monitor that had been pla...
Kit Humphrey in Music & Arts
[Photos] QUA, a New Exhibition Space and Art Center, Opens Within HRC
Following the opening of Manzi’s new exhibition space, another new cultural space, ‘QUA,’ opened its doors last weekend within Hanoi Rock City.
A Look Inside Manzi's New Contemporary Art Exhibition Space
Manzi, one of Hanoi’s most well-known artistic hubs and a draw for creative crowds, is expanding.
Photographer Hon Hoang on Returning to His 'Foreign Hometown' After 11 Years
Saigon is changing so quickly that people who were born here can feel as if they are returning to a foreign land after years away.
Khoi Pham in Film & TV
Review: When Indie Music Meets Indie Cinema on a Grab in Saigon
In today’s aggressive stream of Marvel blockbusters, doll- and shark-themed horror flicks, and gratuitous comedies, Troi Sang Roi, Ta Ngu Di Thoi (Good Morning and Good Night) is like a stubborn wild ...
Saigoneer Podcast: Victim-Blaming in 2019; the Rising Indie Music Scene
The latest Saigoneer Podcast is available now!
Thi Nguyen in Music & Arts
Through Vietnam's Stories of Coffee and Rice, a Trio Finds Where Art and History Meet
Without notice, a gust of July rain swept through the museum of animals and plants' foyer, knocking down several paintings, strewing paper coffee cups and shattering the monitor that had been pla...
[Illustrations] Vibrant Woodcut Prints Highlight Hoi An's Colorful Aesthetic
Attitudes towards Hoi An differ wildly, yet whether one considers the town a Disneyfied playground or a genuine haven harking back to a bygone era, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable.
This Saturday, 'Citizen Earth' Event Aims to Address Environment Issues
Citizen Earth, a new project run by Six Space, is set to kick off in Hanoi this weekend.
How Real Clothes Expanded from a Small Family Business to a Major Clothing Company
The whir of a sewing machine accompanied Thao’s childhood mornings.
