in Architecture

In the Era of Constant Rebuilding, We Turn to Vietnamese Modernism for Nostalgic Comfort

For two years now, I've checked the Vietnamese Modernist Architecture Facebook group almost every day. Here, members post ...

in Environment

How Laos's Dams Are Powering Vietnam, Other ASEAN Nations Despite Mekong Concerns

Following a spate of foreign investment in the 1990s, Laos began producing surplus electricity and looked to export it. Today, around 80% of its energy, largely from hydropower, is sold to neighbors. Electricity exports from Laos generate around US$2.6 billion for what is one of the poorest nations in mainland Southeast Asia. Across the region, neighbors including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia have become reliant on hydropower from Laos. Slowly but surely, however, this is changing.

in Architecture

A Pop-up Night Park Brings the Joy of Playing in the Rain to Phú Mỹ Hưng

A lack of public spaces and activities has been a chronic problem plaguing Saigon’s urban planning since the city experienced its first population boom a few decades ago. If you happen to be near District 7 in the next two months, a pop-up park could be a new option for children, and perhaps some particularly exuberant adults, to frolic in the rain and the evening.

Elise Luong

in Environment

Living, Learning, Loving From the Earth at Ninh Bình's Lá Library

A stone's throw away from Cúc Phương National Park in Ninh Bình Province sits Lá Library, an education center promoting sustainable living through sustainable agriculture farming, earthen building techniques and the art of chilling out.

in Architecture

The Saigon House That Swapped Its Front Door for a Moat

Does a house need walls?

Paul Christiansen

in Natural Selection

Is the Yeti Vietnamese? This Ancient Ape Might Hold the Answer.

Can you name a Vietnamese animal that hasn’t been hunted to the precipice of extinction or become a commodified item whose flesh, fur, or feathers are only deemed significant in relation to their practical use by humans?

in Architecture

This Suburban Hanoi House Answers 'Yes' to 'How Many Windows Do You Want?'

Do you love the tropical summer? Does bathing in the warmth of the sun spark joy in you? How many windows are enough to solar-power your everyday life? If you, too, are toiling with these existential concerns on a daily basis, perhaps this recent residential project might provide some inspiration.

in Health

A Hanoi Duo Crafts Intricate Silicone and Clay Prostheses for People With Disabilities

“The products we make are fake arms, legs, noses, ears… from silicone. The value we create is emotional healing, giving our customers confidence in themselves and their lives — the things they lack after surgeries,” Phúc shared while introducing their products. 

Back Society

in Architecture

[Photos] Warm Wood Tones Add a Comfortable Touch to This Nha Trang Abode

This rustic abode in Nha Trang blends a modern structure with traditional Vietnamese design accents to create a homey atmosphere for its dwellers.

in Tech

Vietnam's Home-Grown Internet Browser Coc Coc Hits 23m Users

Coc Coc, the Vietnamese-created internet browser, has grown rapidly since its launch in 2013, and now boasts 23 million users within Vietnam.

in Society

New Saigon Heat Coach Shakes up Team Roster Ahead of Next Season

Not many professional basketball coaches guide their team to a league title and then bolt to lead a new franchise on the other side of the planet.

in Health

New Study Shows Link Between Some Traditional Herbal Remedies and Liver Cancer

Some herbs that are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been linked to liver cancer across Asia.

in Development

Phu Quoc to Transform Old Airport Into New Urban Zone

The leadership of Phu Quoc has unveiled a plan to turn the island's old airport into a new urban area.

in Society

Here's What to Expect at the 2017 AFF Futsal Championship, Hosted by Saigon

This October sees Ho Chi Minh City host its third major international futsal tournament in many years, as the best club teams from the ASEAN region meet to battle once again at the Phu Tho indoor stad...

in Health

50% of Children in Saigon Are Obese: Nutrition Experts

Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnam's two largest cities, have seen huge increases in the rate of obese children living within the metropolises over the last 20 years.

in Society

Readers’ Choice: What Are Saigon’s Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods?

As Saigon continues to grow and develop by the day, the city's transformation is more visible in some neighborhoods than others. Earlier this month, we asked Saigoneer readers to let us know which nei...

in Development

Japan's Aid Agency Voices Concerns Over Vietnam's Handling of ODA Loans for Metro Projects

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is not happy about how the Vietnamese government manages its official development assistance (ODA) loans.

in Society

5 Vietnamese Universities Crack Top 400 Schools in Asia: QS

Five Vietnamese universities were included in this year’s QS Ranking (Quacquarelli Symonds) for Asia. However, their positions are rather humble compared to their regional counterparts.

in Sports

The Bleak Future of Vietnam's Franchise Football

In the age of franchise football, Vietnamese clubs are struggling to maintain loyal spectators and economically viable teams. Can Vietnam transform its approach to football, fans, and the future of th...

in Tech

Alibaba Founder Jack Ma to Attend Vietnam E-Payment Forum in Hanoi

Eccentric billionaire and Alibaba founder Jack Ma will attend Vietnam’s E-Payment Forum in Hanoi next month.

in Health

Vietnam Considers Amending 2-Child Policy Due to Ageing Population, Low Birth Rates

Vietnam is considering alternatives to its current family-planning policies due to a rapidly aging population and low birth rates.

in Society

How Facebook Got a War Veteran Home After 40 Years Stranded Overseas

Vietnam’s Facebook addiction can either be a boon or a bane, depending on whom you ask. However, for a family in rural Thanh Hoa province in northern Vietnam, the extensive reach of the country’s cybe...

in Society

[Photos] Early Morning Exploration at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Flowers are ubiquitous in Saigon. Everywhere you go, the concrete backdrop of the city is punctuated by beautifully maintained gardens, lotus ponds and elaborate floral arrangements. Saigon’s resident...

in Health

Despite Warning From Experts, Vietnam Delays Ban of White Asbestos in Construction

It’s a well-established fact in recent years that the use of asbestos in construction heightens cancer risks in residents and workers. However, in Vietnam, an asbestos variant is still widely used in ...

in Sports

In Its Second Season, Vietnam's Pro Basketball League Continues to Grow

Fresh from the success of its 2016 debut, the Vietnam Basketball Association (VBA) recently began its second season. In addition to an increase in the league’s number of competing teams, the VBA is al...

in Society

[Photos] A Tour Through District 6's Eerie 'Sinking School'

Right in the midst of District 6’s dense residential area lies an abandoned compound that towers over nearby tube houses.

in Tech

Uber Vietnam CEO Dang Viet Dung Resigns

Uber Vietnam’s top leadership role is currently empty.

in Architecture

[Photos] This Stylish Saigon Hẻm House Is Perfect for a Small Family

Apart from the tiny plot size, this Saigon abode has nothing in common with the city’s typical tube houses.