Paul Christiansen

in Natural Selection

The Reason to Cry for Cu Li, Vietnam's Deeply Misunderstood Primate

A drop of the animal’s blood renders the soil barren; entire mountains can crumble and collapse where it landed. Be wary of this slow wayfarer of the forest, for if you catch sight of its glowing eyes in the distant darkness, your trip is doomed and should be abandoned immediately. And if someone brings one back to the village, make all efforts to return it to the jungle, lest you invite sorrow and ruin into your home. Don’t let its meagre stature, a mere 500 grams, and slow, cuddly demeanor confuse you; the cu li guards the gates to hell.

in Environment

The Hunt for Vietnam's Dinosaurs Has Found Nothing Yet, but There Is Hope

Why aren’t there any Vietnamese dinosaurs?

in Parks & Rec

In Hanoi, Waacking Is Not Just a Dance, but a Home for Creativity, Gender Fluidity Too

“I get to express my madness.” That is what Trần Khánh Linh, also known as Lyna, says when asked why she has been waacking for the last 10 years. By day, Lyna is a jewelry and gemstone seller, but by night, she joins her friends at the Soul Waackers, a waacking group based in Hanoi, and practices a dance style that allows her a vibrant way to self-express.

Uyên Đỗ

in Tech

There's a Cordial Vietnamese Greeting That Has Been Floating in Space Since 1977

At this very moment, while you're reading these lines, a silver “bird” of human design is hurtling away from the Sun at roughly 60,000 kilometers per hour, slipping past the boundaries of our solar cradle and into the endless quiet of the cosmos.

Paul Christiansen

in Environment

How a Self-Taught Documentarian Spreads His Boundless Enthusiasm for Vietnam's Nature

Why “Sticky Discovery”? This was the first question I asked during my interview with the man behind the YouTube series of...

in Architecture

In a D7 Residence, Natural Wood Textures Hark Back to Vietnam's Traditional Homes

During a new decade when architecture projects in Vietnam are increasingly looking towards the future and influences outside the national boundaries for inspirations, Memories House decided to do the opposite by integrating old heirloom furniture and elements from the past into the living space.

in Environment

Searching for the World's Largest Woodpecker Species in Yok Đôn National Park

You first know she’s approaching by the sound of her wings; her broad shadow flashing across the forest floor. Even from far below, her body looks enormous. At half a meter long, she is roughly five times the size of the woodpeckers seen in the gardens of Europe or North America. She is the largest woodpecker left in the world, and the jewel of Yok Đôn National Park.

Paul Christiansen

in Sports

Thống Nhất Stadium Offers Unexpected Opportunities to Reflect Upon the Soul

Where do you find revelation?

Back Society

in Society

[Photos] Hanoi Neighborhood Grows Roadside Vegetable Garden

A neighborhood in Hanoi has turned a patch of roadside into a community garden.  

in Architecture

[Photos] This West Lake House Is the Perfect Place for a Weekend Getaway

Sometimes you need a home away from home.

Mel Schenck

in Architecture

Opinion: Saigon’s Architecture Should Express Our Times Today, Not the Past

Based upon its fascinating history, modern-day Saigon displays a rich character all its own, with buildings across the city representing each era of its storied past. However, several faux colonial bu...

in Development

Work Begins on $3bn Tourism Complex on Cat Ba Island, Threatening National Park

Sun Group has begun construction of a US$3 billion resort and entertainment complex on Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam.

in Tech

52% of Computers in Vietnam Are at Risk of Ransomware Attack: Cybersecurity Experts

Vietnam’s computer users are at high risk of being attacked by ransomware, according to a recent cybersecurity report.

in Development

Saigon's Metro Line 1 Might Extend Into Binh Duong and Dong Nai: Study

The governments of both Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces are studying the feasibility of extending Saigon's Metro Line 1 into their areas.

in Architecture

[Photos] Saigon's 'Binh House': A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Concrete

This irregularly shaped house is the latest addition to VTN Architects’ “House for Trees” series, a project aimed at introducing more green spaces to Vietnam’s urban housing projects.

in Society

[Photos] A Tour of Saigon's Biggest Motorbike 'Prisons'

In Saigon, motorbikes can go to jail just like their human counterparts.

in Education

New ISHCMC Campus Propels Saigon’s First International School into the Future

Upon opening in 1993 ISHCMC, or the International School of Ho Chi Minh City, became the first such school in Saigon. Though it is the oldest international school in the city it is also the most innov...

in Tech

Gaming, Movies and Kid's Stuff: Here's What Vietnam Watches on YouTube

Vietnamese spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos and being online, recent research shows.

in Architecture

[Photos] A Green Oasis in the Heart of Hanoi

With Hanoi’s environment getting worse by the minute, a group of architects has attempted to create a dash of green scenery to brighten up this Dong Da abode.

in Environment

Officials Present Dire Environmental Indicators at Hanoi Summit on Air Pollution

Shocking information on the state of Vietnam's environment was presented at a seminar in Hanoi earlier this week.

in Tech

Facebook Policy Head, Vietnamese Minister of Information Discuss Curbing ‘Toxic Content’

Representatives of Facebook met with Vietnamese authorities this week to explore preventive measures regarding alleged false information on the social networking site.

in Society

[Video] Forest in South-Central Vietnam Cleared for Golf Course Without Approval

A forest in Phu Yen province has been cleared to make way for a golf course and resort, despite the fact the project hasn't been approved.

in Tech

Viettel to Launch New Luxury Smartphone Later This Year

Time to save up, Saigoneers: rumor has it that Viettel will launch a new luxury smartphone by the end of the year.

in Architecture

[Photos] Hanoi's 'Party Apartment' Is Perfect for the Fun-Loving Crowd

Hanoi’s spacious “Party Apartment” is the perfect home for local social butterflies out there.

Brian Letwin

in Development

Capital City Series Returns With Edition on Phnom Penh’s Rapid Development

Michael Waibel, the German human geographer, is back with another book in his series that takes a close look at the development of Southeast Asian cities from the perspective of both built environment...

in Society

Bear Rescue Center in Northern Vietnam Expands in Effort to End Bile Farming

Vietnam's most well-known bear sanctuary recently expanded, creating more space for animals rescued from bile farming.

in Society

Uber and Grab Are Making Hanoi and Saigon's Congestion Worse: Officials

Authorities in Vietnam’s most populous metropolises are now considering limiting operations of ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Grab, accusing them of worsening traffic. 

in Environment

Vietnamese Beekeepers Fight Climate Change With New Initiatives

Beekeepers and researchers in northern Vietnam are looking for ways to combat declines in vital bee populations.