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 Society

Girls and Boys in Vietnam Are Equally Vulnerable to Trafficking, Study Shows

A report, titled 'Casting Light in the Shadows: Child and Youth Migration, Exploitation and Trafficking in Vietnam,' was conducted by children's rights research and consultancy institute Coram Interna...

in Sports

How a Power Couple Built a Dedicated Home for Powerlifting in Saigon

In full "ninja" attire, I braved congested streets under the scorching sun looking for the address. Finally, having spotted a sign that reads 'OldSchool Barbell System’ tucked deep inside Binh Thanh D...

in Architecture

[Photos] In Hue, a Minimalist Tree House for Adults

Climbing trees and crafting a cozy tree house out of scrap materials might be a fond childhood memory for many. This new house in Hue provides its tenants with the same experience, except with the ame...

Michael Tatarski

in Environment

How the Mekong's Mangroves Can Survive Against the Threat of Development

While Southeast Asia is known as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions, home to booming metropolises like Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Kuala Lumpur, it also hosts some of the planet’s m...

in Environment

Who's Really To Blame for Southeast Asia's Ocean Plastic Crisis?

Our oceans are littered with plastics. Indeed, we are regularly exposed to images and stories of whales and sea turtles choking to death on plastic trash. Ocean plastic is clearly a problem, but what ...

in Health

Hanoi Health Center to Offer Rewards to People Who Bring in HIV Patients

The health center is positive their new reward system will help increase detection rates for the dangerous virus.

in Development

[Video] Waterfall and Indoor Gardens: Inside Long Thanh Airport's Terminal 1

The construction of the airport is expected to kickstart next year to meet urgent air travel demand.

in Tech

Mobile World Launches New Affordable Phone Chain Called ‘Super Cheap Phones’

Small mobile phone retailers are afraid the move might hurt their businesses.

in Development

[Photos] Here's the Winning Entry of Saigon's September 23 Park Design Contest

A new prize-winning design for Saigon’s September 23 Park, reverts the entire park's surface to public spaces and amenities reserved for pedestrians and local residents.

in Tech

Da Nang Signs Partnership With Facebook to Improve Disaster Response, Warning

This is the first time Facebook is partnering with a local government in Vietnam for a public service campaign.

in Development

HCMC Approves Project to Reduce Congestion at Nguyen Van Linh-Nguyen Huu Tho Crossroad

The total cost for the project is VND830 billion (US$35.4 million).

in Health

Toddler Hospitalized with Poisoning After Parents Fed Him Rhino Horn Powder

Folk medicine still plays a major role in daily Vietnamese life, but inappropriate usage of these ingredients can create serious consequences.

in Society

The Transformation of Saigon Through the Eyes of Ride-Hailing App Drivers

Saigon is well-accustomed to change. Having once been part of the ancient Cham empire, ruled by the Nguyen Lords and occupied by the French, Saigon is a city with a rich, compelling history. These var...

in Environment

The Delicate Process of Helping Bears Recover From Trauma

Bear bile farms, which exist in some Asian countries like Vietnam and China, are a terrible reality for Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus).

in Environment

Amid Booming Investment, Pollution Elevates Cancer Rates in Vietnam's Villages

While Vietnam's rural areas continue to develop, expand and economically prosper, their environmental conditions have not necessarily improved.

in Tech

What’s Inside Gapo, Yet Another Made-In-Vietnam Social Network

Joining the likes of Hahalolo, VietNamTa and Biz Time, Gapo is Vietnam’s newest social media platform, aimed at young millennials.

in Architecture

[Photos] This D3 Kindergarten Adds a Pop of Color to the City Canvas

TTC Elite Saigon Kindergarten is located on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in District 3, nestled behind many buildings that neighbor Le Thi Rieng Park and the city’s railway station.

in Environment

For Real Change, Rhino Horn Must Become a Taboo in Asia

At current rates of loss to poaching, rhino species will be extinct within our lifetimes. The big problem is demand for their horn from Asia. The market for rhino horn is moving from “traditional” med...

in Health

Vietnam Hopes to Develop African Swine Fever Vaccine in 2 Years

Despite some positive results, Vietnam is playing catch-up in finding a vaccine to control the outbreak that is devastating the nation's pork industry. 

in Health

Vietnam's Obesity Rates Increased the Fastest in Southeast Asia in 5 Years

Between 2010 and 2014, the country's number of obese individuals rose 38%.