A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Saigon’s streets are difficult to navigate whether on foot, two, three or four wheels, and a strong memory is a must in order to get from point A to B without getting lost. The Saigon Memory Game comes to the rescue with a variation on the familiar and simple matching pairs memory game. Creators Pauline … Read more

The Design Duo

Ho Thi Phuong Hien and Pham Lam Hai Dang are the dynamic duo behind The 7 Studio, a retail space showcasing their unique furniture and home décor ideas. Both interior designers by profession, the shop is also the launch pad for their interior design business where they cater to clients seeking design advice for their home, hotel, resort, and even … Read more

Inspired Victory

Saigon Kitsch probably found its ideal new owner when Audrey Tran picked up the business five years ago. Half French, half Vietnamese, this highly charismatic entrepreneur seems to exist in a permanent state of inspiration – and she’s spent much of the time since acquiring the store turning her flashes of brilliance into unique souvenirs for sale. “Yes, I’m … Read more

The Renaissance Man

Secluded in a tiny alleyway deep in Go Vap District is an eclectic studio and workshop belonging to an eccentric artist by the name of Nguyen Van Binh. Inspired (or perhaps obsessed) by Renaissance art, Binh has hand-painted images of the style on everything from masquerade masks, room signs, cups and pots, candles, albums, guitars, paper holders to traditional paintings, … Read more

In the Boudoir

Opened in 2010, this two-story boutique, with a façade reminiscent of a British pub, aims to making shopping more personal by opening up her ‘closet’ to customers. Owner Rattana Chongcharoenponsuk, a Thai, has been living in Saigon for two years and had problems finding clothes to match her style and frame. “Most dresses designed here are so body-fit and … Read more

The Art of Upcycling

Blue Dragon would probably be just another souvenir store if it weren’t for the perfect marriage right at its core. Any couple would find inspiration in Binh and Lisa’s easy affection for each other, but it’s in their family business that their respective backgrounds and skills find a perfect accord. “When Binh was growing up here,” says Lisa, … Read more

Natural Beauty

Inspired by Vietnamese and Cambodian culture, Mekong Creations features beautifully handcrafted items by locals in the Mekong region. The ethos behind the company is to “support community development in poor remote villages.” ““It is also a Vietnamese enterprise with the highest quality standards and designs for modern tastes. All products are handmade for higher quality and with a very special … Read more