Deep Rooted Solutions

How Mangrove forests can protect the coastal areas and rice fields of the Mekong Delta from storms and flooding It seems like the time of dramatic pronouncements of climate forecasts: a United Nations report released in October said humans have just over a decade left to reverse the course on climate change, and this should … Read more

The Tokyo Blues

In conversation with Shun Sakai, a talented jazz singer who has truly followed her heart musically When Shun Sakai was a young woman, jazz music was popular across the world; however, in her home country of Japan there weren’t many opportunities to listen to it. She had only heard traditional Japanese songs until after the war when American army bases around the suburbs … Read more

Enjoy The Show

Behind the scenes with members of Dragonfly Theatre, Saigon’s professional English language theatre troupe “We’re here because we love what we do. Everyone’s in it because they love it,” says David Delves, whose passion for the theatre is undeniable. Originally from London, where he went to school for the performing arts, David is currently one of the board members of Dragonfly Theatre Company. Dragonfly Theatre was founded in … Read more

Small is The New Big

Saigon’s newest restaurant serving creative Italian cuisine and big dreams It’s often true that the most memorable dining venues aren’t the ones that are easiest to spot. You won’t walk past Small Vacancy – Lounge & Dining —it’s hidden away in the corner of the alley at 178/4B Pasteur, D1—but this striking venue with its intimate lighting, discrete seating, bold teak color scheme and melding of traditional British … Read more

More Than Skin Deep

The medical tourism industry is booming and Vietnam is tapping into the market Vietnam’s got sandy beaches, ancient history and topnotch restaurants, but that’s not why tourists are flocking here: they’re coming for the health care. Medical tourism is a booming industry thanks to affordable prices, cutting edge equipment and infrastructure that encourages visitors in need of a checkup. Oi speaks to Dr. … Read more

Experience The Difference

It is a responsibility that some parents may find daunting: finding the right school for their child. We speak with Ms. Nhung Nguyen, Head of Admissions at International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) to hear some of the common challenges and questions parents have when searching for a new school. Where do we start, there is too many choices? “The first thing to do … Read more

Luxury Lunches

The perfect excuse to skip work and while away a Saigon afternoon For any foodies in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll definitely want to check out Saigon Kitchen located in the beautiful Hôtel des Arts Saigon (76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3; www.hoteldesartssaigon.com). Saigon Kitchen focuses on serving authentic, high quality dishes in an upscale, yet cozy atmosphere. Shortly after arriving I realized that this … Read more

Bark to The Future

Pet supply retailers and services are beginning to bloom in Vietnam One must put things in prospective in regards to the evolution of pet ownership and a supporting pet supply retail industry in Vietnam. The first documented, commercial “small companion animal” veterinarian clinic opened in Hanoi in 2003 and  the first licensed commercial pet supply shop opened in 2006 in Ho Chi Minh City. And … Read more

Camp it Up

Camp Asia is the coolest thing your kids can do during school holidays As summer is fast approaching, parents might be wondering what there is for children to do in Ho Chi Minh City during the summer holidays? Look no further, Camp Asia has arrived! Camp Asia is the leading holiday camp provider in Singapore and is launching in Vietnam from June 2018 through International School … Read more

The Lady Rides Again

Godiva, a luxury chocolatier, finds a sweet spot in Vietnam They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but whoever first coined that phrase must have never tasted a piece of premium Belgian chocolate before. Why Belgium? Because there is a broad consensus that the world’s best chocolates come from Belgium, more specifically, because of a certain company that started there … Read more