The Rising Sun Meets The Pearl of The Orient

From economic and social development to cultural exchanges, the relationship between Vietnam and Japan has grown phenomenally over the last few decades. Having spent his 35-year career as a diplomat, Oi sat down with Mr. Jun-ichi Kawaue, the Consul General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City to discuss the many ways the connection between the two nations has been strengthened. How long … Read more

Fueled by Tradition

George Duke, owner of Zippo and the grandson of the lighter company’s founder George G. Blaisdell, talks about brass, flint and its new clothing line For our readers who don’t know, tell us the origin of the Zippo and how it got its name. The name “Zippo” was originally created by George G. Blaisdell, the … Read more

Behind the Music

The ups & downs and personal & professional life of local celebrity Kyo York It’s pretty easy to prise open a locked scooter compartment if you know what you’re doing—just force the seat up at the right angle, and there’s a distinct clack; everything inside is yours, and you’re gone well before the bike’s owner … Read more

Food for Thought

An interview with Vietnamese-Australian celebrity chef Luke Nguyen Luke Nguyen is everywhere. The Vietnamese-Australian chef has had three television series, multiple cookbooks, runs two restaurants (in Sydney and Brisbane), makes appearances on MasterChef Australia and MasterChef Vietnam, leads culinary tours, is a cheffing ambassador for a luxury cruise line, and has opened a cooking studio … Read more

Blogging Buddies

Find out how a passion for traveling and technology brought a group of eclectic personalities together… How has travel blogging helped you connect with others? Jodi: Technology allows us to slide in sideways into existing communities, to know that they even exist. Before I go to a country, I’ll connect with others on travel blogger … Read more

International Relations

As part of our new series on consulates in HCMC, we speak with Consul General Simon van der Burg of the Netherlands about his country and its collaboration with Vietnam… Simon van der Burg arrived in Vietnam this January to take up the post of Consul General of The Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City. Although … Read more

In Session with Frank Turner

The punk rocker turned British folk songsmith arrives in Saigon this March with his unique brand of storytelling through catchy melodies and insightfully inclusive lyrics. Drawing from largely autobiographical inspiration and the nation of his birth, Frank Turner embodies what it is to be an honest musician. Having plied his exciting trade previously around Europe, … Read more