Creative

Hurley, better known as Phúc Mập, is one of those rare individuals you meet every now and again. A guy who moved to a different country, fell in love with it, and then managed to break through and become someone who was no longer considered an outsider. Through talking to him, I learned how love is at the core of his story. A love of comedy, content creation, but more than anything, a love for Vietnam.

Every single person you meet has an ego. It defines their self-image, self-esteem, and their sense of self-importance. Some will say you need to drop your ego. Let go of it. Transcend. Some will go as far as saying it is the greatest obstacle in your path, keeping you from experiencing love, happiness, or success. When I met Son Lam, he said something that made a huge impression: “We need to own our ego.”

Flor Saigon is an extension of who Nhi is as a woman and a mother. Thoughtful. Tasteful. Understanding. Speaking to her was a lesson in letting femininity and grace guide your daily life to ensure an existence that fosters growth.

Writing Toni’s story was a lesson in understanding the duality of man. Part lawyer, part music lover and DJ, he's the type of contradiction that makes him immensely interesting to talk to. Since opening La Scène in December 2025, he's now assumed an even newer role.

From witnessing the birth of Tokyo's beatmaking scene to becoming one of its pioneers in Saigon, Melunn’s story is a lesson in building communities doing what you love. If you’ve ever seen her perform or spoken to her about music, you’ll quickly understand just how deep her passion for beatmaking runs.

Brooklynite. New Yorker. Puerto Rican. That is how JK would begin to describe himself—but he doesn’t end there. Over the years—living out his rockstar dreams, making people laugh around the world, and now teaching Global Perspectives in Saigon—he’s learned that the answer to who you are goes far beyond where you came from.

Paper can be torn, burned, destroyed, but when thoughtfully cared for it becomes symbolic. The first time I encountered this work was at the LÔCÔ Art Market last year. I had never seen origami like it before and felt compelled to know who was behind it all. Months later, I finally met him, a twenty-eight-year-old contemporary artist, Dong—4.

Within minutes of meeting Steven, without knowing much of his background or what he does other than DJ under the name Orange Cyanide, I wanted to know more about him. I got the feeling early on that his passion for music ran deep. I soon learned it’s more than that—Steven is someone who is obsessed with sound, and in search of his own.

For Zoé, the question of her identity was never something she felt the need to answer. From Paris to Saigon, she's always been exactly who she wants to be, and she carries that same quiet confidence with how she approaches conversations with those who might feel just like her. In the end, Zoé proves you don't need to define yourself. Just be who you want to be.

Even though Phi is now known by his DJ name, Soju Peanut, DJing was actually the last thing he picked up. When he moved from the Mekong Delta to Saigon two years ago, it was just him, his dog Keo, 100k VND in his pocket, and a dream. Nowadays, he’ll smile, laugh, and tell you how lucky he is—but Phi’s story is proof that fortune favors the bold.

Speaking to Shuntaro is like listening to a historian reflect on the past two decades of Vietnam's nightlife and music scene. His love of going out, work as a tour guide, and travels with Studio Adventure have taken him across the country in pursuit of more than just a good time. Ultimately, he wants to spread joy, positivity, and love.

I'm of the belief that the greatest artists never look back. Right when you think you've got them figured out—poof—they're onto the next thing, leaving you in a cloud of dust that only makes you want to know more. Giang has this quality, but perhaps more importantly, he's also a genuinely nice person.

You just never know what you’re gonna find in Saigon. The city has its own tempo. The city is its own nexus. Any time you leave home, you never know who or what you’re going to discover. Most recently it was meeting Hieu at Tempo Nexus at the corner Pasteur and Lê Lợi Street.

Some people shy away from the spotlight. Others bask in it. Few, however, give it to others. Micka Chu is one of those few. That’s not to say she’s afraid of center stage — she shines when it’s her turn — but after talking with her and learning about her story, the moments in our conversation when she truly lit up, when her eyes flickered and her tone changed, were when she spoke about giving the light to others.

When he was younger, Michael Arnold admits he was too naive, too idealistic, and way too into himself. He spent a lot of his time writing, though — in his daily diary or letters to friends, family, and lovers — anything to avoid doing his homework. These days, he’s different: mature, disciplined, and in command, yet still much the same.

From straight-A student in Thailand on scholarship at UCL, to locked up in a government psych ward, to living in Saigon and working with #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Mark Manson. Val’s story is one for the books.

From working in military morgues to creating content in Saigon, Markeiz's story is one of constant reinvention. Hailing from Maryland, USA, find out how a man who's been around the world has decided Vietnam is the place he wants to stay.

From childhood performances to fronting three very different bands, Lựu’s path has been anything but ordinary. Today, she’s at the heart of Saigon’s live music scene, bringing swing, jazz, and rock to life with a voice that refuses to be boxed in.

From modern masterpieces to traditional works to thought-provoking installations, here are some of District 0's favourite art galleries in Saigon.

Nature loves those who dare. Those who dare to commit are those who are rewarded. Those who dare to lose sight of the coast are those who discover new horizons. Those who dare to take a leap of faith are those who take flight. After meeting Thomas, co-founder and designer at BằNG, I learned that he is one of those people. He is one of those who dares.

It’s the perfect trap. The perfect room to get cozy, get caffeinated, and get lost in thought.

Who would've thought mandatory military service could spark your love of cutting people's hair, but that's exactly what happened with Phát. Read about his story here.

Born in Costa Rica, raised in Southern California, and now living in Saigon, Dano has dedicated years to crafting his own style. Now it’s all on display at his second solo exhibition titled, Geopersonifcation.

“By the end of this class,” Tobi says, standing next to me as I attempt to sketch a blindfolded David, “you are going to learn that everyone can draw.”

The poet E.E. Cummings once wrote, “Always the beautiful answer who asks a more beautiful question.” In this profile, discover how sometimes the most beautiful answer is another question altogether.

Just how a musician hears the sounds of a city differently, a painter views their surroundings with their own unique perception. In this profile, learn about Mike Hern and his vision of Saigon.

To follow your heart or strive for material success: In this profile, TK recounts the journey of rediscovering her childhood love of singing.