“I first began reading The Saigon Times during my earlier posting at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, from 1994 to 1998. Those were exciting times, with Vietnam opening up under the Doi Moi reforms and many Japanese companies were establishing their presence in southern Vietnam. As an officer responsible for economic affairs at the Consulate-General in those days, I found the up-to-date information The Saigon Times provided on Vietnam’s economy truly invaluable — and I am sure the Japanese business community here shared that sentiment.
There is a question that has occupied philosophers across cultures and centuries: what does it mean to live in a world where everything changes, and nothing lasts?
"The Saigon Times has been a trusted source of information for the French Consulate for many years. Its English edition enables expats like me to stay well informed about business, economic and social developments in Vietnam. It has also been one of the reliable sources we use for our daily news round-ups and updates, helping us keep track of what is happening both locally and nationally.
Located about nine kilometers from downtown Hue City along the scenic Perfume River, Phu Mau Commune (now Duong No Ward) is home to Sinh Village – also known as Lai An - a community renowned not only for its long history but also for its specialized craft of producing ritual folk paintings.
Known by various names such as the “paper craft” or “layering craft,” this tradition sets itself apart from the decorative Dong Ho or Hang Trong styles of the northern region. Sinh Village’s paintings serve a purely spiritual purpose, created as sacred offerings for local folk beliefs and religious ceremonies.
Despite their rustic origins, these artworks have a distinctive identity through their materials, colors, and detailed compositions. Beyond their visual appeal, the craft paintings showcase the deep philosophy and lifestyle of the local people—highlighting their reverence and view of nature, society, history, and the lasting cultural heritage of their homeland.
Sinh Village’s craft paintings have long been the primary spiritual medium for the people of Hue, playing a vital role in traditional worship rituals and Tet holiday celebrations for generationsThe craft uses Do paper, with each sheet printed from hand-carved woodblocks to form the outlines. These blocks are usually made from durable woods.Once printed, the paintings are hand-colored using traditional pigments like ho diep powder and natural dyes derived from leaves, ashes and bricks, sourced from local lagoons, mountains, and home gardensSince the coloring process is completely manual and demands great skill and patience, only about six to 10 families in the village still produce these paintings professionallyKey traditional families, including those of Ky Huu Phuoc, Phan Thi Ky, Le Thi Nhon, and Tran Vien, still maintain an intact collection of ancestral woodblocksDuring the peak lunar months of October, November, and December, the craft expands to include 15 to 17 semi-professional households, employing nearly 100 workers to meet demand for year-end and New Year ceremoniesIn a changing modern world, there’s a renewed desire to reconnect with fading spiritual values. As a result, Sinh Village’s paintings are regaining their important cultural and social rolesArtisan Ky Huu Phuoc has dedicated 50 years to preserving the craft and even innovated with new woodblocks showing scenes of everyday rural lifeArtisan Ky Huu Phuoc has dedicated 50 years to preserving the craft and even innovated with new woodblocks showing scenes of everyday rural lifeA Sinh Village painting specially designed as a 2026 calendar - Year of the HorseKy Huu Phuoc’s workshop frequently hosts hands-on tours, giving visitors a chance to learn the art of woodblock printing under his expert guidanceVisitors can experience the entire process - from printing the outlines to hand-coloring the paper - and take home a one-of-a-kind Sinh Village painting created by their own hands
“I first began reading The Saigon Times during my earlier posting at the Consulate-General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh City, from 1994 to 1998. Those were exciting times, with Vietnam opening up under the Doi Moi reforms and many Japanese companies were establishing their presence in southern Vietnam. As an officer responsible for economic affairs at the Consulate-General in those days, I found the up-to-date information The Saigon Times provided on Vietnam’s economy truly invaluable — and I am sure the Japanese business community here shared that sentiment.
There is a question that has occupied philosophers across cultures and centuries: what does it mean to live in a world where everything changes, and nothing lasts?
"The Saigon Times has been a trusted source of information for the French Consulate for many years. Its English edition enables expats like me to stay well informed about business, economic and social developments in Vietnam. It has also been one of the reliable sources we use for our daily news round-ups and updates, helping us keep track of what is happening both locally and nationally.
