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Lee Starnes is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Ho Chi Minh City.
468 stories
Saigon Hẻm Gems
At the corner of a dead-end alley and the crowded pub street of Ton That Thiep among neon signs of nearby bars and restaurants, an eatery with an old hand-painted sign reading “Thanh Xuan” might come across as a forgettable, insignificant spot with its few small tables and plastic chairs. Yet this place has been home to three generations of a family who brought to Saigon – and named – hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho in 1946.
Saigon
Located close to the Saigon Post Office, the unassuming two-storey white shophouse building at 49-57 Nguyễn Du was once the headquarters of one of the most successful colonial-era printing companies.
![[Photos] 13 Old Saigon Villas to Be Demolished](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/saigoneer/article-images/legacy/NvKBJzVb.jpg)
Development
According to Tuoi Tre , 13 villas in Districts 1 and 3 are scheduled to meet their demise in the near future. Though the city's Villa Classification Council is attempting to preserve many of these buildings, some have already been demolished.
![[Video] How to Spend 36 Hours in Phnom Penh: NY Times](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/saigoneer/article-images/legacy/OwyJ7ZBb.jpg)
Travel
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust
![[Photos] The Vietnamese Soldiers Of WWI](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/saigoneer/article-images/legacy/qzO9Y5db.jpg)
Vietnam
Whereas the story of World War I traditionally filters through the lens of the major European powers, colonial ties produced a transcontinental story with the militaries of France and Britain comprised of many colonial troops.
Culture
Renowned among local photographers and cameras aficionados, the Phạm Thê Camera Repair Shop, which opened before 1975, has stood the test of time. But behind the façade of customer’s smiles sit the worries of a son who bears the responsibility of continuing his father’s famed but fading legacy as well as securing his own children’s future.
Eat & Drink
Among the busy streets of District 6, Binh Tay, Cho Lon’s central market, sits in all its hectic glory.
Development
The next big addition to Saigon’s skyline, the Vietcombank Tower, is nearly complete after years of construction.
Food Culture
A favorite breakfast for many Vietnamese, bánh cuốn (steamed roll) is a quick and delicious day starter. While the traditional is always a crowd pleaser, let’s take a look at some interesting renditions that have popped up.
![[Photos] Saigon Then & Now: Part 1](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/saigoneer/article-images/legacy/WhqSfhmb.jpg)
Saigon
We’re back with a new series of “Then and Now” photos of Saigon featuring the Continental Hotel, the city’s former opium refinery and a few other iconic places you may recognize.
![[Photos] The Saigon Post Office Is Getting A Makeover](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/saigoneer/article-images/legacy/4LIwdZNb.jpg)
Saigon
If you’ve passed by the Saigon Post Office in recent days, you’ve probably noticed work being done. The iconic building is getting a makeover, trading in its dull pink façade for a fresh coat of colonial yellow (that’s a color, right?) paint.
Culture
Through an unassuming alley in a slum of Phnom Penh, the deep beat of a bass line rings. One and two and three and four echoes off its dusty walls. Kids are dancing. Breakdancing.
