Celebrating five years in the game, Saigon’s tenacious hardcore haven, Arcan, hosts a massive two-day party from April 14 to April 15. International guests rEmPiT g0dDe$$, Khyo, and Myoko grace the dance floor along with the club’s solid force of resident DJs.

Tucked away behind a looming black gate in the heart of Binh Thanh, a residential district of Ho Chi Minh, Arcan beckons. A cornerstone of the city’s underground club community, the uncanny space is a testament to Saigon’s unrelenting spirit and resilience. Having overcome its fair share of challenges through the years, Arcan’s fifth anniversary celebration marks a milestone for the next generation of Vietnamese artists that call it home.

Originally co-founded by Goss in 2018, the club grew to represent a burgeoning youth community brought together by alternative sounds from gabber, hard trance, and acid house to pumping psychedelic beats, rave, and drum & bass. Since the beginning, Arcan built its loyal following through a host of definitive collaborations with local artists such as Tizone, Minoto, Levi Oi, Anh Phi, and Abi Wasabi. From the early days of Pomelove and Nhac Gãy to the post-pandemic revival brought on by Vap Cuc Da, Gai Nhay, and Bung Lon, Arcan established its reputation for championing alternative queer collectives. Their current roster of residents includes Saigon’s chief talents Nyjah, Khoa Ly, ChiMin, Van Anh, Puppy Riot, DangVox, Wasabae, Minoto, and Goss. In addition to Arcan’s open-minded musical curation, Van Anh’s abstract designs and visual identity continue to capture Arcan’s experimental nature.

The club brings people together regardless of background, constantly breaking boundaries and pushing forward the raw and unfiltered energy of Saigon’s youth culture and creating a safe space for intimate connection.

Be sure to hit the dance floor this weekend to revel in this momentous accomplishment and experience Arcan’s visionary outlook of what a club can be.

Photo credit: Joanik Bellalou @joanik.tahmer