Brian Letwin

in Saigon

Every Morning, I'm Grateful for My Carless Ride to Work on Hoàng Sa Street

In the decade-plus of Saigoneer’s existence, we’ve had six offices strewn across different parts of Districts 1 and 3. Over that period, my homes have been located in Bình Thạnh and Thảo Điền, requiring significant commuting time.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

The Nhiêu Lộc-Thị Nghè Canal's Comeback Story

Water has no hometown.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

Our Toxic Relationship With Saigon Traffic: A Diagnosis

There is no way to describe Saigon traffic literally and have it understood by someone who has not experienced it.

in Hanoi

Sweating for a Good Cause at the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation Walk in Hanoi

I learnt of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation in my first year living in Hanoi, through friends that had worked for the fantastic organization, or that were regular donors supporting it. This year, I was super excited to see their “Blue Dragon Marathon Walk” annual fundraiser announced, with the main Hanoian event looping around Thống Nhất Park's lake. Embracing the opportunity to contribute, I put my hand up for a 10K walk and enticed friends and family from around the world to send donations to the wander-for-a-cause.

in Vietnam

In the Mekong Delta, Ferries Are Childhood Friends and Daily Companions

The Mekong Delta is called Đồng bằng Sông Cửu Long in Vietnamese — the Nine Dragons River, for the way the mighty Mekong splits into multiple strands as it nears its final destination, the East Sea.

in Hanoi

Glide Over Hanoi in the Calmness of the Cát Linh-Hà Đông Metro Line

In many countries, urban metros are a mundane convenience — so ordinary that their users often take them for granted. But until the birth of Hanoi’s Cát Linh-Hà Đông Metro Line, residents of Vietnam had enjoyed no such air-conditioned, traffic-immune method of transportation.

Back Stories

in Vietnam

Hanoi Commune Officials Jailed for Withholding Land From Local Residents

Fourteen officials have been sentenced to jail for stealing land from locals outside of Hanoi.

in Vietnam

Ministry of Environment Bans Binh Thuan Power Plant From Dumping Waste Into Local Sea

Local authorities in Vietnam are taking heed of environmental issues in the country after numerous disasters in recent years.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Woman Caught With Cocaine as 'Gifts' for Nigerian Boyfriend

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnamese woman caught carrying cocaine at Ho Chi Minh City airport  [Tuoi Tre] ...

in Saigon

Ministry of Defense Ready to Act on Central Government Decision on Tan Son Nhat Golf Course

In a recent meeting on land use around and within the parameters of Tan Son Nhat International Airport, defense authorities shared that the military will stop lending out airport land for new projects...

in Vietnam

After Viral Photo, Kien Giang Tourism Official Speaks out Against 'Beg-Packing'

A photo of a Western tourist meditating for money on a sidewalk on Phu Quoc has forced local officials to speak out against the action.

in Saigon

100,000 Workers at Saigon Industrial Zones to Get Free WiFi by 2019

Workers at Saigon’s industrial zones can look forward to free WiFi access in the near future thanks to a new program.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Journalist Arrested for Extorting Businesses in Mekong Delta

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnamese reporter arrested for extorting businesses in Mekong Delta [Tuoi Tre] 1...

in Vietnam

New Draft Regulation Would Require All Hanoi Taxis to Have Same Color Scheme

Hanoi authorities are working on a draft regulation that will significantly impact how the capital’s taxi firms operate in the next few years.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: VietJet Named Asia’s Best Employer Brand

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietjet named Asia’s Best Employer Brand [SGGP] Hanoi eyes standard color scheme f...

in Saigon

A Sneak Peek Inside Saigon's First Metro Tunnel

Deep below District 1, Saigon's first metro line is taking shape out of public view.

in Vietnam

Vietnam to Run out of Construction Sand by 2020: Official

As Vietnamese cities continue to experience a construction boom, government officials predict the country may run out of construction sand by 2020.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Forecasts Record Foreign Investment of $16bn

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnam forecasts record foreign investment of $16b [Deal Street Asia] Visa-free t...

in Vietnam

Tropical Depression Causes Devastating Flash Flooding, Landslides in Son La, Yen Bai

As Vietnam’s rainy season reaches its peak, a recent tropical depression battered the country’s northern provinces, devastating local infrastructure and villages. According to Tuoi Tre, heavy downpou...

in Asia

China Wows Netizens With Panda-Shaped Solar Panel Farm

After Kung Fu Panda, China's national animal is sweeping netizens off their feet again - this time as a pioneer in the country’s renewable energy industry.

in Saigon

Saigon Ramps Up Anti-Flooding Effort With Flood-Control Reservoir in Thu Duc

In yet another attempt to alleviate Saigon’s flood problems, municipal authorities are expediting construction of a flood reservoir in Thu Duc District.

in Vietnam

South Korean Convenience Store Chain Chooses Vietnam as First Foreign Expansion

A South Korean convenience store chain will become the latest entry to Vietnam's competitive market later this year.

in Vietnam

Vietnam's YouTubers Cash in on Kid-Friendly Channels

Certain local YouTube channels are bringing in hundreds of millions of VND per month. Their target audience? Children.

in Asia

Malaysia Bans Viral Hit 'Despacito' From State TV, Radio Stations

It’s official: the Malaysian government has banned Despacito from playing on state TV channels and radio stations.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Seeks to Improve Tourism Image Amid Poor Return Visitor Figures

Despite a steady increase in visitor numbers in recent years, Vietnam’s tourism sector is struggling to entice tourists back for another stay.

in Vietnam

Dong Nai Crowd Brutally Attacks Two Dog Thieves, Burns Motorbike

Two dog thieves were severely beaten by a crowd after being caught red-handed in Dong Nai province late last week.