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.

Back Stories

in Saigon

Construction Department Requests $2.2m to Repair, Renovate Hồ Con Rùa

The plan calls for water-proofing the lake, fixing cracked walkways and adding a sprinkler system, as well as ornamental flowers and artistic lighting.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Announces City's Fourth Pedestrian Zone in Sơn Tây Town

An 820-meter-long, multi-street pedestrian zone surrounding the Sơn Tây Old Fortress in suburban Hanoi is set to open in time for Reunification Day on April 30.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Reopens to International Tourists With No Quarantine Requirement

Bring on the elephant pants.

in Vietnam

New Survey Ranks Vietnam 1st of 39 in Gender Equality at Home, Work

If you say so.

in Saigon

Saigon's Bạch Đằng Park to Get Trees, Restrooms, Parking Space After Complaints

After a few months under renovation, District 1’s Bạch Đằng Wharf was unveiled as a brand-new park just before Tết last month.

in Vietnam

2 Flights to Bring Vietnamese Evacuees Back From Ukraine This Week

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created an enormous refugee crisis, with many Vietnamese fleeing to neighboring countries. 

in Vietnam

Sun Group Launches Premium Airline With Private Jets for Rich People

Let's hope they still have some money to spend on future cable cars.

in Vietnam

Đà Lạt Tourism Site Blasted Online for Hot Pot-Style Color Scheme

It joins the ever-growing list of tourist attractions widely panned by the internet.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Zoo to Take Over Care of 8 Tigers Rescued in Nghệ An

After months in temporary custody at an ecotourism complex, eight rescued tigers in Nghệ An will resettle in the Hanoi Zoo.

in Saigon

After Thủ Đức, Củ Chi Might Become Saigon's Next 'City Within a City'

Two years ago, three districts in Saigon were merged to become Thủ Đức City, Saigon’s first municipal city. Experts and city officials are deliberating a decision to give Củ Chi District a similar upg...

in Saigon

Saigon to Renovate Bến Thành Market, Replace Metal Roof With Tiles

The 110-year-old market will receive a new tiled roof, as well as infrastructure and gate upgrades.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Records Highest-Ever 47,000 New Covid-19 Cases on Sunday

Over the past few days, Vietnam has consistently reported new records in the total number of daily COVID-19 cases, signaling a possible upcoming wave of infections.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Purchases New US Embassy in Washington DC for $23.7m

It follows a 2021 deal in which the United States leased land in Hanoi for a new embassy. 

in Saigon

Saigon's First Electric Bus Line to Debut This Quarter

The wheels on the (electric) bus go round and round.

in Vietnam

Cracked Glass Panel on Tourist Bridge a Feature, Not a Bug, Owner Says

Maybe just don't build glass bridges?

in Vietnam

Vietnam to Remove Limits on International Flight Frequency Tomorrow

Another step toward some kind of normal.

in Hanoi

Photo of Hanoi Flower Vendor Wins Sony World Photography Award

With a photo of a flower vendor biking on Hanoi’s ceramic road, Nguyễn Phúc Thành was chosen to be a winner in the National Awards program of Sony World Photography Awards 2022.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Cinemas Finally Allowed to Reopen After Nine Months

Earlier this week, city authorities gave official permission for all cinemas and art venues to resume operations. 

in Saigon

Saigon Records Zero Daily Covid-19 Deaths for First Time in Months

On February 9, 2022, no Saigon resident passed away because of COVID-19.

in Vietnam

Nguyễn-Era Fighting Arena in Hue to be Restored

Are you not entertained???