Saigoneer
Last Sunday, Uber officially ceased operations in Southeast Asia, allegedly leaving behind in Vietnam US$2.3 million (VND53 billion) in tax debt.
Chef Franco Palandra graced the kitchens of 'NAMO Italian, serving up a beautiful 4-course set menu from March 8 - 21.
Saigon native Tang Nguyet Minh will be running 41.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) in temperatures of -30ºC (-22ºF) as part of the FWD North Pole Marathon.
With its sweeping beaches and lush forests, it's no surprise that Phu Quoc is experiencing a rapid increase in tourists.
In 1799, the ferocious Tay Son army forced the first Nguyen Emperor, Nguyen Anh, and his troops to flee to the sea. While making their escape, a great storm engulfed the retreating army. As their ship’s mast shivered and the hull shuddered, threatening to break it into splinters, a great whale rose from the depths. It lifted the emperor's boat and carried him and his men to safety. To thank the animal, Anh bestowed upon whales the official title of "Nam Hải Cự Tộc Ngọc Lân Thượng Đẳng Thần," which was shortened to Cá Ông, or “Lord Fish.”
“What a strange thing! / to be alive / beneath cherry blossoms.” This famous haiku by Issa, one of Japan’s most renowned poets, encapsulates the splendor of Hanami - the annual festival dedicated to petal gazing. The term translates literally to “looking at flowers” and is a time when friends, families, students and artists all gather beneath blooming trees to find inspiration and enjoy one another’s company.
Given the size of the overseas Vietnamese diaspora, it comes as little surprise that the community has had a huge influence on the cuisines of countries around the world.
French influence on Vietnamese cusine can be seen in the crispy baguettes and cured meats used in bánh mì, hearty beef served in bowls of phở, and creamy bánh flan, amongst other dishes.
Half a century ago, Saigon was home to many familiar sights as well as some surprising interlopers from across time and space.
Information provided by the proprietor: Our world is your playground, at Pullman Saigon Centre.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape not far from the city, District 12’s Khanh An Monastery is just the place for you.
Information provided by the proprietor: East West Brewing Co. - Saigon’s first in-house craft brewery and kitchen concept located in the heart of District 1, HCMC; an area that brings together the local community, expats, and tourists from around the world.
The hottest Ladies Night of Saigon happens each and every Tuesday at Lush.
![[Video] Finding Zen in the Art of Bottle Balancing](http://i.imgur.com/t0weL4Cs.jpg "[Video] Finding Zen in the Art of Bottle Balancing")
![[Video] Japanese Competitive Eater Visits Vietnam, Eats 15 Bánh Xèo in One Sitting](http://i.imgur.com/qDE7lljs.jpg "[Video] Japanese Competitive Eater Visits Vietnam, Eats 15 Bánh Xèo in One Sitting")
![[Photos] A Study of Saigon's 1970 Street Style](https://i.imgur.com/nJahwr1s.jpg "[Photos] A Study of Saigon's 1970 Street Style")
![[Photos] The City That Never Sits Still: Traffic in 1965 Saigon](http://i.imgur.com/oVcxcGBs.jpg "[Photos] The City That Never Sits Still: Traffic in 1965 Saigon")
![[Photos] The Neo-Baroque Opulence of the Norodom Palace in Its Heyday](http://i.imgur.com/v26yxZHs.jpg "[Photos] The Neo-Baroque Opulence of the Norodom Palace in Its Heyday")
![[Photos] A Glimpse Into Life in Vung Tau in 1967](http://i.imgur.com/L3YFnXIs.jpg "[Photos] A Glimpse Into Life in Vung Tau in 1967")
![[Photos] Walk Down the Streets of Saigon in 1969](http://i.imgur.com/U3ET14cs.jpg "[Photos] Walk Down the Streets of Saigon in 1969")
![[Photos] Snapshots of Downtown Saigon During the Mid-1960s](https://i.imgur.com/1allEV7s.jpg "[Photos] Snapshots of Downtown Saigon During the Mid-1960s")
![[Photos] 21 Snapshots of Downtown Saigon in 1967](http://i.imgur.com/TOYkP1Bs.jpg "[Photos] 21 Snapshots of Downtown Saigon in 1967")
Months After Typhoon Damrey Struck, Coastal Villages Still Struggle to Find Their Footing
About six months ago, Typhoon Damrey leveled the district of Nam Tra My.
![[Video] Japanese Competitive Eater Visits Vietnam, Eats 15 Bánh Xèo in One Sitting](http://i.imgur.com/qDE7lljl.jpg)
![[Photos] Brick Cave House Brings Natural Relief to Hanoi's Rapid Urbanization](http://i.imgur.com/GjfQtAIl.jpg)
Dak Nong Factory Caught Using Battery Powder to Dye Cheap Coffee Grounds
Prepare to be extremely grossed out.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam's Middle Class Population Increases by 1.5m Each Year
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook .
▪ 1.5 milli...
The Unsolved Riddle Behind Cô Mía, Vietnam's Sugarcane Juice Muse
“Oh this drawing?” chị Lien shouted in Vietnamese over the juicer’s raucous purring. “I don’t know who she is. Isn’t it ju...
Vietnam Wants to Limit Alcohol Sale Hours to Combat Social, Health Issues
The plan is the latest in an effort to address issues arising from late-night drinking.
![[Photos] A Day in the Life of Saigon's Apartment Dwellers](http://i.imgur.com/r9VD4dis.jpg)
[Photos] A Day in the Life of Saigon's Apartment Dwellers
When I arrived here ten years ago, I lived in the Eden Building, until it was destroyed to put in yet another shopping m...
A Massive Cargo Ship Lost Its Anchor and Rear-Ended a Bridge in Dong Nai
The crew members on the ship managed to escape and no one was injured.
Upcoming Events
Today
18:00
Meet Philip Bischoff @ Park Hyatt
18:00
Art & Wine Dinner @ Park Hyatt
18:30
Viva Espana @ Hotel Equatorial HCMC
19:00
Mad about Whisky @ Mad Cow
20:00
Krossing Over 18 @ MoT Plus
Tomorrow
18:30
Viva Espana @ Hotel Equatorial HCMC
19:00
Krossing Over 18 @ Label
20:00
Paramore & Imagine Dragons @ Hard Rock Cafe
20:00
Gentlemen Night @ Embassy Saigon
20:00
Indika Spanish Madness w/ Mosquito band @ Indika
21:00
Fridays with Resident DJ Providence (SIN) @ Snuffbox
Soon
21/04
Cosmobeauté Vietnam 2018 @ SECC
21/04
HOG Safe Rider Skills Training @ Harley-Davidson of Saigon
21/04
Krossing Over 18 @ Ho Chi Minh City Dancing School
21/04
Arts & Fun Bazaar @ Faifo Lane
Full Events Calendar
News
Saigon Puts City Hall Expansion Design up for Public Feedback
Saigon's city planners have displayed a design for an extension to the city's iconic People's Committee building for public feedback.
Months After Typhoon Damrey Struck, Coastal Villages Still Struggle to Find Their Footing
About six months ago, Typhoon Damrey leveled the district of Nam Tra My.
New Report Predicts Asia Will Run out of Fish by 2048
The future looks grim for aquatic life in Asia.
Arts & Culture
Inside the 170-Year-Old Homestead of the Late Vuong Hong Sen, Vietnam's Famed Historian
This noble house is one of Saigon's dormant treasures. Dating back to 1848, it once hosted a notable Saigoneer, Vuong Hong Sen, and his fami...
Dancers, Visual Artists Collaborate at Unique Saigon Arts Festival
From April 16 to 22, the Krossing Over Arts Festival will bring together artists and dancers for performances across Saigon.
The Sapa-Fansipan Mountain Railway Is Officially in Operation
Whether you're excited about it or not, the mountain railway is finally here after 18 months of construction.
Sponsored Content
Amanoi: Luxury and Seclusion in the Heart of a National Park
Like turtle shells breaching shimmering shallows, giant ochre boulders rise from tufts of green bushes and trees on the mountains overlookin...
From South Korea to Vietnam and Hong Kong: One Student’s Inspiring Educational Journey
Han Bin Kim has taken an unusual path to university.
Jardin Des Sens Serves as Ambassador for French Gastronomy in Saigon
French influence on Vietnamese cusine can be seen in the crispy baguettes and cured meats used in bánh mì , hearty beef served in bowls of phở ,...
Project X at SSIS: Innovative Learning in Action
A marble clinks down a shoot and knocks over a row of books that jostles paint-smeared brushes across a canvas before tumbling down a series...
One Saigon Restaurant’s Take on Japanese Flower Viewing Parties
“What a strange thing! / to be alive / beneath cherry blossoms.” This famous haiku by Issa, one of Japan’s most renowned poets, encapsulates...
Going Green with Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island
With its sweeping beaches and lush forests, it's no surprise that Phu Quoc is experiencing a rapid increase in tourists .
Hôtel des Arts: Where Stays Are Curated like Artwork
For Hôtel des Arts Saigon, art is more than just a trendy word to include in their motto. It navigates every aspect of a guest’s experiences...
Portrait of a Saigon Student Preparing for an International University
In many ways, Minh Ha Nguyen is an average Vietnamese teenager - she frequents milk tea shops, strums her guitar in her downtime and loves t...
[Video] Cooking with Celebrity Chef Franco Palandra @ 'NAMO
![[Video] Cooking with Celebrity Chef Franco Palandra @ 'NAMO](http://i.imgur.com/Vnx4JHps.jpg)
Chef Franco Palandra graced the kitchens of 'NAMO Italian , serving up a beautiful 4-course set menu from March 8 - 21.
Eat & Drink
[Video] BuzzFeed Employees Try Vietnamese Noodles, Choke, Cry, Make Disgusting Phở Puns
![[Video] BuzzFeed Employees Try Vietnamese Noodles, Choke, Cry, Make Disgusting Phở Puns](http://i.imgur.com/2XnlnEzs.jpg)
Another day, another BuzzFeed-branded “Americans Try…” video.
Hẻm Gems: Cocktails and Conversation at Saigon’s Classiest Sidewalk Spot
Update: As of January, 2018, City Beer Station HCMC has moved to 94A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Dakao Ward, D1.
In the daytime, you wouldn’t give the...
Hẻm Gems: Mutahiro's Masterful Chicken Ramen
Ramen is often the preferred choice of Japanese comfort food in Southeast Asia, yet finding an impressive offering of the dish in Saigon has...
Old Saigon
[Photos] A Day in the Life of Saigon's Apartment Dwellers
When I arrived here ten years ago, I lived in the Eden Building, until it was destroyed to put in yet another shopping mall. Escalators and ...
[Photos] Tet Trung Thu Celebrations in Old Hanoi
![[Photos] Tet Trung Thu Celebrations in Old Hanoi](http://i.imgur.com/A7lN3g0s.jpg)
As this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, more than a few Saigoneers have shown a renewed interest in the holiday’s traditions.
Saigon's Iconic 'Rainbow Bridge' Riddled With Large Cracks
One of Saigon’s most recognizable landmarks, the Rainbow Bridge in downtown District 1, is suffering from major structural problems includin...
Event Photos
Saturday Night @ Lush
With Bass Republic helming the front room and the main room pumping, Saturday night was rocking!
Society
[Photos] Brick Cave House Brings Natural Relief to Hanoi's Rapid Urbanization
![[Photos] Brick Cave House Brings Natural Relief to Hanoi's Rapid Urbanization](http://i.imgur.com/GjfQtAIs.jpg)
The breathable home uses a double layer of recycled bricks to protect against the wind and sun while incorporating green elements and natura...
Vietnam Launches First Public Satellite Image Database, 'Data Cube'
The system, a result of a joint effort of the Vietnam National Space Center (VNSC) and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organ...
Around 16% of Saigoneers Suffer From Mental Health Issues: Health Expert
Around 16% of Saigon citizens reported having some mental health issues, but the city lacks the physical facilities or health professionals ...
