Paying Homage to the Hand-Painted Signs of Cho Lon
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- Published on 08 May 2016
- Written by Dang Bui.

French photographer Brice Coutagne settled in Saigon several years ago. With an interest in unusual lettering, the expat found himself mesmerized by the city's hand-painted signs. Camera in hand, Coutagne set out on a quest to archive these disappearing fonts in the obscure corners of Saigon’s Binh Tay Market.
Apple Loses iPhone Trademark Battle in Chinese Court
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- Published on 08 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Among China's wealth of knockoff goods, one small local company just earned a huge victory over one of the most famous tech companies in the world.
[Video] American Celebrities Try Durian on Live TV
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- Published on 08 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Durian is a pretty polarizing topic. Either you have grown to love the thick, garbage-scented flesh of this Asian delight or you are nauseated by the thick, garbage-scented flesh of this Asian delight.
It turns out that Golden Globe-winning American actress Jessica Chastain loves what she refers to as the “blue cheese of fruits”.
What We Know So Far About Central Vietnam's Fish Die-Off
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- Published on 07 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

It's been a full week since Vietnamese officials found no link between Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company and the mass death of roughly 30 tons of fish, large and small, along a 200-kilometer stretch of Vietnam's central coast. While authorities seem no closer to finding a concrete answer regarding the cause of the fish die-off, there have been a few more developments in the ongoing environmental crisis.
Phở: The Next Great International Dish?
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- Published on 07 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

As Vietnam's culinary ambassador to the world, phở is a soup which needs no introduction. Some of us grew up with it, slurping the noodles for breakfast or breathing in its steamy aromas when we had a cold. Others converted later in life, using its few simple elements as a training ground for our chopstick prowess and a gateway into the wonderful world of Vietnamese cuisine.
Saigoneer's Weekend Event Picks
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- Published on 06 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out our favorite events happening around Saigon.
Korean Company to Develop Tran Hung Dao's 'Golden Triangle'
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- Published on 06 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Brandon Coleman.

Along with the dozens of other iconic locations scattered across downtown Saigon, that three-pointed sliver of land bordered by Pham Ngu Lao, Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Hung Dao Streets will be getting a makeover in the coming years.
[Video] Adults Cheer on Kids' Beer-Drinking Contest, Fail at Adulting
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- Published on 06 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

As recent evidence suggests, not all adults excel at adulting. In fact, more often than not, we're all making mistakes in one way or another. It's just that we usually try not to involve young, impressionable children in our shortcomings.
Hẻm Gems: Saigon's Street Food Unicorn
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- Published on 06 May 2016
- Written by Kyle Lee. Photos by Lee Starnes.

Not only are unicorns real, they are edible. In fact, these beauties are an animal of such mythic deliciousness that you should count yourself lucky to even catch a glimpse of one, much less feast on its flesh. On a busy corner in District 1 during rush hour traffic, I had the privilege of spotting the great cá da bò – known to English speakers as the unicorn leatherback – before it promptly disappeared at the hands of our hungry dining group.
Vietnam Removes Liquids Ban on Domestic Flights
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- Published on 06 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Good news for those forced to chug their bottle of water in the airport security line before heading to the gate: Vietnam now allows you to bring your liquids, aerosols and gels on all domestic flights.
Morning News Roundup: Heavy Metal Levels Found in Fish Samples in Central Vietnam ‘Safe’
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- Published on 06 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Brandon Coleman.

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HCMC urged to raise houses [Vietnam News]
Ministry releases list of safe food outlets [Vietnam Plus]
Canadian Firm to Invest $150m in New Solar Power Plant
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- Published on 05 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Vietnam may be getting another solar power plant thanks to Canadian company CMX Renewable Energy Inc.
Man Boards Plane to Hong Kong, Loses $250,000 Mid-Flight
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- Published on 05 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Last week, one airline passenger arrived in Hong Kong with his pockets considerably lighter, after an inflight thief robbed him of US$250,000 on board the aircraft.
Japan to Invest $7bn in Mekong Region Over Next 3 Years
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- Published on 05 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Japan is gearing up to invest US$7 billion into the Mekong region, spreading the funding across parts of Vietnam, Laos and Thailand.
[Video] Hanoi Electronics Store Claims It Only Used Bikini-Clad Women to Promote 'Sex Education'
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- Published on 05 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Nothing says safe sex like electronics stores and bikinis.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Airport Denies Claims That Foreign Passengers Were Beaten During Delay
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- Published on 05 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Brandon Coleman.

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After 10 years, each Vietnamese burdened with additional $1,200 public debt [VietnamNet]
111 people killed in traffic accidents during 4-day holiday [DTI]
US Mulls Lifting Ban of Weapon Sales to Vietnam
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- Published on 04 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Ahead of United States president Barack Obama's visit to Vietnam, the Southeast Asian nation is renewing its request for the North American power to fully lift its arms ban.
Vietnamese Education Startup Receives $9m in Funding
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- Published on 04 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Yet another Vietnamese education app is raking in the investment money, as tutoring service GotIt! recently announced US$9 million in seed and series A funding.
[Photos] 30 Images of 1975 Saigon
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- Published on 04 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Over the weekend, Vietnam marked 41 years since the end of the American War. While Saigon has changed dramatically in those four decades, transforming into the economic heart of the country as well as its most modern metropolis, April 30, 1975 was a fateful day for the city's residents – and, of course, the country as a whole.
[Photos/Video] Vietnam Roads Turn Into Holiday Hellscape
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- Published on 04 May 2016
- Written by Saigoneer.

Now that we're all back to work, checking our Facebook feeds and Instagrams from our desks after a sunny, long weekend of checking our Facebook feeds and Instagrams at the beach, let's complain about the traffic.