Weekend News Roundup: Typhoon Hammers Northern Vietnam; Another Storm Brewing
- Details
- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Chinese tourists abandon Vietnam after oil rig row [Global Post]
Vietnam's petrol prices remain high despite global dip [Thanh Nien]
Qantas, Vietnam Airlines give Jetstar Pacific $38m for its expansion [SMH]
Kiwi Bobby Chinn Named Vietnam Tourism Ambassador To EU
- Details
- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Kiwi chef, Bobby Chinn, has been appointed Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to the EU for the term July 2014 to July 2017.
Lệ Hải: Saigon’s Gangster Queen
- Details
- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.

Before 1975, Saigon’s underground was controlled by gangs and mob bosses. Yet all those criminal minds were vulnerable to the intoxicating smile of one woman, Lệ Hải, whose name fittingly translates to “ocean of tears.”
3 Vietnam Hotels Named “Best In Asia”
- Details
- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

3 Vietnam hotels have made Travel + Leisure’s 2014 “World’s Best Awards,” according to DTI News.
[Photos] 2030 Phu Quoc Master Plan Approved
- Details
- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Saigon isn’t the only place eying a 2030 makeover. The Phu Quoc People’s Committee has approved a master plan that hopes to make the island a center for tourism and commerce.
Morning News Roundup: Exhaust Fumes Take Toll On HCM City Air Quality
- Details
- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Gaza violence does not affect Israel trade ties with Vietnam: envoy [Tuoi Tre]
Vietnam mulls setting up ‘super ministry’ to watch over state firms [Tuoi Tre]
[Updated] Typhoon Rammasun Making Its Way To Vietnam
- Details
- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Vietnam may be getting its first major storm of the rainy season this weekend.
17 Photos Of Royal Life During The Nguyễn Dynasty
- Details
- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Lan Tran.

It’s been more than two centuries since Gia Long unified Vietnam and became the first emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Lasting 143 years, Vietnam’s last dynasty ended in 1945 when Bảo Đại abdicated the throne.
[Photos] Red Tide Hits Mui Ne, Forcing Tourists To Swimming Pools
- Details
- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

A seafoam composed of critter-destroying algae, also known as red tide has hit Mui Ne – Phan Thiet, making the beaches unsafe for swimming and relegating tourists to their swimming pools.
Tan Son Nhat Ordered To Reduce Food Prices
- Details
- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Outside of Burger King and Popeye’s, most of the food sold at Tan Son Nhat Airport is provided by one of two companies Autogrill VFS or Song Viet, both of which think that their prices are fair. But the head of the Southern Airport Authority (SAA) disagrees and has ordered the vendors to reduce the prices of their food.
This Great Annotated Map Shows The Best Route Between Saigon And Hanoi
- Details
- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Intimidated by the prospect of driving from Saigon to Hanoi? While this awesome annotated map from Vietnam Coracle won’t help you with the winding roads full of busses and trucks, it should at least act as a guide for when to schedule your pit stops.
Bill Clinton To Arrive In Vietnam Tomorrow
- Details
- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Former US President Bill Clinton will visit Vietnam for the first time since 2000 on July 18 as part of his Asia-Pacific trip which also includes Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Morning News Roundup: Super Storm ‘Rammasun’ Approaching East Sea
- Details
- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Super Storm ‘Rammasun’ approaching East Sea [SGGP]
Many aviation bodies responsible for VietJet’s landing mistake [VietNamNet]
Minister calls for revisions on Vietnam's new north-south flight path [Thanh Nien]
[Video] Stunning Ha Long Bay Timelapse
- Details
- Published on 16 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

When timelapse photographer, Rufus Blackwell traveled to Ha Long Bay last year, he brought along his Canon 5D mk3 and a GoPro to make this awesome video.
Asia-America Gateway Cable Breaks Down Yet Again
- Details
- Published on 16 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Get ready for a month of slow internet. According to ICT News, the Asia-America Gateway cable that lies off of Vung Tau has broken down in what is seemingly becoming a bi-annual event.
The Story Of Saigon’s Soap Millionaire
- Details
- Published on 16 July 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.

80 years ago, if you asked a Saigon resident to name a soap brand, you would get only one response - Cô Ba. The brand’s popularity extended throughout Indochina and its success made its owner, Trương Văn Bền (1883 – 1956), one of the wealthiest men in Saigon.
Apple Sets Its Sights On Vietnam
- Details
- Published on 16 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

After basically ignoring the Vietnamese market for years, Apple is stepping up its game in the brand-obsessed country, partnering with FPT to distribute its products, reports Bloomberg.
Mekong River Region: Global Diversity Hotspot
- Details
- Published on 16 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

With 367 new species discovered in the Greater Mekong Region over the past 2 years, the World Wildlife Foundation has proclaimed it to be a Global Diversity Hotspot.
Chinese Oil Rig Withdraws From Vietnamese Waters
- Details
- Published on 16 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

After months of drama over the Chinese oil rig that had encroached on Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, Xinhua News Agency reports that the platform has finished its exploration and is on the move.
Morning News Roundup: Public Outcry Over Work Permits Granted To 2,100 Chinese
- Details
- Published on 16 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Vietnam border guards shoot out tires to stop Lao drug traffickers [Thanh Nien]
No abnormalities found in Chinese mushrooms in Vietnam: official [Tuoi Tre]
Jet Airways to start flight to Vietnam [Business Standard]