Nearly Gone But Not Forgotten: 213 Dong Khoi
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- Published on 12 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin and Tim Doling.
The magnificent art deco apartment building at 213 Dong Khoi has nearly been reduced to a pile of rubble to make way for a 14-story City Administration Center.
Event Rewind: The Saigon Projects 5 Year Anniversary Party
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- Published on 12 May 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.
There may have been a mixture of complexions and languages, but the crowd at The Saigon Projects 5 year anniversary party shared one love for the growth of graffiti art and underground hiphop in Vietnam.
It's Harder Than You Think to Find Safe Produce in Vietnam
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- Published on 12 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
Mind the VietGAP. According to a recent report in The Guardian, Vietnam’s sole safety certification mechanism is at best ineffective and, at worst, pulling the wool over the eyes of Vietnamese consumers seeking safe produce.
Thailand Amends Controversial Border Procedures for Vietnamese Tourists
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- Published on 12 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
After public outcry from Vietnamese tourists and tourism officials, Thai customs authorities have announced that they will amend “offensive” signage and procedures requiring proof of funds at the Poipet border gate between Cambodia and Thailand, reports Tuoi Tre.
Weekend News Roundup: Second McDonald’s Vietnam Restaurant Complete
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- Published on 12 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Second McDonald’s Vietnam restaurant complete [VietNamNet]
Obama sends Vietnam nuclear deal to Congress [Times of India]
Vietnam’s southern province holds int’l kite festival [Tuoi Tre]
Old Pictures of Saigon's Canals
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
Canals used to serve as the Saigon's main commercial highway, connecting the city to the Saigon river and in turn the web of rivers that traverse Vietnam.
Sustainable Home Design for Vietnam's Low-Income Earners
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
It’s all about the green. Earlier this week we looked at a sustainability-focused kindergarten by Vo Trong Nghia Architects. While that project seeks to educate Vietnam’s youth, in the same compound, the firm built prototypes of low-cost housing for residents in the Mekong Delta.
Brew Nation: Vietnamese Consume 3bln Liters of Beer Each Year
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
While some raised doubts about a WTO report that found Vietnamese women outdrink Russian (and Vietnamese) men, there’s no question that Vietnam is a country that loves its beer. So much so in fact, that domestic production cannot keep up with demand, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Street Cred: Vo Thi Sau
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Vinh.
Life, like the streets and alleys of Saigon, certainly has its fair share of twists and turns. One moment, you’re comfortably cruising down one direction, and suddenly, you encounter a detour. You try your best to navigate down an unknown path, guessing, turning—hoping—to get back on track.
Vietnam's Fading Black Smile
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.
Contrasting black and white is not a modern aesthetic. For a long time, it was a standard of grace for Vietnamese women for whom traditional beauty was judged by “white skin, black teeth.”
Made in Vietnam: Electric Chopper Bicycles
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
Looking to step up your bicycle game? Two mechanics in Nam Dinh Province have made their own electric chopper bicycle and the final product could only be described as baller.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Tycoons Lost Over $85 million Yesterday Morning
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Japanese expert to manage Vietnam national football team [Nhan Dan]
Vietnam launches ‘golden spoon’ contest to promote tourism via cuisine [Tuoi Tre]
World Bank approves $106mn credit for Vietnam’s health sector [Tuoi Tre]
39 New Caves Discovered in Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
After discovering Son Doong, the world’s largest known cave in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park 5 years ago, a team of researchers has been scouring the area, measuring, charting and photographing 39 new caverns.
Vietnamese Stocks See Biggest Drop in 13 Years as East Sea Dispute Intensifies
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
By now, you’re probably aware that Vietnam and China are locking horns over a Chinese oil rig which Hanoi says constitutes a gross intrusion into the Vietnam’s territorial waters. As tensions heat up with reports of force being used against Vietnamese ships, today, the Vietnam index saw its largest 1 day drop in 13 years, reports Reuters.
Saigon Urban Legends: The Ghost of the Fine Arts Museum
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.
The Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum, an ornate, colonial-era building at 97 Pho Duc Chinh, District 1 stands elegantly and quietly in the less-traveled area of District 1. Beyond housing some of the country’s best examples of woodcut paintings and Cham kingdom relics, the building seems to be cloaked in mystery, originating with its 1920s owner.
[Video] Stressed? Why Not Try Some Laughing Yoga?
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
There’s a famous phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine.” A group of Hanoians are putting this to the test and mixing it with another highly-touted health booster – yoga.
Vietnam Set to Overtake China as World’s Counterfeit Goods Capital
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
Due to rising labor costs in China, many counterfeit goods manufacturers are moving their operations to Vietnam. As the country becomes increasingly intertwined with the global economy via free trade agreements, authorities are hoping to stave off the trend, but so far have had little success.
Morning News Roundup: Toyota to Recall 43,000 Cars in Vietnam
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Toyota to recall 43,000 cars in Vietnam [SGGP]
39 new caves found in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang Park [Thanh Nien]
Cluster bomb kills farmer in central Vietnam [Thanh Nien]
Teaser: Meet the Nguyễn's - Part 2
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin
After moving to Vietnam, Richie Humphrey, in an attempt to improve his Vietnamese, started a video blog where he posted short, comedic videos. Last year, the Los Angeles, California native released a video called Meet the Nguyễn's, a play on the American film, Meet the Fockers.
Vietnamese Tourists Furious About Thai Customs Procedures
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
At the border gate between Cambodia and Thailand, Vietnamese nationals are required to take photos holding at least $700 in cash. Many Vietnamese said that the procedure made them feel like criminals.
