10 Old Pictures of Art Deco Buildings in Saigon
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- Published on 24 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Art deco is by far our favorite architectural style, one which luckily, Saigon has in spades. However, with each passing day, these buildings are being torn down to make way for modern structures which, some argue, are necessary to accommodate Saigon's massive growth.
Dairy Queen Opens First HCMC Locations
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- Published on 24 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
While McDonalds’ entry into the Vietnamese market has been getting a ton of press, another American fast food chain just made its Vietnam debut – Dairy Queen.
Morning News Roundup: In Vietnam, Hundreds of Thousands of Workers Get No Tet Bonus
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- Published on 24 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Vietnam’s state companies get fat on privileges [Thanh Nien]
Five Hospitals to be Expanded in HCMC, Hanoi [SGGP]
Vietnam’s Middle Class the Fastest Growing in Southeast Asia [Vietnam Briefing]
Farewell, Cold Weather: Saigon Set to Warm up Before Tet
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- Published on 23 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
If you’re tired of getting out of the shower cold and shivering we’ve got some good news - Saigon is set to warm up with the arrival of Tet.
Tết Tây
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- Published on 23 January 2014
- Written by Anthony Morreale.
Western New Year passed us by, towing an old sensation in its wake. It was a strange celebration, or if not completely strange then slightly out of joint. The Ball was stationary, and around its would be equator white faced clocks were placed at regular intervals, each one marking a time zone and a city therein.
Morning News Roundup: Rescue Teams Sent to Stop Oil Spill Threat in Saigon River
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- Published on 23 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Rescue teams sent to stop oil spill threat in Saigon River [Vietnam Net]
Vietnam hots up for Muslim travellers [TTG]
Vietnam bonds up on banks' liquidity, low inflation [Reuters]
Audio: Vietnam's Reggae Revelation
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- Published on 22 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
It may be played on repeat in tourist bars across Vietnam (and much of SE Asia) but reggae music has yet get traction in the local market. Hanoi-based journalist, Marianne Brown recently talked to artists such as JGKid who are looking to change this trend and put a Vietnamese stamp on the most prolific music genre to come out of Caribbean in the past 50 years.
[Updated] Hydrofoil Goes up in Flames on Saigon River. Operators Were Warned About Safety Risks
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- Published on 22 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
[Update Below] Yesterday afternoon a hydrofoil traveling from Saigon to Vung Tau caught fire near Phu My Hung. Even with unclear evacuation instructions, the boat’s 80 passengers were able to safely escape without any serious injuries. Prior to the accident, experts had warned about lack of safety standards on the Soviet-era boats.
National Geographic: Phu Quoc a Top-3 Winter Destination
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- Published on 22 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Another week, another set of subjective travel ratings, this time from National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The publication just released their 2014 list of “Best Winter Trips” in which Phu Quoc ranked 3rd after Paris, France and Whitefish, Montana (really?).
Morning News Roundup: Efforts on to Prevent Oil Spill After Hydrofoil Accident
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- Published on 22 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Vietnam reports first bird flu death in nine months [Global Post]
Vietnam wins $3.75 billion int'l court case [Vietnam Net]
4 arrested for Samsung factory riot in Vietnam [Thanh Nien]
10 Old Pictures of Workers in Saigon
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- Published on 21 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
As Vietnam's economy has become increasingly intertwined with the global free market over the past decade, some elements of Saigon's pre-war, western-oriented economy have reappeared - Factories around Saigon are in full swing and workers flock to office buildings every morning. And what better way to see these parallels than through old pictures?
Tet Bonuses Reveal How Teachers are Really Valued in Vietnam
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- Published on 21 January 2014
- Written by Peter Cornish.
Although Vietnam traditionally revers teachers and those working in education, as Tet approaches teachers working in the state system once again feel their low financial worth.
Morning News Roundup: 30 Get Death in Largest-Ever Heroin Trial in Vietnam
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- Published on 21 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Ministry wants ban on natural forest exploitation [SGGP]
Gold US dollar bills for sale on Saigon streets [Tuoi Tre]
Privatization has its pitfalls in Vietnam [Thanh Nien]
Old Saigon Building of the Week: French Masonic Lodge Le Réveil de L'orient
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- Published on 20 January 2014
- Written by Tim Doling.
Saigon got its first French masonic lodge in the 1870s, when the Société civile le Réveil de l'Orient set up the Hôtel de la Loge Maçonnique Le Réveil de l'orient (Awakening of the East) at 17 rue d’Espagne, now Lê Thánh Tôn.
Weekend News Roundup: 2 Get Death for Killing, Dismembering Gay Partner in Southern Vietnam
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- Published on 20 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Vietnam to revise laws to cope with runaway foreign investors [Vietnam Net]
Nuclear safety concerns in Vietnam could delay Japanese project [Asahi]
Event Rewind: Steve Aoki
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- Published on 18 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
After successfully rocking Hanoi last December, Steve Aoki made his Saigon debut last night to the delight of hundreds of bouncing concertgoers.
Things started off a bit precariously with a last minute change of venue and start time, but luckily backup plans were made at the always-solid Cargo Bar/Q4.
You'll Never Guess What These Boats are Made From
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- Published on 17 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Unexploded bombs aren't the only thing the American military left behind in Vietnam after their failed interventions in SE Asia.
According to The Aviationist, many American fighter-bombers such as the F-4 Phantom used external fuel tanks (pictured below) to extend their operating range. While this allowed for longer missions, these tanks were heavy and produced additional drag, not ideal for combat operations.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam May Delay Building 1st Nuclear Power Plant
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- Published on 17 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Chill continues in North, temp drops to 15.6°C in South [Tuoi Tre]
Real estate investors destroying Vietnam capital’s rivers [Thanh Nien]
Economists believe transparency in price adjustment necessary [SGGP]
Behold: Japanese Fart Scrolls
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- Published on 16 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
It's been a while since we've checked in with our Japanese neighbors. And what piqued our interest this time? Traditional, Edo period Japanese fart scrolls, of course!
These scrolls are called he-gassen, which loosely translates to 'farting competition' or 'fart battle,' popular during the 17th - 19th centuries.
Hai Phong: The Latest Vietnamese City to Add Free WIFI
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- Published on 16 January 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.
Add Hai Phong to the list of Vietnamese cities offering free WIFI to their residents.
The northern port city just completed its VND4.5 billion network that will serve 3 areas of the city, encompassing 1.9 million residents.
