[Video] Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain in Vietnam
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- Published on 14 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Gordon Ramsay isn't the only celebrity chef obsessed with Vietnam. But unlike Ramsay, New York chef, Anthony Bourdain, has a surprisingly close connection to Vietnam, cultivated over many visits since 2000.
[Updated] Ministry Approves Increased 3G Fees
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- Published on 14 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
[Update Below] Vietnamese telecommunication companies are awaiting a decision by the Ministry of Information and Communication that would double 3G fees in the country.
[Updated] Saigon Bridge 2 Completed Ahead of Schedule, Will Open Tomorrow
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- Published on 14 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
[Update Below] After only 17 months of construction, Saigon Bridge 2 was completed yesterday and will open to traffic in early November.
The new, VND1.5 trillion (US$70.75 million) bridge, 987.3 meters long and 23.5 meters wide, will have 4 lanes for cars and 2 for motorbikes, running parallel to the original.
What the Phở Happened Last Weekend? 10 Stories You May Have Missed
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- Published on 14 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
At Least 21 Dead in Vietnam Firework Factory Blast [Farsnews]
Japan slow to realize nuclear plant export to Vietnam [Global Post]
High cholesterol might become top killer in Vietnam [Thanh Nien]
Behind the Cover: Saigon Artbook
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- Published on 11 October 2013
Should art be luxurious or cool? Should it be for the masses or limited only to the educated elite? Should it be displayed only by established galleries or be exhibited in various venues around the city?
A Look into the World of HCMC Sex Shops
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- Published on 11 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
Even though sex toys and unregistered aphrodisiacs are awesome illegal in HCMC, many sex shops stock these items and are seeing their profits soar. After all, it’s hard to run a business selling condoms and lube. To boost sales, owners have added everything from dragon-headed dildos to over-priced Viagra.
Video: iPhone Thievery
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- Published on 11 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
Crime is on the rise in HCMC. The city may be installing video cameras and increasing the number of security personnel, but these won't solve the problem on their own. Thieves are conniving and thrive on their ability to identify easy targets.
This video should serve as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings when using expensive electronics.
Morning Links: Vietnamese Manufacture Unmanned Aircraft, Submarines, Battleships
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- Published on 11 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Railway planned to link Vietnam metro with new airport [Thanh Nien]
Vietnam-Japan trade turnover at US$16.3 billion in first 8 months [SGGP]
Foreign banks lend $100 mln to Vingroup [Reuters]
Old Saigon Picture of the Day: Umbrella for a Sunny Day (1966)
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- Published on 11 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Just a beautiful picture captured on Saigon's streets in 1966.
US to Provide Vietnam with Nuclear Fuel
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- Published on 10 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Add the US to the list of nations helping Vietnam secure a nuclear future. The country joins Japan, Russia and South Korea as advisers and suppliers for Vietnam's planned nuclear power plants.
Video: Hanoi to Saigon by Train, in 9 Minutes
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- Published on 10 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Last week Vietnam announced plans for a US$16 billion, 8 line railway that will provide modern rail service to the south and central regions of the country. There is of course, the current, century old railway - the Reunification Express - that runs from Saigon to Hanoi. The trip from the country's capital to its commercial hub takes about 2 days. While many shy away from this trip due to its length, it takes passengers on a journey through jungles, along pristine coastlines and over verdant ridges.
Beware of Fake Doctors in Vietnam
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- Published on 10 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
Quality is always something to be aware of when living in Vietnam. From motorbike helmets to pho noodles, shoddy products can profoundly affect your wellbeing. Now you can add doctors to this list – people are buying and borrowing medical practice certificates, allowing them to administer medical treatment without proper training.
Morning Links: Vietnam Seizes Nearly 2 Tons of Elephant Tusks Smuggled From Malaysia, Labeled as Sea Shells
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- Published on 10 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
General Vo Nguyen Giap to be laid to rest at Dragon Cap [SGGP]
A new phase of poverty reduction [VoV]
Two hospitals violate regulations, suffer great losses [Tuoi Tre]
Colorful Old Map of Saigon
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- Published on 09 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Though we can't pinpoint the exact date for this map, we're sure it's from before 1954. This was the year when the French ceded control of Saigon and south Vietnam in accordance with the Geneva Accords. When Diem's government took office, they switched out the French names for Vietnamese ones.
Whatever its date, it's a pretty sweet map.
Win up to VND20 million for Your Short Film on Vietnamese Street Food
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- Published on 09 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
If you enjoy making short films and have a place in your heart for Vietnamese street food, a new competition, "Vietnamese street cuisine" should be right up your alley. Oh, and the winning films will fetch VND20 million in prize money.
98-Year-Old to Continue his Hunt for $100 Billion Treasure
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- Published on 09 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
98-year-old Tran Van Tiep of Ho Chi Minh City has been given permission to continue his hunt for Japanese treasure he believes is buried at Tau Mountain in Binh Thuan Province.
[Updated] Vietnam Releases First Domestic Smartphone
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- Published on 09 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
[Update Below] Well, we may be a step behind North Korea but Vietnam has just released its first, domestically produced smartphone fittingly named the Lotus.
Morning Links: EVN Posts Massive Losses Over Non-Core Investments
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- Published on 09 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
Vietnam Government Clarifies its 'Buy-Local' Policy [FutureGov]
Toxic waste continues to flood into Viet Nam [Vietnam Net]
Refinery investment to double [VNS]
City prepares supply of commodities for Tet holiday season [SGGP]
Video: Saigon in 1945
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- Published on 08 October 2013
- Written by Brian Letwin
1945 was a tumultuous year for Vietnam. After the Japanese were defeated by the Allies in 1945, Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnamese independence from France, unaware that Allied leaders had agreed at the Potsdam Conference to divide the the former French colony at the 17th parallel. Under the agreement, the British occupied the south and the Chinese nationalists the north until French colonial authority could be reestablished.
Interview with Award-Winning Filmmaker Ham Tran
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- Published on 08 October 2013
- Written by Saigoneer.
"Am Muu Giay Got Nhon" ("How to Fight in Six Inch Heels") is an upcoming, fashion-focused romantic comedy directed by Viet Kieu filmmaker, Ham Tran, his first in Vietnam. Saigoneer sat down with Ham do get the lowdown on his new film.
