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Alberto Prieto

Khôi Phạm

in Vietnam

Cold War History With a Side of Nem Rán in Prague's Little Hanoi

Across English-speaking countries such as the US and Australia, the Vietnamese diaspora established close-knit “Little Saigon” towns whenever they settled down, founding large markets, starting financ...

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

Art, Flowers Bloom at Huế’s Hidden Museum, Lebadang Memory Space

People often think that art is distant and difficult to appreciate, but a garden is different; everyone knows how to admire a flower.

in Architecture

Saigon's VOH Radio Building, a Marvel of Architect Lê Văn Lắm's Modernist Intuition

In the middle of the 20th century, Vietnam grew to become one of the world’s prominent centers of modernist architecture. Saigon at the time was an economic and cultural heart of the region, with many...

in Parks & Rec

I Know Where the Caged Bird Sings: The Joy of Saigon's Birdsong Competition

One by one, motorbikes arrived, carrying the tell-tale cages covered with cloth and parked in the gravel lot beside the coffee shop where Saigoneer sat listening to the caged birds suspended above a p...

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

The Saigon Post Office, Benjamin Franklin, and a Source of Unexpected Pride

It’s not hard to find snippets of America in Saigon.

Paul Christiansen

in Culture

Are We Living in the Final Days of Cô Mía?

They say a person dies twice: once when their heart stops beating and a second time when people stop mentioning their name. If we alter this phrase a bit to include the last time one’s image is seen, ...

in Vietnam

With Thriving Coffee Culture, Vietnam Has Half a Million Cafes, Data Shows

Taking into account global and national chains, small brands, independent cafes and street vendors, a recent report estimates that Vietnam is home to more than 500,000 coffee shops that generate US$1....

in Saigon

Into the Infernal Heat of One of Saigon's Last Remaining Forges

It's no exaggeration to say that working in a forge is akin to being in a fiery sauna.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon

Letter to the People I Met as We Hid From the Rain Under a Bridge Together

“Do not be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards.”— Vladimir Nabokov.

Paul Christiansen

in Dishcovery

We Should Offer Gỏi Măng Cụt a Full-Time Position in Saigon's Food Scene

The mangosteen salad trend hit TikTok in 2023, creating a demand that led locals to quit their jobs and take on more lucrative full-time fruit-peeling duties.

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

The Curious Case of Quy Hoà Leprosy Colony's Park of Busts

A delightfully bizarre place, Quy Nhơn’s Quy Hoà leprosy colony deserves exploration in full, but clustered in a grove of trees on its outskirts in Nhân Ái Park stands a particularly peculiar assembla...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Sakaba Sasuke Izakaya, Happiness Is Wrapped in Pork Belly and Grilled

It took a few visits before I noticed that the music at Sakaba Sasuke was always the same.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At D7's Tía Tô, Home-Cooked Korean Comfort Food for the World-Weary

Growing up in South Korea's extremely competitive and high-stress education system, combined with strict Asian parenting, my relationship with my parents has never been easy.

in Food Culture

Đà Nẵng Is Michelin's New Destination for 2024 Version of Vietnam Guide

After Saigon and Hanoi, Đà Nẵng will be the next Vietnamese city with its own Michelin Guide selections.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

The Nhiêu Lộc-Thị Nghè Canal's Comeback Story

Water has no hometown.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

Our Toxic Relationship With Saigon Traffic: A Diagnosis

There is no way to describe Saigon traffic literally and have it understood by someone who has not experienced it.

in Culture

In the Year of the Dragon, Confessions of a Supposedly 'Auspicious' Dragon Baby

During high school, I learned that babies born in years of the dragon were thought to be “fortunate” and thus, highly sought-after.

Paul Christiansen

in Culture

It's Tết: The Liberating Magic of Using Tết as an Excuse for Everything

I hate excuses.

in Music & Arts

Hem Hem Lights up Saigon With the Electrifying Riffs of Japanese Ska

The cheerful ska tunes combined with insanely energetic and quirky dance moves packed every inch of the indoor space of Indika with heat and pure joy.

in In Plain Sight

Meet the Saigon Man Whose Home Is an Archive of Traditional Musical Instruments

“These instruments serve our everyday life, or even our spiritual life. For example, they mark the transitions of life. When a baby is born or a person passes away, people play these instruments to we...

in In Plain Sight

At Bá Tân Bookstore, a Home for Vintage Books, Readers, and Goodness

I got to know Bá Tân Bookstore thanks to a friend’s suggestion.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: It's Impossible to Resist Bún Riêu Cô Yến's Crispy Fried Tofu

A few years ago, my family’s Christmas Eve tradition of making gỏi cuốn was swapped out for a special competition, one that would decisively end a longstanding rivalry: who, out of the aunts and uncle...

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: From Cà Mau, Cô Xíu Brings Bánh Tầm Cà Ri Cay to Bình Thạnh

Recently, I’ve had the Mekong Delta on the mind. This month I made two trips down to research various elements of the watery region, and also spent time reading author Khải Đơn’s tremendous delta-focu...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bánh Canh Hẹ Is Phú Yên's Homage to Chives and the Sea

Ever since I was a kid, I have had a general dislike towards vegetables, but green onion has always been an exception. I regard green onion as a garnish that can lighten up the whole dish, and it seem...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Best Cao Lầu Outside of Hội An Is in Tân Bình

Years ago, the first time I ate cao lầu, I committed a cardinal sin. As I gazed upon my freshly assembled bowl of noodles, without much thought, I asked the waitress for more sauce.

in Vietnam Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Đà Nẵng, Góc Nhà Tụi Mình Is Where Tea Time Feels Like Home

As a Đà Nẵng native, I often get asked where and what to eat and drink by friends who are in town. The tried-and-true list of places in my mind always includes Góc Nhà Tụi Mình, which I’ve frequented ...

in Music & Arts

How Richie Fawcett's Saigon Sketches Illuminate a Decade of Change

It’s been hidden right there in the heart of Saigon for over half a decade. 

Paul Christiansen

in In Plain Sight

Shrimp Fishing in Thanh Đa Is Fun Even When You Don't Catch Anything

If it weren’t for shrimps, developing taste buds would have been an outrageous waste of evolutionary time and resources. Truly, without the potential for boiled, grilled, fried, baked or even raw shri...

in Travel

In Gò Vấp, a 'Floating Temple' Stands the Test of Time and River Currents

On an isle amid the Vàm Thuật river in Gò Vấp District, Phù Châu Temple, colloquially known among locals as the “floating temple,” has welcomed religious practitioners looking for a serene quarter in ...

in Sports

Saigon Heat Wins Intracity Rivalry Over HCMC Wings, Closing Out VBA Regular Season

Families of fans filed into the “Fire Pan” on September 3, wearing red, white, and black jerseys. The atmosphere hums with anticipation.

in Culture

The Artist Preserving Saigon's Cultural Tapestry Through Hand-Painted Signs

"In the early 2000s, the market experienced an exodus of painters due to the shift to digital; it was difficult to retain customers otherwise. I didn't want my craft to be forgotten, so I started ever...

in Food Culture

Thanks for Your Order, Your Bún Will Arrive by Train in a Few Minutes

♫ And the bún mộc on the train goes round and round. Rolling down the track ♫

in Hanoi

Glide Over Hanoi in the Calmness of the Cát Linh-Hà Đông Metro Line

In many countries, urban metros are a mundane convenience — so ordinary that their users often take them for granted. But until the birth of Hanoi’s Cát Linh-Hà Đông Metro Line, residents of Vietnam h...

Paul Christiansen

in Literature

In Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai's New Novel, Saigon's Rhythms Hum in the Background

“I’m always homesick for Vietnam. To write is to return home. That's why I had to bring Vietnam alive onto the pages. I had to hear the people speak, I had to listen to the music, to the language; I h...

Paul Christiansen

in Dishcovery

A Simple Americano Goes a Long Way at Quy Nhơn's Lone Coffee Roaster

Saigon is spoiled with cafes. In addition to the street stalls hawking cheap phin coffee, international chains and charming mom-and-pop shops, the last decade has seen a proliferation of third-wave ve...

Paul Christiansen

in Culture

Vignette: How Bình Định's Nón Ngựa Gave Me Hope for the Tourism Industry

In 1964, when Đỗ Văn Lan was only 14 years old, a group of American soldiers spent six months at his family’s Bình Định home learning how to make nón ngựa. Once he learned that I am American, he told ...

in Travel

Vietnam Officially Extends E-Visa to 90 Days, Allowing Multiple Entries

Beginning August 15, tourist visas will be extended from 30 days to 90 days.

in In Plain Sight

In Hanoi, the Vietnam Museum of Nature Is an Inquisitive Child's Heaven

Amidst the dull, grey buildings of the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, a giant dinosaur model stands out. The T-Rex was guarding the entrance to the Vietnam National Museum of Nature (Bảo ...

Linh Phạm

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: What a Tea Ceremony Taught Me About Our Lotus Tea Traditions

“The lotus is our national flower, and lotus tea is regarded as the national tea.”

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At a Corner of Nguyễn Văn Linh, Saigon's Best Korean Cold Noodles

Much like a stereotypical meet-cute in a romantic comedy, the majority of my most memorable food experiences often involve a faux pas of varying degrees of humiliation.

in Vietnam

Summer 2023 Is the Hottest on Record in Vietnam Due to El Niño

While the past weeks have felt like living in a sauna for Saigoneers, north-central Vietnam provinces experienced even hotter temperatures this summer.

in Dishcovery

Society Cafe's Cơm Xá Xíu Fine-Tunes a Cantonese Classic With New Techniques

Inspired by a Cantonese classic, Society Cafe & Dining’s char siu pork is carefully seasoned and prepared over two days, while the accompanying daikon and radish were pickled from scratch. Put togethe...

in Food Culture

At Culinary Frank's Cozy Saigon Cafe, YouTube Food Comes to Life on the Plate

“Every restaurant is a miniature society,” says Phương Phạm (Frank Phạm), a Melbourne-based Vietnamese chef and famous YouTube food blogger who recently returned to Saigon to open his passion project,...

in In Plain Sight

As Science Advances and Stigma Fades, Quy Hòa Leprosy Village Seems Frozen in Place

Many of the images conjured by the word leprosy (bệnh phong) can be unsettling to some. Yet, the misunderstood disease exposes the capacity for human care and empathy. Quy Nhơn’s Quy Hoà lep...

Paul Christiansen

in Vietnam

In Bình Định, a Museum Retells Nguyễn Huệ's Glorious Life via Vivid Murals

About 45 kilometers from downtown Quy Nhơn stands the Quang Trung Museum (Bảo tàng Quang Trung), one of Vietnam’s finest museums.

in Snack Attack

The Good, the Fresh and the Crispy: Quy Nhơn's Wondrous Cuisine in 3 Dishes

A beautiful coastline, stunning rolling mountainscapes, and multiple historic vestiges are not the only merits of Quy Nhơn City.

Paul Christiansen

in Vietnam Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Quy Nhơn's Unique Take on Bánh Khọt and Peanut Sauce

You’ve probably never had bánh khọt like this before.

Paul Christiansen

in In Plain Sight

Notes From the Hiking Trail to Catch the Morning Sun in Quy Nhơn

Do you prefer a view of the beach or mountains?

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

Vignette: Letters to Hàn Mặc Tử

Quy Nhơn residents mentioned Hàn Mặc Tử with great pride and reverence whenever I mentioned enjoying reading and writing poems. 

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

An Awe-Inspiring Bird's-Eye View of Bình Định's Chăm Towers

What if memories were not collections of chemicals and electrical impulses stored in the fleshy recesses of a mind, but physical objects made of brick and stone?

in Hanoi

The Rich History Behind One of Hanoi's 2 Remaining Chinese Guild Halls

With the changing gears of history, at times even the oldest layers of a thousand-year-old town must evolve to house new meanings.

Linh Phạm

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Blue Crab and Beer for a Bodacious Snack on the Hanoi Sidewalk

Of all seafood in Vietnam, ghẹ (blue crab) is among the most expensive. Even at wholesale markets, these crustaceans can fetch from VND300,000 to 400,000 a kilogram and any buffet deal that boasts the...

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Cozy up at Ẩn Cà Phê With Morning Coffees and Night Cocktails

In the Mood for Love, Wong Kar-wai’s elegantly restrained movie about married lovers resisting adultery, offers up a delicious cocktail of emotions. At least, that is the concept behind the drinks men...

Linh Phạm

in In Plain Sight

The Unbearable Delight of Watching a Live Football Match at Hàng Đẫy Stadium

“The government sells it for VND100,000. Just give me VND150,000. Gate 3, right in the center.” 

in Saigon

How Nhà Thờ Tân Định, Saigon's Iconic Pink Church, Came to Be

You just have to mention the “pink church” and everyone knows which one you mean. But few are aware that the building in question — Tân Định Church — is one of Saigon’s oldest and most important Roman...

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: From a Historic D5 Shophouse, An Duyên Serves up Tasty Chợ Lớn Classics

An Duyên Chợ Lớn transcends Chợ Lớn quán stereotypes of rustic mom-and-pops with rickety amenities to provide a comfortable dining experience, made memorable thanks to aesthetically pleasing décor and...

Michael Tatarski

in Tech

How Going Digital Could Help Vietnam's Farmers Take Their Produce to the Next Level

In this digital age, farming, especially in developing countries like Vietnam, has maintained a general perception of being an analog, hands-on practice. 

in Vietnam Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Đà Nẵng, Dì Gái's Bún Chả Cá Is a Family Heirloom

Sometimes, for descendants of Central Vietnam, a bowl of steaming bún chả cá can even sooth the pain and misery of a storm-battered rainy season.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: The 'Tiny' Cafe That Contains Multitudes

Hidden down a quiet alley opposite the B-52 Victory Museum on Đội Cấn in Ba Đình District is the gateway to Tiny Cafe. Make sure you look carefully, as the sign is easily missed, and this isn’t somewh...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Cafe-Snack Bar Hybrid in Bình Thạnh Offers Portals to Japanese Nostalgia

Bình Thạnh’s Ward 19 is snuggled between Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh and Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh, creating a surprisingly quiet area just across from District 1. As a neighborhood, it offers an eclectic mix of local an...

in Music & Arts

Q&A: Nguyễn Quí Đức on Tadioto, Zone 9, and How He Fell for Hanoi's Charms

Countless are the number of hours Hanoi creatives have spent sipping whisky and contemplating the world at the famous drinking hole that is Tadioto.

Paul Christiansen

in Culture

In Đà Nẵng, a Vintage Money Aficionado Forgoes Professorship for Life in the Night Market

What gives one’s life meaning? For some, it’s faith, family or art. For Trần Văn Nam, it’s money, but not in the way you probably imagine.

Paul Christiansen

in Vietnam Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Đà Nẵng, Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng's Sauce Is Good Enough to Drink

The secret is the sauce. And the sauce is a secret. The owners of Đà Nẵng’s Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng refuse to reveal the recipe for the rich, meaty, and multi-faceted sauce that falls somewhere between hex ...

in Vietnam

Huế Announces Plan to Transform Hồ Thủy Tiên Waterpark Into Public Space

Authorities are planning to turn the long-abandoned Hồ Thủy Tiên Waterpark into a public space with the construction of a walking path, lighting, drainage system and water supply.

in Saigoneer Getaways

Tà Năng, One of Vietnam’s Most Beautiful Trails and Best-Kept Secrets

Whether we choose to participate or not, most of us are fascinated by Vietnam’s motorbike culture.

in Culture

The Peculiar Gender Dynamics of Hanoi's Male-Dominated Cờ Tướng Scene

On a sunset wander through Hanoi, you may be surprised by the peculiar sight of men haphazardly perched in nooks and crannies playing the ancient game of xiangqi.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: From Nam Định, a Piquant Bánh Đa With Golden Fried Fish

On Quán Thánh Street, a lovely couple enhances their hometown’s specialty, bánh đa cua, with a fishy touch. Adding fried fish to bánh đa cua is a rather uncommon combination, but it helps their r...

in Culture

Ghosts and Other Myths: How Vietnam Celebrates the 7th Lunar Month

In Vietnamese customs, the lunar month of July contains many special days of worship and celebration, with various traditions.

in Hanoi

The Legends of Thăng Long Tứ Trấn, the 4 Guardian Temples Protecting Hanoi

In the edict to move Vietnam’s capital to Hanoi, Emperor Lý Thái Tổ described this land as the middle of heaven and earth, the center of the four directions. Such a place would bring peace and prosper...

Linh Pham

in Culture

Banana Island Is a Peaceful Oasis Amid Hanoi, but for How Much Longer?

As the xe ôm is about to reach the halfway point of Long Biên Bridge, I tell him to stop.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Cafe Yên, Where the Line Between Coffee Shop and Alley Blurs

Yên (adj): quiet, unmoved.

in Saigon

Saigon Police Want Nhậu Eateries to Report Drunk Customers Who Try to Drive

Now that public gathering is no longer a health hazard, Saigon’s drunk driving epidemic is back in full swing.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Thai Feast on a Hẻm Pavement, With Vietnamese Fusion Twists

While Thailand and Vietnam have long been perpetual rivals in the football arena, at this streetside Hẻm Gem, the two cultures forge a harmonious relationship.

in Saigon

Saigon Zoo Starts Making Chemical-Free Paper From Elephant Poo

One kilogram of elephant dung yields about 20 sheets of paper for use in Saigon schools.

in Saigon

All Aboard Bus 146, Home of Plushies, Rubber Chickens and a Side of Humanity

“Cute” doesn’t seem like a fitting descriptor for any mode of public transport, but a bus in Saigon is driving straight into the heart of Saigoneers for being the quintessence of “smotheringly ad...

Paul Christiansen

in In Plain Sight

Retracing Biệt Động Sài Gòn Hideouts, Where Grenades Were Just Below Your Feet

Elements of Saigon’s wartime espionage efforts once relegated to secret basements, hidden crawl spaces and elaborate double lives lurk throughout downtown to this day.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: 60 Years of Guangdong-Style Chinese Food at Chợ Cũ's Chuyên Ký

Besides being the “it” place to obtain imported goods, Saigon’s chợ cũ, or Old Market, is also a treasure trove of hidden eateries.

Linh Phạm

in Parks & Rec

Left Foot Brake, Right Foot Gas: Hanoi's Go-Kart Track Is Fast and Glorious

Moments before the engine started, I became aware of the fact that just a few centimeters of metal and plastic separated my butt and the asphalt.

in Saigon

Saigon Plans to Add 10ha of Public Parks by End of 2022

The additional parks are part of a goal to have 3–4 square meters of green space per Saigon resident by 2030.

in Sports

Here's What a Night of Post-Football Đi Bão Looks Like in Saigon and Hanoi

In Vietnam, the dynamic between football and đi bão is not much different from monsoon rain and garden mushrooms.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Three Generations of Noodles on the Pavement at Bún Riêu Hồng Phúc

Connecting Hòe Nhai and Hàng Đậu, Hồng Phúc is one of the shortest alleys in Hanoi. However, this small alley is a paradise for people who love bún, especially if one is craving a meticulously prepare...

in Travel

Vietnam Halts Covid-19 Test Requirement for International Travelers From May 15

Were those nose swabs all a dream?

in Snack Attack

Just a Love Letter to Saigon's Tropical Fruits

How lovely to have taste buds and to have tasty things to eat.

in Saigon

Facing Another Removal Plan, Will Chợ Cũ Tôn Thất Đạm Survive 2022?

After years of existing on paper, Saigon authorities’ plan to remove chợ cũ might become a reality this year.

in Development

At Thủ Thiêm 2 Bridge's Launch, Exuberance and Selfies Galore

After seven years under construction, the Thủ Thiêm 2 Bridge officially opened for traffic at 5pm, April 28. This was a much-anticipated project for Saigoneers, with over VND3.1 trillion in investment...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Removes Health Declaration Requirement for Domestic, International Travelers

Citing Vietnam's continued success in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health announced domestic travelers will no longer need to make health declarations and restrictions will be ea...

in Saigon

Saigon Designates 6 Areas With Architectural Heritage to Be Conserved

Is six enough?

in Vietnam

Hanoi to Establish Animal Control Squads to Catch Roaming Dogs, Cats

In a city-wide campaign to curb the spread of rabies, Hanoi authorities announced that the city will form squads dedicated to snaring stray dogs.

in Music & Arts

Mythology, History, and Supernaturals Mingle in the World of 'Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái'

Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái was one of Vietnam’s first anthologies written in Hán characters in prose form. It’s a collection of 22 folk tales, mythologies, and legends surrounding the origin story of the Vie...

in Vietnam

5 Biggest Cities Told to Restrict Motorbikes From 2030

Will motorbikes in downtown Saigon be a thing of the past in eight years?

in Food Culture

In Thailand, Selling Unripe Sầu Riêng Could Land You in Jail

Harvesting durians before they are ripe in Thailand can land a first-time offender in jail for up to three years, while recidivists face even stricter sentences.

in Saigon

Highest Temperatures of the Year to Hit Saigon, Southern Provinces in April

Saigon's latest hottest club is literally the entire city.

Khôi Phạm

in Dishcovery

Naengmyeon, the Korean Cold Noodles to Ward Off the Heat of Summer

As Saigon inches towards the hottest months of the year, I find myself shying away from steaming hot soups while craving a little cooling treat to ward off the heat. Luckily for Saigon’s foodies, Dist...

in Saigon

Construction Department Requests $2.2m to Repair, Renovate Hồ Con Rùa

The plan calls for water-proofing the lake, fixing cracked walkways and adding a sprinkler system, as well as ornamental flowers and artistic lighting.

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

On the Hunt for Colorful Murals in Đà Lạt's Hilly Hẻms

Was color a casualty of COVID-19? Along with the freedom to gather, to attend live concerts and travel, did the pandemic rob us of opportunities to fully appreciate color?

in Vietnam

Vietnam Reopens to International Tourists With No Quarantine Requirement

Bring on the elephant pants.

in Health

Health Ministry Proposes International Entry Without Vaccination Proof

Vietnam is expected to resume international tourism tomorrow.

in Vietnam

New Survey Ranks Vietnam 1st of 39 in Gender Equality at Home, Work

If you say so.

in Saigon

Saigon Records Zero Daily Covid-19 Deaths for First Time in Months

On February 9, 2022, no Saigon resident passed away because of COVID-19.

in Environment

The Greater Mekong's Primates Are Under Threat, but All Hope Is Not Lost

A recent report from the WWF has highlighted ongoing threats to the Greater Mekong's wondrous, but shrinking, bounty of unique primates, as well efforts to bring these amazing creatures back from the ...

in Saigon

Saigon Confirms First 3 Omicron Covid-19 Cases in the Community

Does the appearance of the highly transmissible variant in the community mean another wave of the pandemic for Saigon?

in Health

Over 90% of Vietnam's Adult Population Now Fully Vaccinated: Health Ministry

Vietnam's vaccination campaign has made remarkable strides over the last six months.

in Saigon

Saigon Announces Plan to Give Poor Residents Smartphones to Aid Digitization

As more municipal administrative procedures migrate online, underprivileged citizens without smart devices are often left behind.

in Saigon

Saigon Records Fewest Covid-19 Deaths in Over 5 Months

Only 21 people passed away from COVID-19 on January 6 in Saigon.

in Vietnam

Vietnam to Cut Quarantine for Vaccinated Passengers to 3 Days From Jan 1

Promising changes are on the horizon for those wishing to return to Vietnam.

in Vietnam

UNICEF Report Reveals Harsh Realities for Women, Children, Ethnic Minorities

Over 70% of Vietnamese under the age of 15 experience verbal or physical abuse, according to a new UNICEF report.

in Vietnam

Hoi An Signs Agreement With Four Paws to Cease Consumption of Dog, Cat Meats

The move is certainly a step in the right direction, though it remains to be seen which concrete steps local authorities will take to honor their promise.

in Development

Saigon's Infamous 'Ghost Tower' Has a New Developer

Saigon's most notorious ghost tower appears to have a new lease on life.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Looks Into Banning Motorcycles in City Center From 2025

Authorities are researching a plan to ban motorcycles in the city center from 2025 onward.

in Health

Health Ministry Orders Plans for 3rd Vaccine Shots as Covid-19 Cases Surge

As Vietnam grapples with a resurgence of the novel coronavirus, officials have been asked to plan for booster shots.

in Travel

Khanh Hoa Official Proposes Visa Exemptions for Foreign Tourists

Officials are looking for ways to boost tourism as Vietnam slowly begins to re-open.

in Environment

A Factory Where 'Dead Plastics' Are Reborn as Contemporary Furniture

Saigoneer arrived at PLASTICPeople’s factory on a Friday afternoon after a long-winded ride on National Highway 1A. The sides of the road we took there were casually strewn with unpruned bushes, depos...

in Music & Arts

Meet Little Peanut, the Star of Hanoi's Experimental Puppetry Performances

Last year, on a fine autumn day, I was lucky to witness Little Peanut taking her first steps in the attic-cum-rehearsal-studio of the Hanoi based experimental theater group Mắt Trần Ensemble.

in Saigon

Delta Variant Accounts for 100% of Cases in Saigon's Current Outbreak, Data Shows

The Delta variant of the novel coronavirus was the main reason that the current outbreak in Saigon was so fast-spreading and severe, a recent report shows.

Paul Christiansen

in Snack Attack

What's the Deal With Cơm Tấm-Flavored Potato Chips?

A quirky legend surrounds the invention of the potato chip, and its identity has only gotten odder over the years.

in Travel

5 Localities Aim to Welcome Vaccinated Foreign Tourists From Next Month

Tourism destinations in Vietnam are eager to restart their economies after it appears that the current outbreak is subsiding.

in Health

Vietnam Has Spent $1.3bn of State Budget on Fighting Coronavirus

It's been a costly battle so far.

in Saigon

Over 75% of Saigoneers Have Received 2 Shots of Covid-19 Vaccines

After a sluggish start, Saigon has sped up inoculation efforts, becoming Vietnam’s locality with the most vaccine coverage.

in Saigon

Saigon to Resume Flights, Buses, Taxis, App-Based Car Rides in Limited Capacity

Buses, cars and private ride options will resume in limited capacity in Saigon this week.

in Society

In Lockdown, Saigoneers Draw Strength From an Unexpected Wealth of Support: Each Other

They largely didn't know each other, except for their flatmates. Then the COVID-19 outbreak began, and they got closer. They are now more accommodating, caring and loving.

in Saigon

Without Income, Saigon Zoo Requests VND30bn in Financial Support From City Authorities

Taking care of its plants and animals costs the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens VND3–4 billion (US$132,000–176,000) a month, while no income has been generated since May.

in Saigon

Saigon Resumes Domestic Tourism in 'Green' Districts for Fully Vaccinated Guests

Domestic tourists will eventually be allowed to enter Saigon if they have been fully vaccinated or recovered from a past COVID-19 infection.

in Saigon

Over 1,500 Schoolchildren Become Orphans Due to Saigon's Covid-19 Outbreak

The current COVID-19 crisis has crippled Saigon’s economy and disrupted the daily life of millions of people, but most tragically, it has also taken thousands of lives.

in Health

Vietnamese Company Buys 50m Doses of Spanish Covid-19 Vaccine

Another vaccine will come to Vietnam in the future.

in Saigon

Saigon to Resume Shipping Across Districts From September 16

After weeks of being banned, Saigon will soon allow shippers to deliver citywide.

in Saigon

Saigon's Lockdown to Be Extended, Likely Until End of Month

Hopefully you hadn't gotten too excited about September 15.

in Saigon

Who's Eligible for 'Vaccine Green Pass' and What Activities Are Passholders Allowed?

Fully vaccinated Saigoneers might be able to enjoy more freedom of movement in the future.

in Saigon

Saigon Allows Takeaway Again, but Few Vendors Can Afford to Reopen

Bún riêu, bún thịt nướng, phở, bánh mì, cơm tấm, we’ve missed you.

in Travel

Immerse in a Serene Morning at Ngã Năm Floating Market

Floating markets haven’t completely disappeared from Vietnam’s commercial landscape.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Extends Lockdown for 2 More Weeks in 10 Central Districts

After September 6, 10 districts in the city's center with the highest risk of COVID-19 infection will continue with strict Directive 16 lockdown until September 21.

in Sports

With Just Few Games Left, VBA Cancels 2021 Basketball Season

There is more to life than ball.

in Saigon

Stricter Lockdown Begins for Saigon at Midnight

Stay safe out there, Saigoneers.

in Architecture

Decoding the Language of Vietnamese Modernist Architecture

There is a common confusion between Vietnamese modernism and international modernism that doesn't include vernacular modernist structures in the historical discourse.

in Health

Saigon Told to Control Covid-19 Outbreak by Mid-September

Could September 15 be the day some sense of normalcy returns?

in Saigon

As National Cases Surpass 100,000, Saigon Imposes Night Curfew, Restricts Movements

With daily new cases in the thousands, Saigon has imposed additional levels of movement restrictions on top of the most severe lockdown since the pandemic began.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Considers Eventually Merging Small, Sparsely Populated Provinces

Any plans to combine sparsely populated locales will, however, not happen anytime soon, as significant research and time for public input is needed. 

in Saigon

A New Baby Giraffe Was Born at the Saigon Zoo. You Can Help Name Her.

Will this attempt at another public naming contest go wrong or remain wholesome this time?

in Hanoi

Amid Worsening Outbreaks Elsewhere, Hanoi Pauses Its Reopening Roadmap

Bia hơi, gyms and karaoke need to wait until further notice.

in Architecture

Vietnamese Architects Are Leaders in the Architecture of the Information Age

Over the past few years, Vietnamese architects have been developing a new architecture beyond modernism for small projects such as houses and schools. Architects around the world are taking notice and...

in Health

In the Pandemic, Hanoi's Newfound Cycling Love Sends Bike Sales Zooming

Thanks to COVID-19, gyms, yoga studios, and parks have closed, but the need for physical exercise remains.

in Saigon

Saigon Officially Extends Social Distancing Order for Another 14 Days

In a move that some might have predicted, Saigon authorities have confirmed an extension of the current social distancing orders.

in Travel

How Quy Nhon's Old Cemetery Slowly Expands up Vung Chua Mountain

​You might miss it if you were driving past, but once you walk down a small hẻm off Quy Nhon’s main Tay Son Street, the massive cemetery sprawls in all directions. 

Khoi Pham

in Architecture

On Phu Quy Island, a Curious Collection of Modernist Houses From Central Vietnam

From the 1960s towards the end of the 1970s, urban centers in southern Vietnam saw robust and widespread growth of modernist influences in architecture. Still, outside the usual foci of the movement l...

in Vietnam

Vietnamese Drank More Alcohol in Pandemic-Hit 2020, Data Shows

In a year marked by social isolation, Vietnam’s alcohol consumption increased considerably, though it’s not difficult to figure out why. 

Michael Tatarski

in Parks & Rec

Emerging From Complete Obscurity, Saigon Roller Derby Storms the Rink

It’s a Tuesday night in Binh Quoi, and a group is lacing up their skates at a skating rink next to a football pitch.

in Saigon

Saigon Is the Most Preferred Destination for Relocation in Vietnam, Report Shows

Vietnam's commercial center draws more people from elsewhere in the country than any other province or city.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Pandemic Kept Her in Vietnam, so She Opened a Thai Eatery

One of the joys of Saigon's F&B scene recently has been the expansion of international cuisine beyond the city center.

in Architecture

How Saigon's V.A.R Building Epitomizes Vietnam's Architectural Autonomy

Completed in 1973, the V.A.R building at 9 Ho Tung Mau Street in Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, is a prominent example of Vietnamese mid-20th-century modernist architecture designed by architect L...

in Health

The Average Height of Vietnamese Children Increased, but So Did Obesity Rates

Vietnam's children are getting taller, but also wider.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Xôi Khâu Nhục, the Cantonese Breakfast for Pork Belly Lovers

I first found out about khâu nhục where I find all my Saigon information: Facebook.

in Ton-sur-Ton

Kilomet109's Thảo Vũ: 'Clothing Is a Language That You Can Write With'

In October last year, eco-fashion label Kilomet109 launched its latest collection “Miên.” Designer Thảo Vũ sat down with us to share the label’s awkward beginnings and what the label means to her...

in Saigon

Saigon's Rainy Season Is Shorter, Comes Earlier This Year Due to La Niña

In case you hadn't figured it out from last night's huge storm.

in Vietnam

IMF Predicts Vietnam's Economic Growth Rates Will Top ASEAN in 2022

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts Vietnam's economy will grow 7.2% in 2022, making it the strongest in ASEAN.

in Vietnam

Morning Stories: Ben Thanh Station, Fines on Noisy Clubs, and Vaccinations

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

Paul Christiansen

in Music & Arts

The Unquenchable Spirit of Artist Lê Triều Điển

“Điển is like a flower; there is no question of growing or not growing.”

in Vietnam

From April, Vietnam Will Impose up to VND3m Fine on Pet Abusers

The new decree is a positive development in the road towards ethical treatment of pets and farm animals in Vietnam.

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Internet Much Cheaper but Slower Than Asian Peers', Report Shows

A new report from Broadbandchoices, a UK-based service provider for broadband, television, and mobile companies ranked internet accessibility for 169 countries, with Vietnam ranked 56th. One of the fa...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Jumps 4 Places to 79th in UN World Happiness Ranking

Even with the catastrophes caused by COVID-19 last year, Vietnam’s overall happiness improved, albeit not by much.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: From Ohio to D7, the Serendipitous Story of Saigon's Lamb Phở

A highlight of my last visit to Phở Lạc Việt was a special moment when I reached out and the tips of my fingers touched a warm bowl inside the heating cabinet.

in Vietnam

Hanoi Identifies Teens Suspected of Harassing Women in Tay Ho

This follows a string of assault and harassment allegations focused around West Lake.

in Saigon

Metro Contractor to Restore Le Loi Boulevard's Surface This Year

Will Saigoneers see the return of Le Loi Boulevard this year?

in Travel

[Photos] The Incredibly Eye-Catching, Organic Signage of Sa Đéc

Signs are like voices.

in Saigon

Saigon Reopens Schools, Cinemas, Tourist Sites, but Not Bars or Gyms

Are you looking forward to hitting cinemas again?

in Saigon

Schools to Reopen Monday as Saigon Hits 14 Days Without New Covid-19 Cases

On March 1, Saigon students can once again return to school.

in Travel

[Photos] A Stroll Through Eclectic Chợ Lớn

Until fairly recently, Chợ Lớn was its own city, long inhabited by người Hoa who carved out an economic hub along the banks of the Saigon River over 200 years ago.

in Vietnam

What We Know So Far About Vietnam's New 84-Case Covid-19 Wave

Health authorities are moving fast to contain Vietnam’s latest COVID-19 outbreaks — which so far include a total of 84 new cases — in northern provinces.

in Vietnam

Online Ranking Places Hanoi, Saigon Among Cities With Lowest Quality of Life

Do you agree?

in Vietnam

Standard Chartered Predicts 7.8% GDP Growth for Vietnam in 2021

It's going to be a good year, according to a recent report.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: D6's Hot and Sour Suan La Fen Is the Noodle Dish to Conquer

Every time I lap up a spoonful of searing broth that’s so spicy I could almost count the number of times my face pulses, I feel grateful for taste buds.

in Music & Arts

Q&A: Gallery Director Suzanne Lecht on the 'Gang of Five' and Building a House of Arts

Tucked in an alley south of Hai Ba Trung stands Suzanne Lecht’s glorious home, a magical abode crowned with an ancient nhà sàn from Mai Chau. After having lived there for more than 25 years,...

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Xóm Hà Hồi's Dill-icious Golden Grilled Cá Lăng

With Hanoi deep in winter’s chill, our bellies crave hearty delights, and there is nothing like frying your own chả cá in the cozy little hamlet of Hà Hồi to ward off the season’s bite.

in Vietnam

Southern Vietnam Records One of Coldest Temperatures in 4 Decades

"Ok campers, rise and shine, and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cold out there."

in Saigon

Cột Cờ Thủ Ngữ: Overlooked Saigon Landmark Gets a Makeover

Flanked by a busy road and overshadowed by an unfinished skyscraper, you'd be forgiven if you rarely noticed the Signal Mast (Cột cờ Thủ Ngữ) where Ton Duc Thang and Vo Van Kiet streets intermingle.&n...

in Culture

[Photos] For a Day, Winter Convention Brings Kick-Ass Cosplay Back to Saigon

In which universe do Captain America and Cardcaptor Sakura rub shoulders with anthropomorphized, anime-fied white blood cells?

in Vietnam

The Average Vietnamese Got 3cm Taller Over the Past Decade, Study Shows

Our mothers would be overjoyed to hear this.

Michael Tatarski

in Tech

Vietnam's Startup Scene Aims to Build on a Strong 2020

While 2020 will go down as one of the most grueling years in recent human history, there is positivity in Vietnam’s startup industry. In advance of the annual Saigon Startup Year-End Party on Jan...

in Travel

In 2020, Vietnam Only Welcomed 21% of Last Year's Tourist Arrivals

Unsurprisingly, it's been a rough year for the international tourism industry.

in Vietnam

Vietnam's 2020 Economic Growth Lowest in 10 Years

But it still performed exceptionally well in the global context.

Linh Pham

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Quán Nhạc Cầm Nurtures the Soul Like a Love Song

Albeit ostensibly a coffee shop, Cầm’s specialty is actually old Vietnamese music.

in Culture

[Photos] Bask in the Festive Spirit at Hanoi's Holiday Decoration Street

With Christmas just around the corner, businesses and public places in Hanoi are awash in red and winter-themed paraphernalia. Crowds of young Hanoians flock to Phố Hàng Mã, one of the city’s major kn...

in Architecture

To Teach Children the Importance of Play, First Bring Playgrounds Back to Hanoi

In rapidly developing urban Hanoi, finding engaging outdoor play areas for young children is near impossible. But since 2014, the social enterprise Think Playgrounds has colored public spaces across V...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Brand Value Increases 29% Thanks to Good Pandemic Response

Thanks in large part to Vietnam's stellar response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's national brand value rose 29% to US$319 billion in the past year.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Saigon's Hakka Culture Lives in D5's Khổ Qua Cà Ớt

Stuffing food inside other food is an ingenious human invention on par with refrigeration, chopsticks, and Gmail’s “undo” button.

in Travel

At the Women's Museum in Hanoi, a Celebration of Women at Home and at War

The Vietnamese Women's Museum in Hanoi is a museum with a mission.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Thời Thanh Xuân, the Special Saigon Cafe Run by Deaf Staff

Quán của Thời Thanh Xuân not only encompasses the youth of its founder, Võ Thành Luân, it’s also where hard-of-hearing Vietnamese can write their own story, learn, focus on self-development, and be a ...

Paul Christiansen

in Travel

At Da Lat's Secluded Da Phuoc Temple, Insights Into Cao Dai Teachings

Perched on top of a hilly area, Da Lat's Cao Dai temple is a towering structure of vibrant aesthetics and intriguing mysticism.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Hidden Gem, the Cafe that Recycled Knick-Knacks Built

It is difficult to describe Hidden Gem Café without paraphrasing its name, but I have not found a better way to characterize this wonderful establishment.

in Eat & Drink

From Plant to Pour: Rethinking Vietnamese Coffee

Saigoneer will never see coffee the same way again.

in Health

Saigon: 2 New Community Covid-19 Cases; Several Universities Suspend Classes

Both cases are direct contacts of Case 1,347.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Vietnamese Curry That Makes the Case for Coconut Milk

If you’re not usually a fan of Vietnamese curry, Cà Ri Gà 3T’s signature dish is a surprisingly well-balanced offering. And If you are indeed a fan, then you’re in luck.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Loses 1.5% of GDP Annually to Natural Disasters: Environment Ministry

2020 will surely go down as one of the costliest years in recent memory.

in Vietnam

Into the Storm: A Journey Into Quang Binh's Typhoon-Battered Communities

October was a month of unceasing devastation and pain for central Vietnam. It started with unprecedented downpours; then consecutive typhoons hit; and sudden landslides turned deadly fast. A few weeks...

in Health

5.3m Vietnamese Citizens Are Prediabetic, Expert Says

About 5.3 million Vietnamese, or 8.6% of the entire population, have prediabetes. 

in Health

Saigon Hospital Resumes Program to Provide Free IVF Treatment for 60 Couples

The Ươm Mầm Hạnh Phúc (Nurturing Happiness) program will cover the costs for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for 60 qualified married couples at My Duc Hospital in Saigon.

in Vietnam

October Natural Disasters Leave 235 Dead or Missing, Cost Vietnam $730m: Report

As October comes to an end, Vietnam’s central region is reckoning with major devastation and fatalities.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Home for Live Music and Quietude Inside an Old French Villa

If Vừng Ơi Mở Ra Cafe were a person, it would be your older, more sophisticated and welcoming friend.

in Vietnam

Ahead of the Year's Most Powerful Storm, Central Vietnam Evacuates, Sets Curfew

Provinces along the southern coast of central Vietnam are in a rush to make final preparations today ahead of a major typhoon that will make landfall tomorrow.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Korean Comfort Food in Binh Thanh for Hungover Heads

One of the great joys of dining out is coming across the unexpected.

in Vietnam

Vietnam PM Approves Disaster Aid of $4.3m, 1,000 Tons of Rice for Worst-Hit Provinces

After days of being battered by adverse weather conditions, provinces in central Vietnam need all the help they can get, financial and otherwise.

in Society

Vietnam Has 3rd-Highest Sex Ratio Imbalance in the World, Report Says

Families are choosing to have more boys than girls, and experts worry this will cause problems in the future.

Paul Christiansen

in Food Culture

When in Da Lat, All Roads Lead to Bánh Mì Xíu Mại

Which rendition of bánh mì xíu mại you prefer may say more about you than it does Da Lat’s beloved meatballs.

Michael Tatarski

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Come for the Dim Sum, Stay for the Dim Sum

As the old saying goes, when in Hanoi, do as your colleagues do.

in Society

Vietnam Ranked 2nd in ASEAN in Efforts to Reduce Inequality: Report

Only Thailand rated higher than Vietnam in the region.

in Saigon

Binh Thanh Named Among World's 40 Coolest Neighborhoods

Is there another part of Saigon you would consider cooler?

in Vietnam

Even With Stellar Pandemic Response, Vietnam's Consumer Confidence Drops Sharply

A recent survey found that the figure fell to its lowest point in roughly 20 years.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: A Warming Phở Chay to Welcome a New Autumn

Tree-lined Lo Duc street is home to Phở Chay: a restaurant so small it could fit in the palm of your hand. 

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Spice up Your Study Session With a Warm Ginger Coffee at An Miên

”The flower was never meant to survive the fruit's triumph.”

in Saigon

Saigon Wants to Expand Pedestrian-Only Zone to 5 More Streets in D1

Saigon might create more pedestrian zones in the city in the future.

in Saigon

Saigon Aims to Reach Over $12,000 in GDP per Capita by 2030

Saigon's GDP per capita in 2019 was US$6,862.

in Stories

Morning Stories Roundup: VNA Resumes Inbound Flights, Hoi An Reopens, Last Covid-19 Patient in Danang Discharged

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Vietnam

Covid-19 Could Cost Da Nang Tourism $1.1bn This Year

Life in Da Nang is slowly returning to normal after the third wave of COVID-19 infections, though economic ramifications will remain.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Best Fried Chicken Rice in Saigon Is in District 8

The success story of Cơm Gà 142 epitomizes the impressive marriage between technology and word of mouth in Vietnam’s golden age of food delivery startups.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: A Stylish Urban Brew at the Effortlessly Hip Cà Thiều

Occupying a few meters of the sidewalk on Pho Nguyen Gia Thieu, a lovely leafy lane in the residential south of the French Quarter, Cà Thiều is nestled at the entrance of a dusty, unassuming apartment...

in Vietnam

Vietnam May Evacuate 0.5m People Before Powerful Typhoon Noul Hits Tomorrow

Typhoon Noul, the fifth to hit Vietnam this year, is expected to make landfall between Quang Ngai and Quang Binh tomorrow.

in Saigon

HCMC Fine Arts Museum Is Sinking Due to Nearby Skyscraper Construction

Saigon’s Fine Arts Museum is facing some serious structural problems that could pose a threat to passersby and visitors.

in Stories

Morning Stories Roundup: Foreign Reserve Record, New Venture Debt Fund, Central Highlands Resume

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Vietnam

New Decree Makes Selling Beer to People Under 18 a Fineable Offense

Beer is now legally off-limits for Vietnamese teens, but it’s unclear if the regulations will effectively deter underage drinking.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Case of the Twin Bánh Mì Chảo Switcheroo

In the land of copycat businesses, it always pays to double-check that you're at the right one.

in Hanoi Ngõ Nooks

Ngõ Nooks: Head to This Vegan Bánh Mì Cart for a Cheap and Cheerful Snack

There is no shortage of delicious and affordable vegan restaurants throughout Hanoi, but Chay Snack Cart safely reigns supreme on my list. This family-run business welcomes you into their home with si...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Universe of Hanoian Food Beyond Bún Đậu

I tend to be cautious of restaurants that boast authenticity.

in Stories

Morning Stories: Chinese Men Run Away From Quarantine, Fish Sauce Association Set Up and Renewable Energy Incentives

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Covid-19 Count Exceeds 1,000 After 7 Months

Fourteen new COVID-19 cases on Thursday afternoon brought the country's total to 1,007.

Paul Christiansen

in In Plain Sight

On Loving the Saigon Zoo Despite Its Flaws

We’ve all wanted something we can’t have. Something we can see but can’t touch. Something dangled in front of us but just out of reach like an especially succulent apple growing on a branch inches ...

in Saigon

Saigon Zoo Staff Take Voluntary Pay Cuts to Keep Animals Fed

Difficulties related to COVID-19 have led the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens staff to take voluntary 30% pay cuts so food can be purchased for the animals.

in Vietnam

Weekend Stories Roundup: Plant Center, Storm Sinlaku, and Covid-19 Deaths

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: It Doesn't Get More Coconut Than This Streetside Ice Cream

Head to Tân Bình District if the idea of coconut ice cream served in a coconut with a crunchy coconut topping excites you.

in Culture

[Video] The Homeless Saigon Man Who Built a Home for Rescue Dogs

In recent years, uproar over the consumption of dog meat has culminated in demands for a national ban on the controversial dish, which some consider a traditional delicacy while others claim it is une...

in Travel

With No Foreign Visitors, Vietnam's Travel Sector Courts Domestic Tourists, but Is It Enough?

As the country slowly opens for tourism, are companies and people adequately prepared?

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Head to the Airport to Relieve Your Hankering for Thai Food

Insert cliché about this strange year here.

in Vietnam

In 2020, Northern Vietnam Sees Longest Heatwave in Years; Earlier, Colder Winter

Feeling like this summer has been excruciatingly long? It’s not just you.

in Saigon

The Delay Continues for Saigon's Parking Lot Project Under Tao Đàn Park

Ten years after it was first approved, construction of the parking lot below District 1's Tao Đàn Park has again been delayed.

in Music & Arts

In 'Xem Đêm, Càng Đêm,' a Night Rendezvous Between Architecture and Visual Art

‘"...In the distance the stars Nearby, fireflies..."—Phùng Cung

in Vietnam

63% of Vietnamese Women Abused by Husbands at Least Once in Their Lifetime

In a recently published report, data shows that Vietnamese women are frequently abused by their husband, and these instances of violence happen to a significant portion of the female population.

in Saigon

Saigon Reveals Plans to Spend $17bn on Public Transit Over 10 Years

This is part of an effort to increase public transport usage and reduce private vehicle numbers as traffic and air quality continues to worsen.

in Eat & Drink

A Journey through Spanish Flavors at Ria

Not long ago, one could count the number of Spanish eateries in Saigon on a few fingers.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Can Deep-Fried Hột Vịt Lộn Dethrone the Classic?

Has your luck taken a turn for the worse lately? Perhaps it’s high-time for a hột vịt lộn (or three) to reverse your fortune.

in Music & Arts

In an Ever-Changing Saigon, Street Artisans Hold Fast to Dying Crafts

We delve into the lives of Saigon’s artisans — an animal coconut leaf folder, a woodcarver embracing modern influences, an accomplished street corner calligrapher, and an itinerant craftsman to see wh...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

In Search of Charming Cafes Along Saigon's Train Alleys

Compared to Hanoi’s now-restricted Phung Hung “Train Street,” the neighborhoods bordering the railway in Saigon have neither the romanticism nor goosebumps-inducing adrenaline rush that turned the for...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Proposes New Driver's License Class for Teenage Drivers

The draft amendment would require all drivers aged 16–18 to have a license to operate motorized scooters with an engine capacity of up to 50cc and electric scooters that travel no more than 50 ki...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Lower Your Voice, the Hidden Elephant Is Reading

In Saigon’s indie cafe scene, there are household names and well-kept secrets; and then there are secrets that one might think are well-kept, but are actually household names. 

in Tech

South Korean Delivery App Beamin Expands to Hanoi

South Korea's Baemin has started schlepping bún chả, trà sữa and bánh gối across the capital.

Paul Christiansen

in Snack Attack

The Delectable Desserts to Satisfy Your Craving This Durian Season

If I were ever to believe in a generous god, the existence of durian would be the first piece of evidence I cite.

in Development

Da Nang to Develop $2bn Condo, Casino Complex

The planned complex will be located directly across from My Khe Beach.

in Health

Covid-19 Update: British Pilot Shows Remarkable Lung Recovery; Case 19 Discharged

It appears the country's COVID-19 death toll will remain at zero.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Praise of D1's Cheap, Dependable Sidewalk Cơm Trưa

In these trying times, the comfort of familiarity goes a long way.

in Saigon

Saigon Launches Citywide Tree Inspection After Falling Phượng Kills Student

In the near future, some students from Saigon’s public schools might witness the removal of their favorite canopy trees.

in Music & Arts

[Photos] In a Thao Dien Concrete Shell, a Mystery Graffiti Mecca

You never know what you'll find amid the glittering facades of Saigon's new upscale residential developments.

in Travel

Vietnam Extends E-Visa Scheme to 80 Countries; Borders Remain Closed

Starting July 1, citizens from 80 countries and territories will be eligible for electronic visas for future Vietnam visits, though this does not mean that foreign visitors will be allowed into the co...

in Vietnam

Weekend Stories Roundup: Football Returns, End of Household Registration Books, and New Work Permits

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Handmade Noodles Hidden Amid the Mayhem of Hang Xanh

The traffic-choked wastelands of Hang Xanh are one of the last places you'd expect to find an incredible meal of noodles.

in Vietnam

Vietnam to Extend Stay for Foreigners Stuck Due to Flight Ban Until June 30

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign nationals who arrived before March 1 will have their residence permits extended until June 30 if they can prove they are unable to return to their home co...

in Environment

Saigon's Flooding Is Manageable Now, but Will Wreak Havoc in 2050, Study Says

A new study highlights the grave flood threat facing Saigon if strong mitigation efforts aren't taken in the coming decades.

in Culture

Already Ubiquitous, Face Masks Become the Symbol of Vietnam's 'New Normal'

What image will come to mind when you look back on 2020?

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Refreshing Simplicity of Veggies, Roots and Mushrooms

Explaining the food at Rau Củ Nấm Vegan Restaurant is simple; it’s all in the name: vegetables, tubers, and mushrooms.

in Vietnam

Da Nang Approves Program to Teach English, Chinese, Korean to Police Officers

Da Nang aims for 100% of police officers in certain departments to be proficient in a foreign language by 2024.

in Travel

Hue's Infamous Abandoned Water Park Might Get a Makeover Soon

After years in limbo, Hue is making plans to transform the derelict Ho Thuy Tien Amusement Park into a more useful site.

in Vietnam

5m Workers Impacted by Coronavirus Outbreak in Q1, Statistics Office Says

As time goes by, the massive economic impact of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is becoming more clear.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Mulls Allowing Personalized License Plate Number, for a Fee

For a fee, and possibly through participation in an online auction, drivers would be able to select their own license plate numbers, rather than have them randomly assigned.

in Vietnam

Restaurants, Cafes, Tourist Sites Among Places That Can Reopen, PM Says

Vietnam has transitioned into a new period in the COVID-19 epidemic with reduced threats of infection and a slowly reopening economy.

in Saigon

The Social Distancing Order Is Relaxed. What Happens Next for Saigon?

As of midnight earlier today, all localities in Vietnam, including areas previously deemed high-risk like Saigon and Hanoi, can relax some social distancing restrictions imposed to curb the spread of ...

in Saigon

Air Pollution in Saigon, Hanoi Reduces Noticeably During Social Distancing Period

In addition to allowing people to finish all of their puzzles and amass Animal Crossing playing time, Vietnam's social distancing campaign has led to air quality improvements in major cities.

in Vietnam

IMF Predicts 2.7% GDP Growth in 2020 for Vietnam as Other Economies Contract

The COVID-19 pandemic will dampen Vietnam’s economic growth for 2020, though the country will be in a better position than most of its better-off peers.

in Vietnam

From Today, Vietnam Heavily Restricts Passenger Transport Between High-Risk Provinces

While the majority of its most crowded metropolises enter another week of mandatory social distancing, Vietnam is also putting a stop to intercity buses between high-risk regions.

in Vietnam

Social Distancing Campaign Extended in Hanoi, Saigon for 1 Week

Add some shows to your Netflix queue and charge your Kindle: many of us are staying home for another week.

in Saigon

[Photos] The Joy and Heady Rush of Getting Caught in Saigon's Off-Season Rain

Right in the middle of the sweat-drenched, sun-singed, punishing April heat, Saigon welcomes the season’s rare showers with open arms.

in Vietnam

As Vietnam's Streets Turn Empty During Pandemic, Traffic Violations Surge

Despite the nation's positive results in containing Covid-19, a grim byproduct of Vietnam’s stay-at-home orders and social distancing campaigns was identified earlier this week.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Agrees to Extend Stay of Foreigners Stuck in Country Due to Covid-19

As public attractions close and outbound flights become scarce, a number of foreigners in Vietnam are stuck in limbo.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Enters 15 Days of Nationwide Social Distancing; Citizens Urged to Stay Home

Starting from today, April 1, Vietnam officially entered two weeks of heightened social distancing.

in Health

Citizens, Especially Those Over 60, Should Stay Home, Health Ministry Warns

As Covid-19 cases in Vietnam continue to climb over 100, the health ministry has warned people from going out.

in Saigon

Saigon Orders Closure of Restaurants, Gyms, Barbershops Until End of March

Due to the escalating risk of community transmission, Saigon authorities just decided to shut down more venues to curb the spread of Covid-19.

in Health

Coronavirus Update: 121 Confirmed Cases, Including 3 Medical Staff; 3 More Recoveries

Over the weekend, Vietnam's Covid-19 case total surged past 100, while foreigners were banned from entering the country.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Piquant Thai Noodles in D7 for the Age of Takeout

It's the simple things in life that sometimes bring the greatest pleasure.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Moves up 23 Spots in Economic Freedom Index

The country ranked 105th out of 180 nations.

in Vietnam

Coronavirus Concern in Vietnam Drives Major Online Shopping Growth

Many people are turning to online shopping during the surge of coronavirus infections in Vietnam.

Thi Nguyen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Sadec Quan, a Celebration of Mekong Delta Noodles

While bánh tằm is more often regarded as a popular street food dish in the Mekong Delta, my entrance to the world of this dish was family gatherings in Saigon.

in Saigon

Saigon Will Use CCTV to Catch Illegal Parking on 14 Streets Starting Today

As of now, cameras to monitor illegal parking have been installed on 14 streets.

Khôi Phạm

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: In Saigon's Greenest Cafe, a Rabbit, Cotton and Succulents Galore

On a windy autumn day of 2019, I did what any existentially precarious millennial would eventually do some time in their 20s: I bought a houseplant.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Pho Chay Nhu and 35 Years of Serving Tasty Vegetarian Meals

A bowl full of noodles is one of the things that make me feel lucky to be alive, and alive in Saigon in particular.

in Travel

Vietnam Launches Campaigns to Revitalize Tourism Industry Hit by Coronavirus

The campaigns are the effort to compensate for the losses in tourism revenue due to the Covid-19 epidemic.

in Vietnam

As Workers Remain Without Pay, Vietnam Might Face Railway Shutdown

Bad news for anyone considering a train trip.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Japanese Bánh Mì to Win Over Fusion Food Skeptics

When it comes to discussions of cuisine, I'd argue that "authentic" is the most overused word in writing and marketing, followed closely by "fusion."

in Saigon

Tourist Bookings in Saigon Drop by 50% Post-Tet Due to Covid-19

Since the Tet holiday, tourism has fallen by 50% compared to the same period last year because of fears related to the coronavirus. 

Paul Christiansen

in In Plain Sight

In Defense of Bảo Tàng Địa Chất, Saigon's Most Underappreciated Museum

By (un)conventional standards, Saigon’s Geological Museum may warrant a score of 1.3/9, but if one considers it as a source of whimsy, it’s a solid 8.2/9.

in Travel

UN Report Names Vietnam World's 7th-Fastest Growing Destination of 2019

Will the coronavirus put a dent in that?

in Travel

Almost 2m Foreign Tourists Visited Vietnam in January, a Record Number

Vietnam's tourism industry saw unprecedented growth in international arrivals last month, though the timing of this success — right in the middle of a coronavirus outbreak — is unfortunate.

in Environment

Vietnam's Economy Among Nations Most Affected by Sea Level Rise: Moody's

A new report from Moody’s Investors Service points to a long-term credit risk from sea level rise in Vietnam.

in Saigon

Saigon Moves Ahead With Plan to Evaluate Motorbike Emission

Authorities received the green light to test and study motorbike emissions in an attempt to improve air quality.

in Environment

Ben Tre Declares Emergency as Saltwater Intrusion Reaches Alarming Levels

An environmental emergency has been declared in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre after local saltwater intrusion reached alarming levels

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Porcine Pleasure of a D2 Cơm Tấm Outpost

What comes to mind when you hear the words 'District 2'?

Thi Nguyen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gem: Bún Cá Sứa With a Stock That Tastes Like the Ocean

A friend once told me that Saigon is a place that makes you feel like you can travel anywhere.

Thi Nguyen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Secret Back-Alley Bún Ngan, Hidden in Plain Sight

Several months ago, the Saigoneer team went to 89 Nguyen Du for a Hẻm Gem on Ngo 89’s Hanoian snacks. Little did I know, we’d be going to the same location for an entirely different eatery later on.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Down 10 Places in Global Gender Gap Index, Ranks 10th in Asia-Pacific

Vietnam’s gender equality ranking has dropped during the past year compared to 2018, but most Asian countries also share the same fate.

in Vietnam

Vietnam’s Economy Expands by 6.8% in 2019, World Bank Says

In a press conference held Tuesday, World Bank officials said Vietnam’s GDP has expanded by 6.8% in 2019, while public debt has fallen by almost 8% since 2016.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Extends 15-Day Visa Exemption for 8 Countries Until 2022

The government recently made changes to a visa exemption program.

in Vietnam

Two-Thirds of Vietnamese Children Endure Physical Abuse by Family Members, Data Shows

A recent survey of children between the ages of one and 14 reveals conditions are not improving in regards to family members using violence as a form of discipline.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Home-Cooked Taiwanese Comfort Food for a Cold Saigon Day

District 5, Saigon’s Chinatown, is full of delicious eateries serving Cantonese food. For something new, try Va Thanh, an unassuming restaurant with top-notch Taiwanese home-style cooking.

in Sports

[Photos] A Historic Night of Bão to Celebrate a Historic Gold Medal 60 Years in the Making

Vietnam’s U-22 men’s football team just won their first-ever SEA Games gold medal. 

in Vietnam

Vietnam Expects National Population to Hit 104m in 2030

Vietnam’s population will surpass 100 million within the next decade, according to a government population plan published recently.

Paul Christiansen

in Music & Arts

A Young Violist's Take on Performing in Saigon's All-Vietnamese Orchestra

Notes leap and prance out of bamboo flute the way a cricket prances between stalks of grass.

Thi Nguyen

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Krua Thai's Raw Seafood Salad Is Not for the Faint-Hearted

The first role I ever took in my home kitchen was to prepare sweet fish sauce with chili and garlic to pour over rice and noodles. As simple as this may sound, I still can’t master the art after years...

in Culture

Inside Nhật Tảo Market, Saigon's Biggest Informal Recycling Center

The areas around Nhat Tao Market, spanning the border of District 10 and District 11, are well-known for their bustling economy of second-hand electronics and machines.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Bánh Đập Dập, an Indelible Reminder of Vietnam's Austere Eras

Although stories, photographs and artifacts may allow a child to visualize their parents’ childhood, these couriers of memory distinctively belong to the former generation and remain locked in the pas...

in Saigon

Saigon to Hold Nightly Music, Light Shows on Nguyen Hue Walking Street

To add to the hustle and bustle of downtown Saigon, a new water spectacle was recently announced.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The 'Stink' of Bún Mắm Nêm Is My Childhood Aroma

Every time I depart from Vietnam to study abroad or travel, on the way to Tan Son Nhat International Airport I stop by the Bau Cat area in Tan Binh to stuff myself with at least two bowls of bún mắm n...

in Travel

After VietJet, Vietnam Airlines Launches Direct Flights From Saigon to Bali

The flagship carrier joins VietJet in offering direct flights from the southern metropolis to the Indonesian beach hotspot.

in Saigon

Saigon Proposes Forming Special Police Force to Protect Children Against Abuse

The proposal is one of the conclusions drawn by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee in their latest report on child protection legal policies.

in Health

Vietnam Among Top 15 Countries With Lowest Average Height, Official Says

All heights are beautiful.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At D5's Sủi Cảo Đại Nương, a Song of Chives and Fire

One night after my meal at Sui Cao Dai Nuong, I find myself in a mystifying dream about chives.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Crispy Duck Noodles for When You're Feeling Fancy

Right in the middle of frenetic hospital crowds, imposing pharmacies and peak-hour traffic, Hue Ky Mi Gia stands out, its indoor dining area seemingly unaffected by the commotion that’s going on just ...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Khoai Bistro Serves up a Mother Lode of Ribs and Breakfast Skillet

Praise be to those who bring the hearty wholesomeness of the breakfast skillet to every hour of the day.

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Japanese-American Time-Warp on Binh Thanh’s Backstreets

Imagine a world where the 1950s never ended. Where Daddy-O’s race muscle cars all day and Peggy Sue’s dance the night away. Where it’s all one big small town of neon-lit diners and all-night gas stati...

in Vietnam

The Mekong Delta Is Only 0.8m Above Sea Level, New Data Shows

The chilling results of a new study by Dutch scientists show that the Mekong Delta’s elevation is much lower than previously thought, putting it at higher risk of being swallowed by rising sea levels....

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Unbearable Lightness of Eating Bò Lá Lốt Alone

There are certain activities that are best not undertaken alone: karaoke, barbeque, watching football and feasting on ốc. The consensus, however, is still out on bò nướng lá lốt mỡ chài, so I decided ...

in Saigon

Saigon Jumps 9 Places to 47th in Global Safe Cities Index

The southern metropolis landed in the 47th spot on the annual Safe Cities Index.

in Vietnam

Storm Podul Leaves 6 Dead While New Storms Threaten Vietnam

Tropical Storm Podul tore through North-Central Vietnam last weekend, causing widespread flooding and at least six casualties. 

Paul Christiansen

in Sports

On Dreaming of a Time When Vietnam Loves Basketball as Much as Football

How lucrative is being a professional basketball player in Vietnam? To help make ends meet, “some work at fast-food restaurants,” admits Ho Chi Minh City Wings small forward Nguyen Ky Quan.

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Delicious Journey on the Caribbean Clipper at Jamaica Jamaica

By this stage of my life in Saigon, I'm not particularly surprised when an outpost of some unexpected cuisine appears in the unlikeliest of places.

in Sports

How a Power Couple Built a Dedicated Home for Powerlifting in Saigon

In full "ninja" attire, I braved congested streets under the scorching sun looking for the address. Finally, having spotted a sign that reads 'OldSchool Barbell System’ tucked deep inside Binh Thanh D...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: At Sara Ethiopian, a Chicken Stew for the Soul

Before the existence of Sara Ethiopian Restaurant in Saigon, my knowledge about the African country could fit squarely in a child’s palm: its capital, Addis Ababa; the tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash ...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Elderly Population Will Double by 2035, Reach 32m by 2050

By 2035, the country's elderly population is expected to double from seven to 14% of the total population, and authorities are taking steps to prepare for the unique challenges the change in demograph...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Hiding From Influencers in an Old-School Saigon Cafe

"Saigon in its golden age was a time to be remembered and passed down to younger generations. The vintage aesthetic trend in Vietnam has been around for a couple of years now and for me, it is a cause...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: The Greasy Extravaganza of Deep-Fried Bột Chiên and Egg

Bột chiên is a familiar comfort food for many Vietnamese people.

in Culture

[Video] Sidewalk Barbers: The Very Saigon Comfort of Getting a Haircut on the Street

Sidewalk barbershops are a symbol of old Saigon. In the face of globalization and its demands for westernization, the sight of a simple chair placed beneath an awning where one can get an affordable t...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: It's a Pagoda, It's a Restaurant, It's Superb Vegetarian Food

The revered 92-year-old Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh sums up his teachings on food and the first meal of the day like this: “I asked some children, 'What is the purpose of eating breakfast...

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: For the Love of Hanoian Snacks and Streetside Iced Tea

During the day, the dining area at 89 Nguyen Du houses a bún bò restaurant, but once the afternoon comes to an end and the sun starts to set, the area turns into a boisterous nhậu spot filled with nor...

Paul Christiansen

in Music & Arts

[Photos] The Ghostliness That Inspired the Fine Arts Museum's Haunting Rumors

Do humans invent ghost stories to compensate for our inability to come to terms with the brutal, capricious nature of death, or do we spend significant energy suppressing the truth of the supernatural...

Michael Tatarski

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: A Direct Flight to Taiwan Through Your Taste Buds

One of the great benefits Vietnam's budget airline boom is the ease with which Saigoneers can now travel directly to wonderful destinations like Japan and South Korea without breaking the bank.

in Saigon

Saigon's Built Heritage Is Under Threat. How Do We Protect What's Left?

In an exclusive excerpt from his latest book, Exploring Saigon-Chợ Lớn: Vanishing Heritage of Hồ Chí Minh City, historian Tim Doling discusses the city's threatened heritage architecture and what the ...

in Saigon

Saigon Pours $347m More Into Flood-Reduction Projects Across City

Saigon is going all out to make sure citywide floods like those is 2015 and 2016 won't be a common occurrence.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Drops 5 Places in Talent Attraction, Retention Index

The Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI), compiled by the Bussiness of the World (INSEAD), looks at 125 countries and 114 cities.

in Environment

Finding a "Just Transition" as Vietnam Confronts Climate Change

After the closing of the United Nation’s 24th Climate Change Conference (COP24), recently held in Katowice, Poland, negotiators remained ambivalent about whether or not the conference delivered on wha...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Mexican Simplicity and Zen-Like Tacos in D3

Tacos, and the many meat-and-tortilla variations we often categorize as ‘Mexican cuisine,’ are having a bit of a renaissance in Saigon.

Khoi Pham

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Hear Us Out, Coconut Milk and Fish Sauce Are Actually Great Together

There are few problems and little mediocrity that can’t be improved with an unctuous ladle of coconut milk.

in Hanoi

Hanoi to Catch Unleashed, Stray Dogs to Combat Rabies

In an effort to reduce the risk of rabies, Hanoi will hire dogcatchers to round up unleashed and stray dogs.

in Environment

Due to Climate Change, 17% of Saigon Will Be Completely Submerged by 2100

The effects of climate change mean that in less than 80 years, 86.7% of Binh Thanh District will be underwater, while 26.6% of District 2 and 34.5% of Hoc Mon will be permanently flooded.

in Travel

[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Ha Giang's Mighty Loop

I’ve spent seven years in Vietnam and traveled from south to north on many occasions, but I have never seen a place as charming as Ha Giang Province.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Workers to Compete With Machines for Jobs

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietjet Air to serve international flights at T4 of Changi airport [DTI] ▪ V...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Football Federation Sets Ambitious Goals for 2018

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Final version of Trans-Pacific trade deal released, rules pushed by US on ice [VnE...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Local Authorities Urged to Improve Hanoi's Pedestrian Streets for Tet

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Local authorities urged to improve Hanoi's pedestrian streets for Tet [DTI] ▪&nbs...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Ranks 5th in Happy Planet Index

Stay with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam fifth in Happy Planet Index [DTI] ▪ Scaffold collapse kills three, injuries th...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC-Vung Tau Express Boat to Open This Month

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways sign codeshare agreement [DTI] ▪ Ho Chi Mi...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Welcomes 11.6m Foreign Visitors in First 11 Months of 2017

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Over 11.6 million foreign tourists come to Vietnam in eleven months [DTI] ▪ ...

in Culture

The Surprising Health Benefits Behind the Asian Squat

The Asian squat has been getting lots of attention these past few years, but most recently it has been revealed that there may be health benefits to this sitting position.

in Environment

In 10 Years, Da Lat Might Run out of Clean Water Due to Pollution

The popular Central Highlands city of Da Lat may run out of clean water in the next 10 years, according to a local official.

in Saigon

Major Saigon Anti-Flooding Project in Trouble After World Bank Axes Funding

The future of a huge anti-flooding project in Saigon is in doubt after the World Bank ended funding for the work.

in Saigon

Saigon to Face 4-Hour Water Supply Outage Tonight

Fill up your tanks - there may be a temporary disruption to the water supply in your hood tonight.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Survey Asks Hanoi Primary School Kids to Detail Pregnancies

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Survey asks Hanoi primary school kids to detail pregnancies [Tuoi Tre] Doan Thi Hu...

in Tech

Apple Warns Unauthorized Local Shops to Stop Using Trademark

In the future, Saigon’s neighborhood phone stores might have to think twice before putting the Apple logo on their front sign.

in Asia

Extreme Heat and Strong Storms Expected to Slam Saigon This Month

As bad weather is expected to continue in coming weeks, dry season downpours similar to those that have recently hit Saigon will return, in addition to brutal heat.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Saigon Among Top 50 Most Beautiful Cities in the World

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Saigon among top 50 most beautiful cities in the world [VietnamNet] Annual suicide...

in Food Culture

Southeast Asian Nations Take on Street Vendors

With sidewalk-clearing campaigns going full bore in Hanoi and Saigon, Vietnam is not alone among its Southeast Asian neighbors in trying to change one of the region's most iconic urban features: stree...

in Eat & Drink

Officials Attempt to Trademark Bún Bò Huế

Officials in Thua Thien-Hue province are causing quite a stir after attempting to enact a regulation that would place trademark restrictions on the province’s signature soup, bún bò Huế.

in Saigon

Saigon Re-Maps Its Flood-Prone Areas

Saigon’s current flooding map is due for some updates as the unpredictable effects of climate change have both created new “flood hubs” and dried up old ones.

in Tech

Saigon Students Win National Contest With Water Leak App

Students from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology took home the top prize last week at the Swedish embassy’s Smart Water Innovation Contest in Hanoi for an app that maps leaks in the city’s ...

in Tech

Vietnamese Telecoms Aim for Global Domination

While much of the conversation surrounding Vietnam’s largest state-owned companies relates to privatization and removing foreign ownership limits, two of Vietnam's telecommunications giants, FPT and V...

in Saigon

As Rainy Season Begins, Saigon Needs $90m for Flood Prevention

As the first signs of rainy season appear over Saigon, the city needs more than VND2 trillion (US$90.2 million) to carry out its various flood prevention efforts.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Experts Stunned as Vietnam Officials Deny Link Between Taiwan Firm and Mass Fish Death Disaster

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Experts stunned as Vietnam officials deny link between Taiwan firm and fish kill disaster&nb...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Locals Cash in on Poisoned Dead Fish

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Seafood vendors protest ban on Vung Tau beaches [Thanh Nien] Saigon bus route link...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Mysterious Death of Diver Adds to Ongoing Environmental Crisis in Central Vietnam

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Mysterious death of diver adds to ongoing environmental crisis in central Vietnam [Than...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Eat Your Way Through Nguyen Hue's Secret Street Food Alley

Nguyen Hue's heritage has been badly degraded over the years. Thanks to the city's neverending development, its older buildings have either been torn down, used as air-conditioning unit pedestals or t...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Will Vietnam Legalize Prostitution?

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Jetro reports very low localization rate of Japanese businesses in Vietnam [SGGP] ...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Nha Trang to Demolish Buildings to Return Beach to Public

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. EU free trade deal will trap Vietnam in low-wage, low-skill cycle [Euractiv] Live ...

in Saigon

Saigon Officials Hope to Spend $62m on Mobile Water Pumps

In an effort to tackle Saigon's flooding problems, city officials may invest VND1.4 trillion (US$62.8 million) in the creation of a flood response team equipped with mobile water pumps.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam's Online Retail Sales Will More Than Double by 2020

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnamese language website for diaspora to be upgraded [Vietnam News] Counting the co...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Traffic Accidents on the Decline in January

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnam spent $1 billion to import Chinese cars in 2015 [Vietnam Net] Japan to help Ha...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Japan Relaxes Requirements of Short-Term Stay Visa for Vietnamese

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. PM asks HCMC to review metro cost [SGGP] Two more firms eye Casino’s Vietnam assets&nb...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Money Changers up Prices for Tet Holiday

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnam's economy is an emerging market standout [Bloomberg] S.Korea publicizes names ...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Hospital Seeks Volunteers for Head Transplant

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Taxi fares in city to drop slightly [Saigon Times] Vietnam to expand software parks&nb...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Five Key New Policies for Foreigners in Vietnam

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnam warns of 'toxic' Web use ahead of party shakeup [Reuters] VND1.5 billion fines...

in Environment

What the COP21 Climate Change Deal Will Mean in Vietnam

As news outlets around the world pick apart the pros and cons of last week's landmark climate change deal, Vietnam seems to have a few reasons to celebrate.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Hanoi Streets Become Even More Confusing to Residents

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. First international driving licenses granted in Vietnam [Vietnam Net] Airport operator...

in Music & Arts

Event Rewind: Melting Pot 7 Festival @ Saigon Outcast

Last weekend, Saigoneers young and old turned up at District 2's Saigon Outcast for another installment of the Melting Pot Festival, a two-day music and art event which raises money for local children...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Golden Bún Bò Huế

Walking into this temple of bún bò Huế, I was surprised the lady recognized me from my last visit from quite a while back. Even with my attempt at growing a beard for no-shave November, god has blesse...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: An Assembly Line of Bún Thịt Nướng

After warming up our tastebuds with last week's bột chiên, we continued exploring the wonders of Thi Nghe's evening street food scene. Amid the sinh tố shops, snack carts and rice stalls, my nomming c...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Thi Nghe's Gold Mine of Snacks

We found a hẻm gem goldmine.

in Saigon

[Photos/Video] Saigon Floods Aren't Over Yet

After Tuesday evening's epic rainstorm (sort of) subsided, Saigon began its return to normal. Traffic jams dissipated, floodwaters receded and we all invested in a good raincoat or, at the very l...

in Saigon Hẻm Gems

Hẻm Gems: Legendary Coconut Milk @ Sữa Dừa 8 Tin

After a visit to Sữa Dừa 8 Tin, you’ll quickly find that not all coconut milk is created equal.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: First-Day Sales Of Vietnam’s Bphone Hit Almost 12,000 Handsets

Vietnam's Saigon Port plans to raise at least $19 mln in IPO [Reuters] First-day sales of Vietnam’s Bphone hit almost 12,000 handsets: manufacturer [Tuoi Tre] Vietnam scrap vendor finally lays ...

in Saigon Events

'Right Fiction' - Opening Exhibition @ San Art

San art Laboratory has arrived at the end of its third session, and as always, the artists in resedency will mark this moment with a final group exhibition, ‘Right Fiction’.

in Culture

Today is Vulan, the Day of Mother Worship and Welcoming Ghosts

If you're wondering why the Buddha flags are out and why all your Buddhist friends are eating vegetarian today, that's because it's one of Vietnam's coolest holidays - Vulan.