Brian Letwin in Travel
The Quiet Calm of Hiding From the Heat Under Phan Rang's Grapevines
The punishing mid-day sun dictates the pace of life in the corridor between Phan Rang and Cam Ranh, where locals escape to their living rooms or hammocks, and tourists seek the cooling breeze of the b...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Every Morning, I'm Grateful for My Carless Ride to Work on Hoàng Sa Street
In the decade-plus of Saigoneer’s existence, we’ve had six offices strewn across different parts of Districts 1 and 3. Over that period, my homes have been located in Bình Thạnh and Thảo Điền, requiri...
Brian Letwin in Heritage
Tàu Cánh Ngầm: The Curious Case of Saigon’s Lost Soviet Hydrofoils
Not long ago, hulking “creatures” glided atop the waters between Saigon and Vũng Tàu. Like the dinosaurs that came before them, they slowly disappeared, until all that was left were their skeletons.
Brian Letwin in Parks & Rec
Slugging It Out at Saigon’s Baseball Cage
For much of my adult life, in the months from February to October, my mood was dictated by the results of New York Mets games.
Vietnam has World's Second-Highest Rate of Cryptocurrency Use: Report
Do you crypto?
Uniqlo Parent Company Becomes World's Most Valuable Fashion Retailer
Although still lagging behind Zara's parent company, Inditex, in revenue and profits, Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, hit a higher market capitalization this week.
Saigoneer Podcast: Vietnam's Effort to Increase Fertility Rates; Visual Arts Curator Bill Nguyen
We're now 90 episodes old!
Brian Letwin in Film & TV
[Videos] A 'Stranger Things'-Esque Hanoi Through the Lens of a VFX Artist
Narrow alleys have long been a defining characteristic of Vietnam’s cities, with many tracing their origins to the rice patty embankments that once crisscrossed an agricultural landscape.
Local Designers Create Typefaces Inspired by a Bygone Era
Local designers are bringing the craftsmanship of Vietnamese typography into the digital world.
Brian Letwin in Music & Arts
[Videos] A 'Stranger Things'-Esque Vietnam Through the Lens of a VFX Artist
Narrow alleys have long been a defining characteristic of Vietnam’s cities, with many tracing their origins to the rice patty embankments that once crisscrossed an agricultural landscape.
Vauban Architecture: The Foundation of Central and Northern Vietnam's Citadels
Let's get historical.
Labor Ministry Proposes $843m Bailout Package for Businesses Affected by Covid-19
According to the proposal, workers and businesses are able to borrow money from the government to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on employee livelihood and small business operation.
Uniqlo Is Planning to Open Its 2nd Store in Saigon This Year
Uniqlo Vietnam is reportedly planning a second outlet in Saigon, an abrupt move that comes as a surprise during a time when local shoppers are wary of being out in public places.
Vietnam Unveils Health Declaration App, Website to Aid Coronavirus Containment
As the Covid-19 outbreak rages globally and Vietnam confronts a spate of new cases, a new app and website have been rolled out to aid the monitoring of people's health in the country.
Full Catalogue of Studio Ghibli Soundtracks Finally Available to Stream in Vietnam
Are you ready to have the Totoro theme song stuck in your head for days on end?
Unearthed: Tracing the Past Citadels of Southern Vietnam
Although the forces of modernization encourage constant progress and leaving behind the pre-modern past, the trails of yesterday never fail to leave our presence.
Vietnam's First Uniqlo, Southeast Asia's 2nd-Largest, Opens in Saigon
After years of anticipation, fashion fans in Vietnam were finally able to set foot in the country’s Uniqlo flagship outlet.
Saigon to Remove Single-Use Plastic Items in Government Agencies
Saigon authorities are moving forward with measures to minimize plastic usage in government functions.
Brian Letwin in Saigon
From Botany Institute to Amusement Park: The Evolution of Thao Cam Vien Sai Gon
Local parks such as the Jardin d’Espagne and Jardin de la Ville, now Tao Dan Park, were a focal point of Saigon’s early urban development. But no green space carried such significance as the Jardin Bo...
Brian Letwin in Travel
[Photos] Urbanist Travel Getaways: Cat Tien National Park
Three hours northeast of Saigon sits a patch of verdant forest among a landscape of neverending rice paddies. Cat Tien National Park is the closest you can get to hike-able, pristine nature from the m...
Weekend News Roundup: 170 Vietnam Websites Attacked During Tet Holiday
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnamese Ambassador visits US aircraft carrier in Norfolk [SGGP] ▪ 170 Vie...
Brian Letwin in Saigon Hẻm Gems
Hẻm Gems: Chu Se's 65 Years of Hủ Tiếu Mì by the Calmette Bridge
Saigon is home to a number of street food eateries that span generations, from a 100-year old vegetarian joint to a 70-year-old hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho restaurant right in the heart of District 1.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Stock Suffers Worst Fall in 4 years
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam’s population estimated at 94.7 million in 2018 [VietnamNet] ▪ Vietna...
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Fears Foreign Investment Affected by US Tax Bill
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ 19,000 freelance tour guides won’t lose right to practice [VietnamNet] ▪ Vie...
Brian Letwin in Food Culture
Hẻm Gems: In Thao Dien, a Modernist Building Houses D2's Best Bánh Canh Stall
For many Saigoneers, central Thao Dien is known for its plethora of high-end restaurants catering to the neighborhood’s large expat population. However, if one looks closely enough between the scores ...
From the Bottom of the Barrel to the Top of the Heap: The Rise of Cơm Tấm
Swing by chị Hien’s street cart for dinner on any given day and you’ll find a cross-section of Saigon that covers all demographics: middle-class residents from the apartment blocks up the street,...
D1 Could See 7 More Designated Street Food Venues in the Near Future
Seven wards in District 1 have expressed their desire to set up street food zones in addition to the two that were established earlier this year, following the city’s sidewalk purge.
Saigon Launches 2nd Official Street Food Venue in D1
Saigon’s second street food zone was opened recently near the Reunification Palace on Monday, following the success of the first licensed zone on Nguyen Van Chiem Street.
Brian Letwin in Development
[Photos] The Last Vestiges of Saigon's Natural Landscape in District 2
On the eastern edge of District 2’s An Phu lies one of the last vestiges of Saigon's wilderness, a shrinking area that is slowly being chipped away for new infrastructure projects and dense developmen...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Street Cred: The Tumultuous Life of Dinh Tien Hoang
Dinh Bo Linh – also known as Dinh Hoan or Dinh Tien Hoang – was a sterling emperor who is one of the main figures in Vietnam’s long history of struggle against occupying Chinese forces. In today'...
Brian Letwin in Society
[Photos] This Binh Duong Warehouse Is a Treasure Trove of Vietnam's Automotive Heritage
In a dusty Binh Duong warehouse lies one of the world’s largest collections of Citroën Traction Avants, a car commonly associated with Vietnam’s late colonial era. One might hazard a guess that the co...
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Street Cred: Ly Thai To, the Emperor Who Created Hanoi
Ly Thai To – founder of the Later Ly dynasty, Vietnam’s first stable empire – is one of Vietnam’s most important historical figures, so it’s no surprise that his name appears on one of Saigon’s most v...
Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Weighs Banning Booze in Karaoke Bars
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnam weighs banning booze in karaoke bars [VnExpress] 24 Vietnamese killed in t...
Brian Letwin in Music & Arts
City Rising: Richie Fawcett’s Intricate Saigon Panoramas Hit L’Usine This Week
Saigon-based artist Richie Fawcett is back with an extensive new collection of drawings that will soon be on display at L’Usine Dong Khoi.
Brian Letwin in Development
Capital City Series Returns With Edition on Phnom Penh’s Rapid Development
Michael Waibel, the German human geographer, is back with another book in his series that takes a close look at the development of Southeast Asian cities from the perspective of both built environment...
Every District of Saigon to Get a Book Street in the Future
Saigoneers all over the city can expect to have a book street in their neighborhood in the near future.
Brian Letwin in Food Culture
In-N-Out Burger Pop-Up Hits Saigon for One Day
A few lucky Saigoneers were able to enjoy some coveted In-N-Out munchies this afternoon as the American regional burger chain opened a pop-up shop in District 1.
Bui Vien, Bach Dang Wharf to Get New Tourist Attractions, Free WiFi
Two of downtown Saigon’s tourist-heavy areas will be getting free WiFi, courtesy of the local government.
Brian Letwin in Travel
[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Cat Tien National Park
Three hours northeast of Saigon sits a patch of verdant forest among a landscape of neverending rice paddies. Cat Tien National Park is the closest you can get to hike-able, pristine nature from the m...
Vietnamese Read One Book a Year: Industry Insider
Despite the growth of Vietnam’s publishing industry, the country’s national reading rate remains low.
Brian Letwin in Food Culture
[Photos] Rita Cafe, a Lush Oasis Under Saigon Bridge
Before it was added to Google Maps a few months back, Cafe Rita was nothing more, it seemed, than a green smudge along the District 2 side of the Saigon Bridge.
Brian Letwin in Development
[Photos] Future Saigon: City Garden Phase 2
Binh Thanh District’s skyline is set to get a bit more crowded as one of the area’s largest residential developments, City Garden, is sprouting a couple of new towers.
From Vandals to Vanguards: Saigon’s Graffiti Artists Take on Fine Art Venues
This weekend, as Saigon’s street artists converge upon The Factory Contemporary Arts Center for a two-day showcase of rap, hip-hop, breakdancing and graffiti, SubyOne has something to prove.
Brian Letwin in Architecture
[Photos] Saigon Architect Combines Past and Present at 4Ps Ben Thanh
In its new space near Ben Thanh Market, Saigon's most popular Japanese pizza joint, Pizza 4Ps, has managed to combine the southern hub's unique sense of place with innovative contemporary architecture...
Hanoi Launches Mobile Testing Labs to Promote Food Safety
Hanoi recently launched three mobile food testing labs in an effort to reassure consumers and promote food safety.
Brian Letwin in Saigon Hẻm Gems
Hẻm Gems: Crab Curry Fit for a King
At a glance, this week’s District 4 Hẻm Gem might appear like any typical ốc restaurant in Saigon. Quan Oc 63’s laminated menu offers up no less than 40 dishes within its sticky plastic pages. However...
[Infographic] The Real Estate Developer That Owns Nguyen Hue
Ever since the city transformed Nguyen Hue’s iconic boulevard into a pedestrian walking street, real estate on the downtown promenade has skyrocketed.
Brian Letwin in Arts & Culture
‘Co Hau Gai’: Horror as a Vessel for History
Vietnamese cinema is entering a new stage of development, one in which Vietnam-based directors are seeking to create compelling storylines that keep up with the industry’s ever-increasing production q...
Hanoi to Launch Book Street by End of the Year
Hanoian bookworms will be happy to hear that the capital expects to unveil a brand-new book street by the end of the year.
Saigon’s Book Street Is Popular, Even With Declining Sales
Since its opening in January, Saigon’s downtown book street has seen plenty of visitors but fewer sales than expected.
Brian Letwin in Travel
[Photos] Take a Trip Through Taipei’s Tech Wonderland
Though Taiwan is known abroad for its electronics, the most impressive by-product of this robust industry lies in the heart of Taipei.
Brian Letwin in Saigon Hẻm Gems
Hẻm Gems: Enter the Bánh Đúc Jungle
While many of our culinary adventures take us out of our downtown comfort zone, there are a few gems hidden among the office buildings and skyscrapers of District 1.
Brian Letwin in Saigon Hẻm Gems
Hẻm Gems: Maison Marou: The House That Chocolate Built
Across from Ben Thanh Market sits a massive, open pit that will eventually serve as the base for a set of gleaming, modern towers housing the likes of a six-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel. But just beyond th...
Free, City-wide WiFi Coming to Saigon This Year
Saigoneers need not be jealous of Da Nang’s free, city-wide WiFi network, as the southern hub will be getting its own WiFi coverage in the near future.
[Video] Hẻm Gems: D5’s Glorious Goat Curry
One of the benefits or writing this column is that it allows us to sample some of Saigon’s best local eateries. We may be well versed in the ways of street noshing, but once in a blue moon, we come ac...
Brian Letwin in Travel
[Photos] Inside Taiwan’s Premier Fish Market
Taiwan has plenty to be proud of: it sports an efficient public transportation network, some of the highest food safety standards in the world, an abundance of nature and incredible seafood.
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...
Technology Has Officially Entered Saigon’s Art Scene
From the invention of farming to the advent of military drones, technology has shaped the economy, politics and culture of every society. It was inevitable that such a vital element of our lives would...
Saigon to Ban Eating, Drinking, Fun on Nguyen Hue
Starting April 18, a new law which bans eating and drinking on Nguyen Hue – along with several other activities – will take effect.
Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Recalls Books Telling Kids ‘Camel Is Largest Bird on Earth’
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Thousands of children involved in school and family violence [SGGP] Vietnam reca...
Brian Letwin in Saigon Hẻm Gems
[Video] Hẻm Gems: D4’s Supreme Street Sushi
There’s no shortage of solid international fare in Saigon. From Italian to Japanese, Indian to Korean, local diners are well covered. However, since most options in this category are relegated to indo...
Morning News Roundup: How Bikini Airline Helped to Create Vietnam's First Woman Billionaire
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. HCMC to uproot, axe 300 trees for major projects [Tuoi Tre] Vietnam had 5,000 ro...
Brian Letwin in Development
[Photos] District 2 Just Got a Fresh New Park
Green space has long come at a premium in Saigon, especially as some public areas – see District 1’s Chi Lang Park – have lost out to the city’s breakneck development.
Morning News Roundup: Miss Vietnam’s Image Appears on Japanese Porn Website
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnam Navy launches new training vessel [VOV] Traffic safety shortcomings blamed...
Morning News Roundup: Japanese Language to Be Taught in Vietnam’s Primary Schools
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. City to seek waste treatment funding [Vietnam News] French photographer donates ic...
Morning News Roundup: YouTube Terminates VTV Channel Over Copyright Infringement
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. HCMC develops street food into tourist attraction [Vietnam Net] Da Nang sends vuln...
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Likely to Forgive $571m Taxes, Fines for Businesses
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnam introduces first candidate to International Law Commission [Vietnam Net] H...
Weekend News Roundup: Nha Trang Authorities to Reward Those Spotting Beggars With Cash
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. International driving permits issued in HCMC, Hanoi [Vietnam Net] Noi Bai-Lao Cai ...
Hẻm Gems: Heavenly Hủ Tiếu on Co Giang
Many count Co Giang Street among their favorite Saigon street food corridors. Featuring a long stretch of stalls, which serve everything from chè and bún riêu to magical bowls of Chinese-style hủ tiếu...
Saigon Launches 5-Year Safe Produce Plan
Saigon recently approved a five-year plan to promote safe organic produce in the city.
Brian Letwin in Culture
[Photos] Preview: Nguyen Hue Flower Street
Saigon’s celebrated flower street returns to Nguyen Hue Boulevard next week to ring in the Year of the Monkey.
Hanoi's Communist Cafe Chain Comes to Saigon
Set foot inside the newly opened southern branch of Cong Caphe and you'll instantly feel like a giant. The endless array of tchotchke lining its concrete walls and wooden shelves – transistor radios, ...
Dong Nai Proposes Extension of Metro Line 1
As downtown progress on the Saigon Metro inches along, Dong Nai officials are hoping to extend Line 1 beyond the city limits.
[Photos] Saigon Just Got a Fancy New Pedestrian Book Street
While Saigon faces a major deficit when it comes to public space, it looks like the city has recognized its value following the success of Nguyen Hue's pedestrian boulevard.
Weekend News Roundup: Foreign Passenger Jumps off 2nd Floor at Tan Son Nhat
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Work starts on Can Tho-Kien Giang road [Vietnam Plus] Vietnam sees reform opportunitie...
Hẻm Gems: Dropping the Flavor Bomb With Vietnamese Comfort Food
Given that most of the spots that show up in our Hẻm Gems series are full-on meals, we decided it was time to explore the vast world of small, snack-like Vietnamese dishes. There are plenty of great ...
Hẻm Gems: Chị Hiền's Cơm Sườn and the Single Greatest Fish Sauce of All Time
As an accomplished eater and failed cook, I spend a lot of time scouting street food venues.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam’s First Buddhism Museum Opens in Da Nang
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnam ranks second in global spam [DTI] 1,300 join anti-terrorist drill in northern ...