Saigoneer

Vietnam Consumer Protection Watchdog Asks Grab to Explain New 'Hot Weather' Fee

A “hot weather” fee is Grab’s latest surcharge on a shopping list of other additional fees the ride-hailing giant tacks on to each ride.

Vietnam Pushes for Mutual Recognition of 'Vaccine Passports' With Some Nations

Vaccine passports may soon become part of a “new normal” as more Vietnamese are getting their two shots.

Hanoi to Enforce Social Distance at Cafes, Restaurants From August 19

Beginning Wednesday, August 19 at 12am, all patrons at cafes and restaurants in Hanoi must be one meter apart from one another and staff must wear masks. 

The Week in Focus: Social Distancing Regulations Eased Off

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Nhậu Places Respond to Drunk Driving Law With Their Own Transport Services

In response to a decline in customers following stricter laws regarding driving after drinking, bars and restaurants across the country are offering transportation services for patrons. 

Vietnam Should Aim to Become High-Income Nation by 2045, PM Says

After Vietnam finished 2019 with impressive growth rates, leaders are optimistic that the country is on a stable trajectory to join the ranks of upper-middle-income or even high-income nations within ...

Vietnam's Blanket Ban on Drunk Driving Doesn't Spare Any Vehicle. Not Even Bicycles.

No more beer-fueled pedal power for you.

Does Grab Affect Student Drivers' Study? Officials Want to Impose Limit on Part-Time Work.

In the face of ride-hailing services’ robust growth, policymakers are concerned that too many university students are ride-share drivers, which might affect their school performance.

Is Tourism in Vietnam Reaching a Tipping Point?

Tourism is surging in Hanoi and Vietnam as a whole, but is it too much of a good thing?

Heavy Rain Expected Across Vietnam Over Holiday Weekend as Storm Podul Weakens

Did your morning commute turn into a wrestling match with traffic and puddles? Well, expect more of that during this long weekend, meteorologists have warned.

5 Dead After Storm Wipha Sweeps Across Northern Vietnam

Five people have been killed and 14 remain missing after storm Wipha crossed directly over Hanoi and across northern provinces.

Northern Provinces Brace for Potential Tropical Storm Later This Week

An area of low pressure that may form into a tropical storm will bring heavy rain to northern provinces this week.

Experts Warn Against Building Hydropower Plants On Red River

Lao Cai Province authorities have proposed building two hydropower plants on the Red River.

Vietnam's Economy Might Be Larger Than Singapore's in 10 Years: DBS Report

With growth rates that could steady at 6.5% over the next decade, Vietnam's economy could surpass that of Singapore by 2029, according to a report by a Singaporean bank.

Vietnam Earmarks $1.2bn for Forest Protection, Restoration

The plan focuses on improving sustainable forest and environmental management, protection and development along with conservation to increase total forest cover from 2.5 million hectares to 2.72 ...

Vietnam's Average Income Will Quadruple to $10,000 in 2030, Report Predicts

Vietnam joins several other Asian nations with expected economic growth rates of around 7% for the next decade according to a recent Standard Chartered report. 

Vietnam Breaks All-Time High Temperature Record as Heat Bakes Nation

The searing heat has occurred much earlier than when it usually arrives.

Holiday Stories Roundup: Hanoi, HCMC Among Most Dynamic Growing Cities, Report Says

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...

Vietnam Aims to Export 6.5m Tons of Rice in 2019

For 2019, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has set a target of exporting 6.5 million tons of rice, valued at US$3 billion. 

Vietnam Orders Grab to Pay Vinasun $206,000 Due to 'Unfair Competition'

Charging the Singaporean ride-share app with "having seriously violated the law on transport business," a Vietnam court agreed with Vinasun's claims that its rival's illegal actions cut into their pro...

Vietnam Among Top 10 Most Weather-Wrecked Countries in 2017: Report

With a death toll of 298 and damages surpassing US$4 billion, the country occupies the sixth spot on the 2019 Climate Risk Index.

Vietnam Aims to Boost GDP per Capita to $6,500 by 2030, $10,000 by 2035

The country also hopes to have two million private businesses accounting for 60-65% of the GDP by 2030.

In Vietnam, Markets Still Beat Convenience Stores, but That Might Change Soon

In recent years, Vietnamese are visiting convenience stores more frequently while foot traffic in traditional markets gradually dwindles.

Vietnam Unveils Ambitious Scheme to Flex More Maritime Muscles by 2030

To foster economic growth and respond to climate change, the country will focus on its coastal infrastructure and initiatives. 

Vietnam Reports Fewer Traffic Accidents, Deaths and Injuries Compared to 2017

The number of traffic accidents and victims continues to be high, but the situation has seen slight improvement compared to last year.

Grab Told to Punish Drivers for Using Mobile Phones While on the Road

Traffic safety officials and Grab have been ordered to begin punishing Grab drivers who use their phone while on the move.

Vietnam's Hotels and Luxury Resorts Raked in $22bn in Revenue Last Year: Report

Digital technology integration is happening in many fields and industries including hospitality services.

93% of Foreign Tourists Had 'Satisfactory' Experience in Vietnam in 2017: Survey

More than 93% of foreign travelers expressed their satisfaction towards trips to Vietnam in 2017, according to statistics by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

Tropical Storm Bebinca Is Heading to Northern Vietnam

Tropical Storm Bebinca is bearing down on northern Vietnam and could bring up to 350 millimeters of rainfall to the region.

After Hoi An and Hanoi, Can Tho Is the Next City in Vietnam Afflicted With Cable Car Fever

You get a cable car! You get a cable car! Everybody’s getting a cable car!

Amid Tourism Boom, Apartment Owners Forsake Long-Term Leases for Airbnb Fast Cash

Many apartment owners are turning to Airbnb and other short-term lease platforms in order to cash in on Vietnam's ongoing tourism boom.

In Vietnam's Ride-Hailing Market, It's Grab Against the World. And It's Winning.

Newer ride-hailing apps are struggling to gain a place in the market, despite growing complaints of Grab’s post-Uber services.

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnamese Annually Spend $4bn Studying Abroad

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ 10 arrested as $89 million online gambling ring busted in Vietnam [VnExpress] ▪&n...

In 2017, 53% of Vietnamese Owned at Least a Smartphone, Compared to 35% in 2015: Report

The global average for smartphone ownership is 59%.

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Continues Visa Exemptions for Western European Visitors

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Rare gibbon rescued from HCM City house [DTI] ▪ Vietnam continues visa exemp...

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Busts Another Expansive Online Gambling Ring