Saigon Metro Line 1 Announces July Launch Date, Free Rides in Phase 1
Will 2024 be the auspicious year when our legs could finally step on the metro platform for the first time?
The Mekong Delta Loses Sand Too Fast Due to Extraction, It's Time for a Sand Budget.
Many people will be familiar with the dread when your income no longer covers your expenses; when you’ve exhausted your savings and are sinking ever deeper into debt. In the Mekong Delta, a similar do...
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.
Đắk Lắk Receives $2.2m in Financial Support to End Elephant Rides by 2026
To be distributed between now and the end of 2026, the VND55 billion (US$2.2 million) provided by the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) will be used to help tourism centers in Đắk Lắk Province b...
Michael Tatarski in Music & Arts
The Curious Subculture of Vietnamese New Wave
You never know where a story idea is going to come from.
Michael Tatarski in Loạt Soạt
A Study of the Mekong Through Stories Told on the River
Much like humanity, great systems of the natural world rely on connectivity to thrive.
Michael Tatarski in Natural Selection
Mangroves: The Everyday Superheroes Protecting Vietnam Against Climate Change
When you think of ways to combat the inevitable ravages of climate change and sea level rise, what comes to mind?
Michael Tatarski in Film & TV
'Madame Pirate,' Short Film Based on History's Greatest Pirate, Screens at SXSW
Do you know who the world's greatest pirate is?
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.
After Initial Success, Saigon's Public Bike Scheme to Expand to 4 More Districts, Hanoi
Pedal power!
Michael Tatarski in Environment
Huế's Fantastic Herbs and Where to Find Them, Now in Book Form
Have you ever walked past a plant and wondered "Hey, I wonder what that could do?"
Michael Tatarski in Natural Selection
Cầy Vằn Bắc: Caught in the Crossfire of the Cà Phê Chồn Industry
While Saigoneer’s Natural Selection series has already covered a number of iconic species and types of animals, including the tiger, Asian elephant, dogs and cats, there’s a good chance most of the pe...
Vietnam Records Highest-Ever 47,000 New Covid-19 Cases on Sunday
Over the past few days, Vietnam has consistently reported new records in the total number of daily COVID-19 cases, signaling a possible upcoming wave of infections.
Michael Tatarski in Environment
Scientists Confirmed 91 New Species in Vietnam in 2020, WWF Report Shows
A new report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) highlights just how biodiverse the Greater Mekong region remains, even as major threats continue to impact flora and fauna populations.
Paul Christiansen in In Plain Sight
Finding Fun and Revelation Aboard Saigon's Wayward Waterbus
Cement, clay, clapboard, spackle, rebar, piping, plaster smears, paint drips, pencil scrawlings: to witness the rise of a building, observe its innards, is to marvel at the pretense of an ego, for wha...
Public Bike Service Finally Launches in Saigon After Week of Delay
After an unexplained delay, Saigon's first public bike rental system launched today.
Michael Tatarski in Music & Arts
What to Do When You Discover That Your Mom Was a Superstar Singer in 1960s Saigon
In early 1960s Saigon, Phương Tâm was a star singer, performing every day in the city’s busy nightclubs and music venues.
Southern Vietnam to Experience More Cold Spells Until Christmas: Experts
If you’ve enjoyed Saigon’s “wintry” mornings this past week, there’s more to come.
Saigon Proposes 2 New Waterbus Routes Linking Districts 1, 7
Saigoneer's favorite form of transportation has just proposed adding two new routes linking District 7 and District 1.
Saigon Begins Vaccinating Students to Prepare for School Reopening
The city aims to administer Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to approximately 780,000 children aged 12 to 17.
Michael Tatarski in Society
How Social ChangeMakers Brings People Together to Create a Better Future
In this pandemic era, sometimes we need a little help connecting with other people.
Michael Tatarski in Music & Arts
Nocturnal Animals Music Livestream Series Unites Artists for Pandemic Relief
While bars and nightclubs remain closed, a special monthly livestream series starting tomorrow will give those of us in Vietnam the chance to experience nightlife without leaving the house.
Michael Tatarski in Natural Selection
Chó: The Four National Breeds of Vietnamese Doggos
It’s an inarguable fact that dogs are the purest of animals.
Michael Tatarski in Food Culture
'Đùm Bọc' Uses Vietnamese Food to Raise Funds for Covid-19 Relief in Vietnam
Residents of New York City are in for a treat.
Michael Tatarski in Loạt Soạt
A Wildly Original Intermingling of Tales From Vietnam, Past and Present
In the Saigoneer office — which I haven't actually seen in person for months — a common concern is the prevalence of the war in literature about Vietnam. Even among younger writers, particul...
Michael Tatarski in Film & TV
Meet the Vietnamese Creators of 'Centuries and Still,' a Short Decrying Anti-Asian Racism
How much history are you aware of?
Michael Tatarski in Ton-sur-Ton
How Local Brand Re.socks Spins Discarded Plastic Bottles Into Comfy Socks
How much thought do you put into socks?
Michael Tatarski in Natural Selection
Voọc Cát Bà: The Endangered Primate of Karst Land
Imagine being born one color, and growing up into a very differently hued adult.
Could Phong Nha Be One of Vietnam's Top Sustainable Travel Destinations?
A recent trip to Phong Nha — before this most recent COVID-19 wave — left me wondering whether I had just visited one of Vietnam’s more sustainable travel destinations. Of all the places I have been s...
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.
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.
Weekend Stories: New Local Covid-19 Cases Recorded in Ha Nam, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi
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...
Morning Stories: Muong Exhibition, Saltwater Intrusion, and World Biosphere Reserve Status
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...
Weekend Stories: Vung Tau Cuisine Week, More Phu Quoc Flights and Cyberattacks Down
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 Ranks Near Bottom of New Sustainable Tourism Index
What are you doing to be a sustainable tourist?
Architecture College to Renovate Da Lat's Abandoned Franciscan Mission
Recently, the University of Architecture HCMC (UAHCMC) announced plans to renovate Da Lat’s abandoned Franciscan mission. Due to the popularity of the complex among locals and tourists, the building’s...
Michael Tatarski in Food Culture
Binh Duong, a Surprising Oasis of Taiwanese Snacks and Chinese Dumplings
This is part 2 of our two-part series on Taiwanese and Chinese food in Binh Duong. Read part one here.
Vietnam's Plan to Plant 1 Billion Trees by 2025 Gains Clarity
Here's hoping for a greener future.
Michael Tatarski in Food Culture
A Journey into Binh Duong's Deep Chinese & Taiwanese Flavors
Believe it or not, there is more to Binh Duong than just industrial parks producing your next Uniqlo T-shirt or pair of running shoes.
Tourism Ministry to Pursue World Heritage Status for Cat Ba
It would be Vietnam's ninth UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Michael Tatarski in Travel
An Eye-Opening Mushroom Farm in Da Lat for Budding Mycologists
It could be argued that mushrooms are among nature's strangest creations.
Hẻm Gems: Cù Rú, an Old Saigon Bar That Took Root in Da Lat
Editor's note: Cù Rú Bar, the artists' solace, was born in Saigon by a tightknit group of friends and lovers, fueling creative souls with delectable homemade rượu cocktails, the group relocated to Da ...
Vietnam's Textile Industry Exported 1.37bn Face Masks in 2020
During a year when Vietnam’s textile industry was hurt by plummeting demand, local producers found a silver lining in face masks.
Michael Tatarski in Travel
At Da Lat's Biological Museum, a Demented Homage to Vietnam's Vanishing Wildlife
Sometimes when traveling, you come across something so utterly odd that you simply don't know what to make of it.
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...
Grindr Names Vietnam Among Countries With Highest Percentage of Bottoms
Inspired by the clamorous spectacle of Spotify Wrapped, the gay dating app Grindr has come up with their own version of a year-end assessment, with some interesting data.
Morning Stories: Online Payment for Public Services, VN Vaccine Trials Off to Good Start and Zalo’s Virtual Assistant Debuts
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...
Thailand Reopens for Tourists From 56 Countries, Albeit With Compulsory Quarantine
It is not confirmed yet whether Vietnam is part of the list of countries eligible for the scheme.
1.1m People Have Left the Mekong Delta in the Past Decade, Report Says
The impacts of climate change, hydroelectric plants, and a faltering economy have resulted in an exodus of people from the Mekong Delta.
Michael Tatarski in Film & TV
Review: 'Monsoon' Peruses the Chasm Between Past and Contemporary Vietnam
Monsoon is Vietnam-shot film directed by Hong Khaou that was released earlier this year. It is spoken by Lee (David Tran) to Kit (Henry Golding) as they have tea on a Saigon sidewalk and referenc...
Morning Stories: Thu Duc City is Official, 2 VN Films on Netflix without Approval and EVN Introduces QR Codes
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...
Japan Plans to Ban Sale of Gasoline Cars by Next Decade
By the mid-2030s, all new cars sold in Japan will need to be hybrid gasoline-electric or fully electric.
Vietnamese Insect Protein Startup Cricket One Gets 7-Figure Funding
That's a lot of crickets!
When Life Gives You Flavorful Vietnamese Cashews, Make Vegan Cheese
“Firstly, I had to find my calling, but in the end, it all came down to creating something and then seeing others enjoy it."
Michael Tatarski in Health
How a Simple Toilet Improved the Life of a Small Ben Tre Family
Do you ever pause for a second when using the toilet?
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.
Dak Lak Will End Elephant Rides for Tourists, Official Says
Province officials cite safety concerns and animal welfare as reasons why the tourism activity should be stopped across all of Dak Lak.
Morning Stories Roundup: Saigon Floods, Electric Busses and Shipwreck in Thua Thien-Hue
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 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.
Michael Tatarski in Environment
Vietnam's New Nature Reserve, Khe Nuoc Trong, Is a Sign of Hope for Biodiversity
In a move wildlife conservationists are hailing as a victory, Vietnam has established a new nature reserve encompassing critical habitat for numerous species, several of them threatened globally with ...
Michael Tatarski in Travel
Saigoneer Getaways: In Pu Luong, a Verdant Dream Untouched by Development
There are many reasons to be grateful for living in Vietnam during the coronavirus pandemic.
Morning Stories Roundup: Free Visa Waivers Extended, COVID-19 Vaccine Trials and 45 New Playgrounds
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...
Morning Stories Roundup: Week of Heavy Rain, HCMC Going Green and Corporate Income Tax Reduction
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: 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.
Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Reports Only 1 Local Covid-19 Infection in Last 5 Days
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...
Get Tested or Face Criminal Charges, Saigon Warns 3,000 Da Nang Returnees
If any Saigon resident who visited Da Nang last month fails to complete a health declaration by the end of today, they could face criminal charges.
Morning Stories Roundup: HCMC Fines Over 800 People for Not Wearing Masks Last Week
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...
Saigon Will Fine Citizens for Not Wearing Masks in Public From Tomorrow
Wearing face masks in public in Saigon is not just a safety guideline anymore, as city officials have decided to once again start fining Saigoneers for flouting the rule.
Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Reports 10 Covid-19 Cases Linked to Da Nang
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...
Morning Stories Roundup: 45 Patients, Family Members at Da Nang Hospitals Infected With Covid-19
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...
8 Saigon Hotels Approved as Paid Quarantine Facilities for Foreign Experts
They include two five-star hotels, four four-star properties, and one-three star hotel.
Bring Your Own Containers, We're Going Grocery Shopping
Above a peaceful coffee shop on the quiet road of Nguyễn Khắc Nhu lies a small zero-waste refill shop trying to advocate change.
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.
Michael Tatarski in Saigon Hẻm Gems
Hẻm Gems: R House, a Haven for Rescued Dogs, Healthy Eats, and Adoption Opportunities
For dogs, dog owners and general fans of man's best friend, living in Saigon can be tough.
Weekend Stories Roundup: Leaked Tests, Diphtheria Death, and Saigon Metro
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 Film & TV
'Da 5 Bloods' Review: A Vital Message Lost in a Deeply Flawed Film
This article contains major spoilers for Da 5 Bloods.
Japan Might Reopen for Vietnamese Visitors With Negative Covid-19 Tests
Vietnam's successful containment of the coronavirus outbreak may mean its people will be able to travel abroad sooner, rather than later.
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.