Xuân Phương

in Hanoi

Every Bánh Chưng Season, Vietnam’s Lá Dong Capital Comes Alive With Harvest Frenzy

On the patches of sandy soil by the river in Kim An Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi, there’s a tiny village named Tràng Cát, where dong leaves have been embedded in local history, memory, and economy for centuries. Right in local courtyard, these broad green leaves were transformed into bánh chưng, ready for Tết feasts across the country.

Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

Loneliness Too Waits for the Bus

We are all in this, but not together.

in Saigon

Thoughts I've Had While Stranded in Murky Floodwater on Saigon's High-Tide Days

I’m willing to forgive nearly everything about Saigon. It’s a sign of a sustainable relationship, as I still wish to coexist in peace with this city. To me, Saigon’s midday, even when the searing sun flares the strongest, is when the trees are the most glorious. The sudden bouts of torrential rain are indeed a nuisance, but I tell myself that at least the streets can get a wash after a dusty day. But there’s one thing that never goes away and that I can never write off; something I can’t, for the life of me, find reasons to romanticize or defend. Those are the infuriating floods that submerge Saigon streets every time the tide is high.

in Saigon

Saigon Sees a 10-Year Low of 18°C. What Are the City’s Highest and Lowest Temperatures?

This January, Saigoneers have been enjoying an unusually pleasant stretch of weather, with daytime temperatures hovering around the mid-20s and dipping to 18–20°C late at night and in the early morning.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Bans Unskippable Ads, Requires Skip Button to Appear After 5 Seconds

If things go our way, YouTube’s notorious unskippable ads might be a thing of the past come this February.

in Vietnam

Grindr Year-End Report Names Vietnam as Country With Biggest Top Shortage

Ever since Spotify launched its first global Wrapped function a few years ago, December has turned into an exciting season of stats-driven year-end reviews. “Wrapping” is now a tradition embraced by numerous apps, such as Strava, Duolingo, YouTube, Reddit, and of course, Grindr.

in Vietnam

When Donations Are All Womenswear, Men in Flood Zones Turn Necessity Into Fashion

Vietnam’s South-Central Coast region is going through an especially grueling time of the year as both the local people and authorities have to deal with the aftermath of historic rainfall and flooding. Still, amid the mourning and strenuous rebuilding efforts, moments of levity shine through — a testament to the resilience, optimism, and incredible humor of the Vietnamese people in the face of hardships.

in Vietnam

Đắk Lắk, Khánh Hòa Are Next Victims of 2025's Historic Flooding. Here's How to Help.

After nearly a week of constant downpour, many provinces of Vietnam’s Central Highlands and South-Central Coast regions have suffered severe flooding and landslides, causing catastrophic damage to local infrastructure, economic activities, and deaths. This has been yet another month of loss and destruction for Vietnam in 2025, which is shaping up to be the most devastating year in recent history due to consecutive powerful typhoons and atypically high rainfall.

Back Stories

in Hanoi

Hanoi to Host Formula One Race in 2020: Official

After nearly a year of speculation, it has been officially confirmed that a Formula One Grand Prix will be held in Hanoi in 2020.

in Vietnam

Vietcombank Will Be the First Vietnam Bank to Open a US Office

Vietcombank will be the first Vietnamese bank to open a representative office in the United States.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Largest Vaccination Center in Southern Vietnam Opens

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 Hanoi

Expansion of Noi Bai Airport to Help Bring in 100m Passengers Each Year

Hanoi’s US$3.5 billion expansion of Noi Bai International Airport is being reviewed, with the aim of bringing in 80-100 million passengers a year by 2050.

in Vietnam

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh Will Settle Down in Vietnam Permanently

The influential Buddhist leader recently returned to Vietnam from Thailand after a year abroad.

in Vietnam

At a School in An Giang, Students Must Solve Math Problems for Free WiFi

Finding a WiFi connection in Vietnam is sometimes a vexing problem, literally.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Chilly Morning in Saigon as Dry Season Starts in Southern Vietnam

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

Meet Nguyen Thi That, Vietnam's First Cyclist to Ride for a Professional European Team

A female cyclist from An Giang Province recently became the Vietnamese rider to compete for a European cycling team.

in Vietnam

Dong Nai to Begin Site Clearance for Long Thanh Airport Next Year

Around VND23 trillion (US$987 million) will be distributed so construction and resettlement can begin once the clearance plan is approved. 

in Vietnam

Male Drivers Are Responsible for 98.61% of Severe Accidents 2013-2017: Report

In 2017, there were around 20,000 traffic accidents and 8,279 traffic deaths, according to statistics compiled by the National Traffic Safety Committee.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Sand Dredging, Loan Sharks and Damaged Da Nang Expressway

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 Hanoi

Hanoi’s Booming Population Has Already Exceeded 2030 Target

According to a new report released by the National Assembly, Hanoi’s booming population has already surpassed the predicted figures for 2030.

in Vietnam

Male Drivers Responsible for 98.61% of Severe Accidents From 2013 to 2017: Report

In 2017, there were around 20,000 traffic accidents and 8,279 traffic deaths, according to statistics compiled by the National Traffic Safety Committee.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: FDI in Vietnam Almost $28bn in 10 Months

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

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh Visits Vietnam After a Year Abroad

After a year abroad, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh has returned to Vietnam for a short visit.

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: Vietnam to Roll out Mobile Number Portability Next Month

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

Saigon to Introduce Food Safety Stickers for Street Food Stalls

The city's Food Safety Management Authority has also issued 10 criteria for evaluating street vendors' food safety.

in Vietnam

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. 

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: New Cave Tour, Japanese Investments and Women's Football

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 National Brand, Valued at $235bn, Jumps 2 Places in World Ranking

Vietnam moves to No. 43 out of 100 countries this year, a two-place jump from last year, with a national brand value of US$235 billion.