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 Roundups

Morning Links Roundup: Vietnam Approves 79.5MW of Wind, Solar Projects, Report Says

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ NA delays special economic zone draft law vote [DTI] ▪ Vietnam clears 79.5 M...

in Vietnam

Thai Binh Natural Disaster Agencies Request $13,200 to Buy Raincoats for Officials

Coming on the heels of Vietnam's annual rainy season, a provincial natural disaster agency has sent a request for US$13,200 worth of raincoats and other related rain equipment for two departments.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: VTV Finally Wins World Cup 2018 Broadcasting Rights

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnamese brick house bags coveted architecture award [VnExpress] ▪ VTV win...

in Vietnam

QS World Rankings Features 2 Vietnamese Universities for the First Time

While this is good news for Vietnam's higher education, some elements of the ranking result should be taken with a grain of salt.

in Hanoi

Formula One CEO Excited About Establishing a Race in Hanoi

The globally renowned race might feature in Vietnam’s ancient capital, possibly as soon as 2020.

in Roundups

Morning Links Roundup: Saigon TV Station HTV Willing to Pay for World Cup Telecast Rights

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Thunderstorms knock down trees, send Saigon traffic into chaos [VnExpress] ▪ ...

in Vietnam

Police Raid Vietnamese Dog Thieves, Rescue 22 Stolen Pets

On June 1, 22 dogs were discovered and promptly rescued from the home of 64-year-old Doan Van Loc in Ha Tinh Province at around 3:30am.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC Revises Plan to Limit Number of Taxis in City

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ High buildings good solution for Vietnam’s urban development: experts [Tuoi Tre] ...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Aims to Reduce Coal Usage, Triple Production of Renewable Energy by 2030

The country wants to shift away from coal.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC Tour Guide Association Launched

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ HCMC’s businesses keen to export to Cuba [SGGP] ▪ HCM City Tour Guide Associ...

in Roundups

Morning Links Roundup: HCMC Raises Environmental Protection, Parking Fees

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Viber community officially introduced in Vietnam [SGGP] ▪ HCM City raises en...

in Vietnam

Many Pilots Accuse VNA of Unfair Treatment, Ask to Collectively Resign

  Vietnam's national airline finds itself in hot water.

in Vietnam

Nine Days Before Kickoff, Vietnam Among Last Countries Without Rights to Screen World Cup 2018

Negotiations continue for securing rights to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2018 in Vietnam with just over half a month left until the ball kicks off in Moscow.

in Roundups

Morning Links Roundup: Vietnam's Internet Returns to Normal After Week-Long Repair

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Vietnam sees potential for organic fertilizer business [SGGP] ▪ Vietnam retu...

in Asia

Thailand Will Launch Durian Into Space to Promote Thai Cuisine

The infamous Southeast Asian fruit will be launched into space as part of the Thai Space Research Agency’s “Thai Food to Space” project.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Ranks 96th of 175 in Children Welfare: Report

The study was conducted by the Save The Children Fund.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Air Conditioner Makers Battle for Vietnam's Red-Hot Market

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. ▪ Air conditioner makers battle for Vietnam's red-hot market [Nikkei Asian Review] ...

in Vietnam

First Vietnam-Switzerland Direct Flight Route to Launch This November

Starting from November 15, passengers can enjoy direct flights from Ho Chi Minh to Zurich.

in Vietnam

In the Mekong Delta, Fishing Communities Struggle to Stay Afloat as Dams Deplete Fish Stocks

Hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River are threatening Vietnamese fishing communities in the Delta, but what else is new.

in Vietnam

Finance Ministry Proposes Taxing Sugary Drinks to Curb Obesity in Vietnam

Will slapping additional tax on sugary drinks help Vietnam keep its obesity epidemic in check?