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 Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Forecasts Record Foreign Investment of $16bn

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnam forecasts record foreign investment of $16b [Deal Street Asia] Visa-free t...

in Vietnam

Tropical Depression Causes Devastating Flash Flooding, Landslides in Son La, Yen Bai

As Vietnam’s rainy season reaches its peak, a recent tropical depression battered the country’s northern provinces, devastating local infrastructure and villages. According to Tuoi Tre, heavy downpou...

in Asia

China Wows Netizens With Panda-Shaped Solar Panel Farm

After Kung Fu Panda, China's national animal is sweeping netizens off their feet again - this time as a pioneer in the country’s renewable energy industry.

in Saigon

Saigon Ramps Up Anti-Flooding Effort With Flood-Control Reservoir in Thu Duc

In yet another attempt to alleviate Saigon’s flood problems, municipal authorities are expediting construction of a flood reservoir in Thu Duc District.

in Vietnam

South Korean Convenience Store Chain Chooses Vietnam as First Foreign Expansion

A South Korean convenience store chain will become the latest entry to Vietnam's competitive market later this year.

in Vietnam

Vietnam's YouTubers Cash in on Kid-Friendly Channels

Certain local YouTube channels are bringing in hundreds of millions of VND per month. Their target audience? Children.

in Asia

Malaysia Bans Viral Hit 'Despacito' From State TV, Radio Stations

It’s official: the Malaysian government has banned Despacito from playing on state TV channels and radio stations.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Seeks to Improve Tourism Image Amid Poor Return Visitor Figures

Despite a steady increase in visitor numbers in recent years, Vietnam’s tourism sector is struggling to entice tourists back for another stay.

in Vietnam

Dong Nai Crowd Brutally Attacks Two Dog Thieves, Burns Motorbike

Two dog thieves were severely beaten by a crowd after being caught red-handed in Dong Nai province late last week.

in Saigon

[Photos] Saigon Rushes to Finish First River Bus Route for August Launch

Saigon’s first river bus route is slowly taking shape as municipal officials aim to launch the service this month.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC to Have 1,000 New Buses by 2020

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. HCM City to have 1,000 new buses by 2020 [SGGP] Vietnam’s most wanted runaway bigw...

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: Malaysia Sets Oct 2 for Trial of Suspects in Kim Jong Nam Killing

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Malaysia sets Oct 2 for trial of women suspects in Kim Jong Nam killing [VnExpress] ...

in Saigon

[Video] This 'Super Pump' Is Supposed to Help Nguyen Huu Canh's Flooding Woes

To tackle chronic flooding issues on one of Saigon's busiest streets, municipal authorities are installing a “super pump” in the hope of helping Nguyen Huu Canh's sewer system remove rainwater faster ...

in Saigon

Saigon Sidewalk-Clearing Campaign Costs Too Much for Modest Gains

According to recent reports by Saigon authorities, the city's sidewalk reclamation campaign was mostly ineffective in generating income for the city.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Venues for Street Vendors to Open in HCMC

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Venues for street vendors to open in HCM City [DTI] Vietnam hotel sector starts to...

in Vietnam

Vietnam's Big Science Competition Wins Ring Hollow to Academics

Vietnamese students are taking home medals from international contests in math, physics and chemistry, but this may have little impact on the country’s education system and scientific progress.

in Asia

Cambodian Widow Believes Young Cow Is Reincarnation of Dead Husband

Cambodia’s social media scene is buzzing over a cow which a local villager strongly believes to be the reincarnation of her dead husband.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: HCMC to Handle Unfinished Construction Projects in Downtown Area

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. HCMC to handle half done projects in downtown area [SGGP] Storm Sonca ravages nort...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam May Relax Flying Rules to Assist Travelers Who Lose Passports

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Vietnam may relax rules to assist foreign flyers who lose passports [Tuoi Tre] Vio...

in Vietnam

After Complaints, Hanoi Softens Stance on Motorbike Ban

Rather than imposing a sweeping city-wide ban on motorbikes, Hanoi only wants to curb usage during certain times and in certain areas of the city center, local officials say.