Paul Christiansen in Saigon
Loneliness Too Waits for the Bus
We are all in this, but not together.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After Years in Limbo, Saigon's Metro Line 2 Is Officially Breaking Ground in Jan 2026
After years under development limbo, Saigon’s Metro Line 2 has finally gotten an official date for breaking ground, but will this timeline stick?
Morning News Roundup: FPT Rejects Rumors Of Being Acquired By Apple
Typhoon Rammasun toll 11 in Vietnam [Business Standard] In Vietnam, homegrown mushrooms are gaining in popularity [Tuoi Tre] Proposed ban on late liquor sale sparks controversy among expat...
3 Earthquakes Hit Son La, Aftershocks Felt In Hanoi
On Saturday night, 3 consecutive earthquakes shook Son La Province, with the most powerful reaching 4.3 on the Richter scale, reports Tuoi Tre.
Ministry Proposes Ban On Alcohol Sales After 10pm
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed banning the sale of liquor and beer between 10pm and 6am in an effort to curb rising consumption rates, according to Tuoi Tre.
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Weekend News Roundup: Typhoon Hammers Northern Vietnam; Another Storm Brewing
Chinese tourists abandon Vietnam after oil rig row [Global Post] Vietnam's petrol prices remain high despite global dip [Thanh Nien] Qantas, Vietnam Airlines give Jetstar Pacific $38m for ...
Kiwi Bobby Chinn Named Vietnam Tourism Ambassador To EU
Kiwi chef, Bobby Chinn, has been appointed Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to the EU for the term July 2014 to July 2017.
Morning News Roundup: Exhaust Fumes Take Toll On HCM City Air Quality
Gaza violence does not affect Israel trade ties with Vietnam: envoy [Tuoi Tre] Vietnam mulls setting up ‘super ministry’ to watch over state firms [Tuoi Tre] Exhaust fumes take toll on HCM...
[Updated] Typhoon Rammasun Making Its Way To Vietnam
Vietnam may be getting its first major storm of the rainy season this weekend.
[Photos] Red Tide Hits Mui Ne, Forcing Tourists To Swimming Pools
A seafoam composed of critter-destroying algae, also known as red tide has hit Mui Ne – Phan Thiet, making the beaches unsafe for swimming and relegating tourists to their swimming pools.
Bill Clinton To Arrive In Vietnam Tomorrow
Former US President Bill Clinton will visit Vietnam for the first time since 2000 on July 18 as part of his Asia-Pacific trip which also includes Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Morning News Roundup: Super Storm ‘Rammasun’ Approaching East Sea
Super Storm ‘Rammasun’ approaching East Sea [SGGP] Many aviation bodies responsible for VietJet’s landing mistake [VietNamNet] Minister calls for revisions on Vietnam's new north-south fli...
Asia-America Gateway Cable Breaks Down Yet Again
Get ready for a month of slow internet. According to ICT News, the Asia-America Gateway cable that lies off of Vung Tau has broken down in what is seemingly becoming a bi-annual event.
Chinese Oil Rig Withdraws From Vietnamese Waters
After months of drama over the Chinese oil rig that had encroached on Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, Xinhua News Agency reports that the platform has finished its exploration and is on the move.
Morning News Roundup: Public Outcry Over Work Permits Granted To 2,100 Chinese
Vietnam border guards shoot out tires to stop Lao drug traffickers [Thanh Nien] No abnormalities found in Chinese mushrooms in Vietnam: official [Tuoi Tre] Jet Airways to start flight to V...
Statues In Front Of Bến Thành Market To Be Permanently Removed
As the Trần Nguyên Hãn an Quách Thị Trang statues that sit in front of Bến Thành Market continue their slow deterioration, the HCMC People’s Committee has agreed to remove, repair and relocate the pie...
Brian Letwin in Asia
[Video] Taiwan's Motorbike Waterfall
If you thought your morning motorbike commute was bad, check out what it’s like in Taiwan.
High-Speed Boats To Replace Hydrofoils Between HCMC – Vung Tau
A new fleet of tourist boats is set to replace the notorious, soviet-era hydrofoils that ran between HCMC and Vung Tau before being banned earlier this year after a series of breakdowns and fires.
Morning News Roundup: New Team To Monitor Airline Flight Delays And Cancellations
Vietcombank earns VND2.7 trillion for first six months [Nhan Dan] 90,000 students join in 2014 Green Summer Campaign [SGGP] UAE becomes fifth largest Vietnam export market [Gulf News]...
Drunk Man, Likely Korean, Arrested For Stealing Mai Linh Taxi
Binh Duong Province police are investigating a case wherein a drunken foreigner stole a Mai Linh taxi on July 12.
Survey: Hanoi Is More Expensive Than Saigon
Based on a recent report by The Mercer Human Resource Consulting (UK), which ranks cities across the world based on cost of living, even without Starbucks or McDonald's, Hanoi is a pricier place to li...
Conditions For Work Permits For Foreigners To Be Loosened
At a meeting at the end of June, officials decided to loosen the controversial conditions for foreigners to obtain work permits in Vietnam.
