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?
Brian Letwin in Saigon
[Photos] Cars Crushed by Trees in Yesterday’s Storm
Yesterday’s downpour not only caused massive flooding in Saigon but also managed to destroy 4 cars in the heart of District 1.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Tycoon Could Get 30 Years
Water shortage grips Kien Giang island [VNS] Vietnam tycoon could get 30 years [Thanh Nien] Vietnam joins UN peacekeeping activities [Global Post]
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Dien Bien Man Killed by Lightning While Talking on Mobile Phone
Mobile phones may be linked to brain cancer and have been known to shock people from time-to-time, but there’s a far more dangerous threat to those who enjoy chit chatting in the middle of a thunderst...
Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Youth Take up Smoking
Vietnamese youth take up smoking [DTI News] Massive shark caught near Quy Nhon [VietNamNet] 1 dead, 4 injured in wild-ox attack in Quang Nam [SGGP]
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Chinese Fishing Vessel Sinks Vietnamese Boat Near Disputed Oilrig
Late yesterday afternoon, a Chinese fishing boat rammed and sank a Vietnamese ship in the waters around the controversial oilrig that has stoked tensions between the two countries over the past few we...
Morning News Roundup: Honda Vietnam to Launch 10 New Motorbike Models
Vietnam Airlines to launch IPO in Q3 [SGGP] Experts urge delay of 4G application [Vietnam Plus] World heritage sites lack sufficient management [VNS]
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Over 1 Ton of Elephant Tusks Seized in Hai Phong
Hai Phong customs officials seized more than 1 ton of illegal elephant ivory from Hong Kong on May 24, reports Tuoi Tre.
Weekend News Roundup: Real Madrid to Hold Soccer Camp in HCM City
Vietnam Air offering part of push for foreign investment [Sydney Morning Herald] Vietnam car imports soar in May: report [Thanh Nien] Two Vietnamese companies listed in Forbes Global 2000&...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Authorities: Woman Sets Herself on Fire in Front of Reunification Palace to Protest Chinese Oil Rig
According to Le Hieu Truong Hai, District 1's Vice Chairman, a 67-year-old woman from Binh Thanh District set her self on fire in front of Reunification Palace at 6am this morning to protest the Chine...
Morning News Roundup: Firms Pay Fines for Violating Food Safety Rules
Ford pours more investment into Vietnam [Vietnam Plus] ExxonMobil keen on Vietnam market [VoV] Firms pay fines for violating food safety rules [VNS]
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Science and Technology Day Declared
Denture clasp spent 20 years in Vietnamese lung [Thanh Nien] Vietnam to play Thailand to secure World Cup berth [DTI News] Vietnamese lecturer wins Australian prize for outstanding researc...
Morning News Roundup: MobiFone Offers New Data Services for Tourists
TPP meeting fails to reach final agreement [Vietnam Plus] HCM City officials pledge wastewater cleanup [VietNamNet] No river in Hanoi found as unpolluted or slightly polluted [VietNam...
Brian Letwin in Stories
Saigon’s First Multi-Story Parking Lot Opens in District 1
While Saigon’s massive underground parking lots may be indefinitely delayed, the city’s first multi-story parking lot has opened in District 1 at a price tag of $24 million, according to VietNamNet.
Morning News Roundup: Ha Long Bay Relocates Houseboat Dwellers
Vietnam apologizes, mulling tax cuts for Taiwanese businesses [Focus Taiwan] Authorities to crackdown on dangerous ‘eggshell' helmets [SGGP] Vietinbank report reveals bad debt increase&nbs...
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
Vietnam Airlines Adds New Flights to Japan
While some European Airlines have been cutting their Vietnam service, Vietnam Airlines, as part of its effort to expand its international presence, has announced 2 new routes to Tokyo.
Weekend News Roundup: Expert Warns of Mutant Dengue Fever in Vietnam as 4 Die
Vietnam urged to allow paternity leave, improve maternity protection [Thanh Nien] Museum puts evolution on show [VNS] Citizenship regulation for overseas Vietnamese to be revised [DTI...
Brian Letwin in Saigon
Saigon’s Caravelle Hotel Set to Undergo Major Renovations
The Caravelle Hotel is about to undergo a major facelift starting this summer as it begins its most significant renovation in 15 years, according to AmCham Vietnam.
Brian Letwin in Vietnam
How Much is Vietnam Airlines Worth?
Ahead of its long-awaited IPO, Pham Ngoc Minh, General Director of Vietnam Airlines said that the airline is worth $2.74 billion, shares of which will be sold in accordance with public demand, reports...
Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Man Confirms Incredible Walk From China to Pakistan
Vietnamese man confirms incredible walk from China to Pakistan [Thanh Nien] Vietnam makes low-cost 3D scanner [Tuoi Tre] HCM City rolls out mobile digital library [SGGP]
Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Fashion Student Wins $30,000 Prize
Under pressure of exams, many students develop mental disorders [VietNamNet] Vietnam may lift retirement age to save pension fund [Thanh Nien] Vietnam Television buys football World Cup ri...
