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?
Hanoi Asks Pharmacies to Report Customers Buying Treatment for Cold, Cough and Fever
Hanoi's 7,000 pharmacies have been instructed to report customers who purchase medicine to treat symptoms associated with Covid-19.
Air Pollution in Saigon, Hanoi Reduces Noticeably During Social Distancing Period
In addition to allowing people to finish all of their puzzles and amass Animal Crossing playing time, Vietnam's social distancing campaign has led to air quality improvements in major cities.
IMF Predicts 2.7% GDP Growth in 2020 for Vietnam as Other Economies Contract
The COVID-19 pandemic will dampen Vietnam’s economic growth for 2020, though the country will be in a better position than most of its better-off peers.
Weekend Stories Roundup: No New Covid-19 Cases in 4 Days; One Tested Positive Again
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...
From Today, Vietnam Heavily Restricts Passenger Transport Between High-Risk Provinces
While the majority of its most crowded metropolises enter another week of mandatory social distancing, Vietnam is also putting a stop to intercity buses between high-risk regions.
Morning Stories Roundup: Facebook Map, Domestic Flights, and Metro Line 2
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...
Inside Hanoi's 'Zero Dong' Supermarket for People Affected by Covid-19 Pandemic
In Hanoi, the Hanh Phuc (Happiness) grocery store gives essentials to locals in need for free.
Morning Stories Roundup: National Exam, Drought Aid, and a New iPhone
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...
Social Distancing Campaign Extended in Hanoi, Saigon for 1 Week
Add some shows to your Netflix queue and charge your Kindle: many of us are staying home for another week.
Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Targets 7% GDP Growth Over Next 5 Years
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...
Morning Stories Roundup: Online Book Festival, Illegal Logging, and Cat Lai Bridge
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...
Weekend Stories Roundup: Factory Workers, Traffic Projects, and 2 New Covid-19 Cases
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...
[Photos] The Joy and Heady Rush of Getting Caught in Saigon's Off-Season Rain
Right in the middle of the sweat-drenched, sun-singed, punishing April heat, Saigon welcomes the season’s rare showers with open arms.
Morning Stories Roundup: Golden Kite Awards, CNN Ads, and Downpour
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...
This Week in Focus: New Cases Slow and Social Distancing Fines
Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each week, we digest the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietnam and beyo...
Planning Ministry Earmarks $2.6bn of Financial Aid for Workers Affected by Covid-19
Some major sectors of Vietnam’s economy have had to close to limit the spread of Covid-19, sending scores of workers into temporary unemployment. How will they be supported during this period of hards...
40,000 Non-Public School Staff in Hanoi Hit With Pay Cuts, Delays
The ongoing economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is hurting countless people.
Vietnam Ships Face Masks, Protective Suits to Help Europe, US Fight Coronavirus
In an impressive bit of medical gear diplomacy, Vietnam has sent domestically produced masks and protective suits to a number of countries.
Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnamese Firm Receives US$52m Order for Face Mask Exports
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...
Morning Stories Roundup: Solar Power, Face Masks and Covid-19 Recoveries
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...
