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.

in Saigon

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?

Back Stories

in Saigon

HCMC to Submit Proposal to Keep More Yearly Income for Internal Use

Currently, Saigon is allowed to keep 18% of its yearly revenue. The rest of the money goes to the state budget managed by the Central Committee.

in Vietnam

Michelle Obama Visits High School in Long An While Barack Meets Saigon Officials

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was joined by celebrity actress Julia Roberts to promote women's education; while former President Obama met with Saigon officials. 

in Saigon

Vietnam's First Uniqlo, Southeast Asia's 2nd-Largest, Opens in Saigon

After years of anticipation, fashion fans in Vietnam were finally able to set foot in the country’s Uniqlo flagship outlet.

in Hanoi

WiFi to Be Installed at Bus Stops Throughout Hanoi

Perfect for reading Saigoneer while waiting for your bus.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Conference Adopts Hanoi Call for Action on Early Childhood Development

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: Miss Universe Vietnam, To Lich River Cleanup and HCMC Fire

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...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Through to SEA Games Semi Finals, Quang Hai Likely Out Due to Injury

Following a 2-2 draw with Thailand in the SEA Games, Vietnam is through to the semi-finals, but their remaining fixtures will be tougher without captain and star midfielder Quang Hai. 

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Defeat Hosts Philippines to Set Up SEA Games Women’s Football Final With Thailand

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Trung Nguyen Divorce, SEA Games and Dioxin Cleanup

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...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: International Conference on Gender Opens in Hanoi

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Hoi An to Build $46m Anti-Erosion Embankment

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...

in Vietnam

Vingroup, Masan Group Units Merge to Create Retail Giant

The deal will establish Vietnam's largest retail chain.

in Asia

New Myanmar-Thailand Bridge Brings ASEAN Closer to Trans-Regional Corridor

The transnational highway will pass through Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, invigorating regional trade and potentially curtailing economic dependence on China.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Saigon River Threatened by Plastic Waste

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...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: U22 Football Team Beats Singapore in Closing Minutes. Việt Nam Vô Địch!

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Hanoi

Hanoi Again Considers Banning 3-Wheel Rickshaws, Xích Lô

How will sunburned tourists get around?

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Daisy Fields Draw Crowds in Hanoi as Flowers Blossom in Chilly Weather

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Wins 15 Golds at Maths-Science Competition

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...

in Vietnam

Almost 3,500 Vietnamese Trafficked Since 2013, Government Says

The statistics come in the wake of 39 Vietnamese nationals being found dead in a container truck in southeast England.

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: Vietnam Athletes Take Seven Golds on Day One of SEA Games

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...