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 Vietnam

From 2021, Vietnam Will Increase Workers’ Retirement Age

The current retirement age for female and male workers is 55 and 60, respectively.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Asian Kids Fashion Week Opens in HCMC on Weekend

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 Stories

Morning Stories Roundup: Visa Exemptions Set to Expire for Seven Major Tourism Markets

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

Tremors Felt in Hanoi After Magnitude 6.1 Earthquake Hits Laos, Thailand

Hanoians experienced a rare shock this morning after an earthquake in Laos and Thailand was felt by some in the capital.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Cautious in Setting Export Growth Target in 2020

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 Hanoi

New Wastewater Discharge Fee Proposed for Hanoi Residents

If approved, the fee will be implemented in 12 of the capital's 27 districts.

in Asia

Serious Drought Expected to Hit Lower Mekong Countries Through Early 2020

The next few months could be rough for regional agriculture. 

in Saigon

Research Reveals High Rates of Drunk Driving, Low Seat Belt Use in Saigon

High rates of intoxicated driving, improperly worn helmets and not using seat belts are amongst the worrying results of a recently released survey of Saigon drivers. 

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam's Draw Against Thailand is Half Success, Says Coach

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-Thailand Match, Blood Shortage and UK Truck Tragedy

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 Asia

Inside Thailand's Ambitious High-Speed Train Project Linking Bangkok Airports, Pattaya

Thailand is currently planning and building a number of high-speed railway projects connecting cities both within and outside the country. 

in Vietnam

Vietnam Among Top 20 Countries With Highest Salary Growth: Survey

The survey was conducted by ECA International, a London-based company that sells marketing information.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: HCMC Takes Steps to Ensure Supply of Essential Goods for Tet

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: Vietnam to Tackle Spam Texts, Calls, Emails with New Draft Decree

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 Saigon

[Photos] Saigon Unveils Design of Nguyen Hue Flower Street for Year of the Mouse

Lo and behold.

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: Investment in HCMC Bus System Remains Ineffective

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

Weekend Stories Roundup: Staff Leave First Hanoi Metro Line in Droves

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 Vietnam

Flights From Southern Vietnam, China Expected at Officially Approved Sapa Airport

It will be Vietnam's 23rd airport and based in a region already struggling with overtourism.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Beats UAE 1-0 in World Cup Qualifier

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 Advised to Cut Tax Incentives for Long-Term 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 Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...