Paul Christiansen in Travel
The Curious Case of Quy Hoà Leprosy Colony's Park of Busts
A delightfully bizarre place, Quy Nhơn’s Quy Hoà leprosy colony deserves exploration in full, but clustered in a grove of trees on its outskirts in Nhân Ái Park stands a particularly peculiar assembla...
For Trans Vietnamese, Healthcare Providers Are Respectful, but Red Tape Still Hurts
Vietnam has been increasingly progressive in protecting and promoting LGBT rights. In November 2015, Vietnam made a big milestone when it granted individuals who have changed their gender the right to...
Strategies for Navigating Vietnam's Foreign Work Permit Process
The greatest source of stress for foreigners living in Vietnam is often obtaining a work permit. Complicated and frequently changing regulations coupled with long wait times and burdensome paperwork m...
'Đêm Tối Rực Rỡ!' Wins Best Feature Film at 2021 Golden Kite Awards
In addition to Best Feature Film, Đêm Tối Rực Rỡ! (The Brilliant Darkness!) earned Lý Nguyễn Nhã Uyên a win for Best Leading Actress and Best Screenplay for the drama co-written and directed...
Health Ministry Stresses 'LGBT Is Not a Disease' in Response to Rise in 'Gay Cure' Clinics
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health recently issued an official dispatch stressing that homosexuality is not a disease.
Once Derided, 'Lục Xì' Is a Trail-Blazing Lesson in Nuanced Sympathy
Lục Xì is a reportage written by Vũ Trọng Phụng in the first volume of Tương Lai newspaper in 1937. In the series, Phụng describes his experiences visiting the dispensary (nhà lục xì) where prostitute...
The Collector Preserving Decades of Saigon History, From Vintage Brands to Pandemic Memories
"A Việt Kiều customer living in France paid me a visit. She looked at my sofa and started tearing up because its design was so similar to one she had in her childhood home. She said she missed home an...
Due to Bidding Red Tape, Pasteur Institute HCMC Runs Out of Vaccines
Saigoneers wishing to inoculate themselves or their children have recently been turned away at the Pasteur Institute in HCMC as the institute struggles to secure its vaccine supplies.
World Economic Forum Names Vietnam Health Startup Among Promising Tech Companies
Selected because of its contributions to digital health care, Docosan was one of 100 companies globally to receive the distinction.
Paul Christiansen in Film & TV
Review: In 'Đêm Tối Rực Rỡ!,' Watch a Fraught Family Disintegrate During a Funeral
If a family is like a broken leg, does healing it require a more painful break? Đêm Tối Rực Rỡ! (The Brilliant Darkness!) grapples with this question by thrusting characters into a situation that expo...
Beauty Behemoth Sephora Enters Vietnamese Market With Digital Store
Sephora, the wide-reaching consumer goods retailer, has launched an e-commerce portal for Vietnamese customers, but has revealed no plans for physical stores in Vietnam.
Hanoi Opens First Milk Bank at National Children's Hospital
The milk bank will provide pasteurized milk for more than 1,000 babies at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital in Hanoi to reduce the risk of late neonatal infection amongst infants unable to...
Paul Christiansen in Natural Selection
Kiến Ba Khoang: A Harbinger of Dread and Divine Punishment
People’s skin erupted with horrific boils that burst open, spilling stinging pus across vicious rashes. According to the Christian Bible, along with water turning to blood, frogs, lice, gnats, disease...
Health Ministry Proposes International Entry Without Vaccination Proof
Vietnam is expected to resume international tourism tomorrow.
[Photos] Inside a Vaccination Point in Vietnam Nearly 100 Years Ago
A century ago, the colonial government was active in inoculating Vietnamese citizens against a variety of diseases.
From Silicone and Clay, a Hanoi Duo Craft Intricate Cosmetic Prostheses
“The products we make are fake arms, legs, noses, ears…from silicone. The value we create is emotional healing, giving our customers confidence in themselves and their lives — the things they lack aft...
For VBA Player Nguyễn Phú Hoàng, Family and Health Are What Matters Most
For fans of Vietnam's basketball league, the name Nguyễn Phú Hoàng is most likely a familiar one. The Hanoi-born-and-raised point guard was well-known in the local streetball community long before the...
Youth Mental Health Advocacy Calls On Young Adults to Open Up About Their Mental Struggles Through New Music Video
In collaboration with free tele-counseling service Ngày Mai Hotline, a group of organizers has created an audio-visual project called 'Mental Sound' to promote their message. Using youth-targeted lang...
Online Study, School Fees Most Affect Student Mental Health During Pandemic, Study Says
It has been a disruptive two years for Vietnamese students due to lockdown regulations, so it’s unsurprising that many are struggling with their mental well-being.
Into the Storm: Saigon's Outbreak Through the Eyes of a Frontline Volunteer
“The best way to overcome fear is to face it,” 33-year-old Hương Nguyễn thought when she decided to volunteer as a frontline worker during Saigon’s most deadly weeks of the pandemic.
As Cases Drop, Saigon Announces Roadmap to Phase out Covid-19 Field Hospitals
Hospital beds were once a scarcity that became filled as soon as they were set up, but the number of cases in southern COVID-19 hot spots has plummeted to the point that many field hospitals are no lo...
Hung Vuong Hospital Opens Care Center for Babies Born to Mothers With Covid-19
As the coronavirus makes its way across Saigon and Vietnam, maternity care has become a particularly serious issue as more and more pregnant residents are getting infected.
What We Know So Far About Vietnam's Domestic Covid-19 Vaccines
Aside from buying COVID-19 vaccines from elsewhere in the world, Vietnam is also trying to create its own version, with the hope of reaching herd immunity as soon as possible.
Air Pollution is Robbing Hanoians of Roughly 80,000 Years of Life
Due to PM2.5 exposure, Hanoi has suffered 2,855 premature deaths, accumulating to 79,933 years of life lost.
How One Group Is Working to Keep Children Mentally Stimulated During Lockdown
During Vietnam’s first COVID-19 wave, the charity organization Saigon Children worked to make sure vulnerable households had access to necessities like food, medicine and drinking water.
Linh Pham in Tech
Say Hello to Sumi, the AI Friend of Vietnam's Gen Z
Sumi, a yellow chick wearing a pilot’s helmet, looks like it belongs on Cartoon Network. However, this character resides on apps like Messenger, Skype and Zalo, and has millions of conversations every...
FV Hospital Seeks Approval to Collect Fees for Vaccination Services
FV Hospital is seeking permission to both ramp up its vaccination facilities, and begin charging for vaccination services.
Hanoi Launches Citywide Vaccination Campaign, Aiming to Reach 200,000 Shots Daily
Recently, the Hanoi People's Committee announced a plan to execute the largest vaccination campaign the city has ever seen. The goal is to get about 70% of the city population vaccinated against COVID...
Vietnamese Scientists Are Developing an AI to Detect Covid-19 via Cough Sounds
Vietnamese engineers are encouraging the community to submit 5,000 different cough recordings. This will be used as data for building AI software — AICOVIDVN — that can detect COVID-19 ...
Amid Tourism Slump, Saigon's Hotels Provide Free Stays, Meals to Frontline Workers
Amid Saigon’s most devastating outbreak of COVID-19, the city’s various economic sectors have pivoted to supporting frontline workers in their enduring efforts against the epidemic.
Street Art: Hanoi Runner Creates Drawings From Routes on Strava
Who said excercise can't be fun or artsy?
In the Pandemic, Hanoi's Newfound Cycling Love Sends Bike Sales Zooming
Thanks to COVID-19, gyms, yoga studios, and parks have closed, but the need for physical exercise remains.
Vietnam's Childhood Obesity Rate Doubles Over 10 Years, Data Shows
Are Vietnamese children spending less time on active recreations and more at home?
The Average Height of Vietnamese Children Increased, but So Did Obesity Rates
Vietnam's children are getting taller, but also wider.
Historic Gate of Saigon Children's Hospital Destroyed by Car Collision
The Children’s Hospital 2 is one of Saigon’s oldest medical facilities, dating back to the 19th century.
Dầu Gió, a Poignant Link Between My Family Legacy and Traditional Medicine
This is an excerpt from Chapter 2 of the book Pills, Teas, and Songs: Stories of Medicine Around the World by Debby Nguyen, republished with permission. Debby's family of pharmacists and doc...
Vietnam Begins Covid-19 Vaccinations With Hospital Staff in Hanoi, Saigon, Hai Duong
Less than two weeks after the first batch of vaccine doses landed, Vietnam officially began its national vaccination campaign against COVID-19.
2nd Made-in-Vietnam Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate Enters Human Trials
A second COVID-19 candidate vaccine has officially entered the human trial phase.
The Average Vietnamese Got 3cm Taller Over the Past Decade, Study Shows
Our mothers would be overjoyed to hear this.
Vietnam Detects First Case of New Covid-19 Variant Discovered in UK
The individual in question was quarantined upon arrival, posing no threat to the community.
Vietnam's Covid-19 Vaccine Not Ready for Mass Distribution Until 2022
As they say, patience is a virtue.
Vietnam Confirms 1st Community Covid-19 Case After 88 Days in Saigon
After going 88 days without any detected community transmission of COVID-19, last night the Ministry of Health announced a new case in Saigon.
Michael Tatarski in Health
How a Simple Toilet Improved the Life of a Small Ben Tre Family
Do you ever pause for a second when using the toilet?
5.3m Vietnamese Citizens Are Prediabetic, Expert Says
About 5.3 million Vietnamese, or 8.6% of the entire population, have prediabetes.
First Covid-19 Vaccine Candidate in Vietnam Moves to Human Trials
Sixty Vietnamese have volunteered to participate in the first human trial of the vaccine to begin this month.
Vietnam Ranked 2nd in ASEAN in Efforts to Reduce Inequality: Report
Only Thailand rated higher than Vietnam in the region.
Saigon to Open New 1,000-Bed Oncology Hospital With Helipad Next Month
After years of delay, the second campus of the Ho Chi Minh City Oncology Hospital will finally open its doors to patients next month.
US to Open Southeast Asia CDC Office in Hanoi
The office will allow the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to have an increased presence in monitoring, aiding responses to, and learning from health issues, including COVID-19...
Saigon Creator of Rice 'ATM' Introduces Machine for Free Face Masks
The worst of times bring out the best in some people.
Vietnam in Negotiations to Resume Flights With Japan, South Korea, China
The news comes amid ongoing speculation regarding the resumption of inbound commercial international flights.
Karaoke Chain Nnice Submits Plea for Permission to Reopen, Citing Financial Woes
Karaoke parlors nationwide have remained closed since March 15.
Covid-19 Update: British Pilot Shows Remarkable Lung Recovery; Case 19 Discharged
It appears the country's COVID-19 death toll will remain at zero.
Vietnam's 2 Most Serious Covid-19 Patients See Conditions Improve
One is now able to walk on her own, while the other has awoken from a coma and can perform basic communication.
Drug-Resistant Bacteria Flourish in Southeast Asia's Antibiotic-Filled Sewage
The fetid vapors of a sewer canal may be unpleasant, but what lurks beneath the surface can be a killer.
Bars, Cinemas, Sports Get Green Light, Karaoke and Clubs Remain Closed
Vietnam residents can now knock back a few cold ones at their local watering hole, but they'll have to leave their karaoke dreams at home.
Vietnam Confirms 17 New Coronavirus Cases From UAE, All Quarantined on Arrival
The patients are Vietnamese nationals who returned on a repatriation flight from the United Arab Emirates last Sunday.
Vietnam Wants You to Get Married Before 30, Bear 2 Children
In a move that will surely put a smile on the face of Vietnamese moms everywhere, the government recently announced an initiative to encourage local couples to tie the knot and start popping out child...
Michael Tatarski in Food Culture
One's Expired Craft Beer Is Another's Hand Sanitizer Ingredient
Amid the relentless pace of upsetting news related to the coronavirus pandemic, bright spots of ingenuity and compassion have shone through.
It's Official: Saigon Public Schools to Reopen Starting From Next Week
Masks have played a prominent role in Vietnam's fight against the spread of COVID-19, and will continue to do so moving into the new normal.
The Week in Focus: Social Distancing Regulations Eased Off
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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.
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.
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.
As Vietnam's Streets Turn Empty During Pandemic, Traffic Violations Surge
Despite the nation's positive results in containing Covid-19, a grim byproduct of Vietnam’s stay-at-home orders and social distancing campaigns was identified earlier this week.
Vietnam Only Records 4 New Covid-19 Cases Over the Weekend
The nation's tally for Covid-19 cases hit 241 on Sunday night, but Monday arrived without any new patients testing positive since the previous evening.
Labor Ministry Proposes $843m Bailout Package for Businesses Affected by Covid-19
According to the proposal, workers and businesses are able to borrow money from the government to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on employee livelihood and small business operation.
3 Covid-19 Patients in Da Nang Discharged; Dozens More Test Negative
There are 136 Covid-19 patients currently being treated in medical facilities in Vietnam.
Citizens, Especially Those Over 60, Should Stay Home, Health Ministry Warns
As Covid-19 cases in Vietnam continue to climb over 100, the health ministry has warned people from going out.
Coronavirus Update: 121 Confirmed Cases, Including 3 Medical Staff; 3 More Recoveries
Over the weekend, Vietnam's Covid-19 case total surged past 100, while foreigners were banned from entering the country.
Coronavirus Update: 76 Cases in Total, More Flight Routes Halted
In just four days, the number of Covid-19 cases in Vietnam has increased by 19 — from 57 cases on March 16 to 76 cases on March 18.
Coronavirus Update: 57 Cases, Compulsory Masks and Saigon's Nightlife Closures
Despite tightening restrictions on movement and air travel, Vietnam’s number of Covid-19 cases jumped from 39 last Thursday to 57 by the end of Sunday.
Vietnam Will Pay for Tests, Treatment, Quarantine of Coronavirus Patients
Free treatment will be offered for all Covid-19 patients in Vietnam.
He Was Ordered to Be Quarantined. He Sent His Employee Instead.
LTH, the chairman of a wind power company, was on Vietnam Airlines flight 1547 from Hanoi to Hue on March 6, along with two subsequently confirmed Covid-19 patients.
Saigon Extends School Shutdown by 1 Week for Grade 12, 2 Weeks for Others
Saigon authorities recently announced that students in public schools in the city will continue to stay at home for the first weeks of March.
[Photos] Life in the Time of the Masks and Coronavirus
These are strange times we're all living in.
The Moments of Goodwill and Whimsy in Vietnam's Fight Against Coronavirus
In the 2011 medical thriller Contagion, directed by Steven Soderbergh, after an unknown disease strikes the US and then most of the planet, viewers witness a rapidly unraveling world where social deca...
