Japan to Make 2020 Olympics Medals From Recycled Phones
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- Published on 06 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer. Illustration by Anh H.

When athletes stand atop their podiums at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games, their sparkling gold, silver and bronze medals will all share a special ingredient – recycled mobile phones.
[Photos] Saigon Xua: A Touch of Hat Tuong in the Land of Cinemas
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- Published on 06 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

There’s no doubt that Vietnamese in the past were avid patrons of the arts.
Weekend News Roundup: Vietnam Welcomes First E-Visa Visitor
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- Published on 06 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Brandon Coleman.

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- Vietnam welcomes first e-visa visitor [Tuoi Tre]
[Photos] Lam Dong’s Japanese-Inspired Temple Trashed by Tet Visitors
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- Published on 05 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

One of Vietnam’s most remote temples has fallen victim to severe vandalism by thoughtless tourists.
Vietnam to Become Cashless Society by 2020
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- Published on 05 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue recently greenlit an ambitious policy that encourages Vietnamese to drop cash in favor of electronic payment methods.
Prickly History: The Fruit That Tastes Like Heaven and Smells Like Hell
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- Published on 04 February 2017
- Written by Khoi Pham.

Despite its regal title — “the king of fruit” — durian’s taste and distinctive smell have long been a divisive topic among foodies the world over. Originally from the island of Borneo, through time, durian has gradually made most of Southeast Asia its home, from the streets of Thailand to family plantations in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Each of the region’s countries has its own tale, rooted in deep local folklore and history, of how the prickly fruit came to be. In Vietnam’s rendition, durian has a surprisingly romantic beginning as proof of a love that stood the test of time.
[Photos/Video] This Vietnamese Artist Makes Delicate Artwork From Dandelions
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- Published on 04 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Botanical artist Duy Anh Nhan Duc picked a rare medium to express his emotions while honoring for the plant kingdom: dandelions.
Saigoneer's Weekend Event Picks
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- Published on 03 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out our favorite events happening around Saigon.
[Photos] Verdant Waterfalls Grace Facade of Vo Trong Nghia Hoi An Hotel
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- Published on 03 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Located in Hoi An’s Old Town, the Atlas Hotel Hoian is the latest hospitality project from Vietnam’s notable firm Vo Trong Nghia Architects.
Taiwan Ranks 1st, Vietnam Moves Up 4 Spots in Expat Quality of Life Survey
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- Published on 03 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

It’s no secret that Saigoneer has been crushing on Taiwan for quite a while, from its futuristic tech parks to sprawling fish markets. Our love for the island nation was affirmed by a recent survey that ranked the country first place for quality of life.
[Photos] A Rare Sight of Saigon's Serene Side
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- Published on 02 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Loving Saigon is not difficult: the city is home to some of the country’s most amazing people, culinary creations and rich history. However, because the southern metropolis is such a welcoming place, it’s getting more and more crowded. Therefore, it’s extremely rare to see empty Saigon streets during the day, a phenomenom which was been perfectly captured in photographer Minh Hoa’s Tet photo album.
Year of the Rooster Roundup: Drinking Up, Crime Down During Tet
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- Published on 02 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Apart from a slew of meaningful traditions such as hosting reunions and visiting family graves, Lunar New Year is also an occasion for ugly habits to resurface, such as drunk-driving, fighting and looting.
[Photos] From Fishing Village to Metropolis: Tracking the Evolution of Tokyo
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- Published on 02 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

The following images – dating from 12th century to the 1950s – show the evolution of Tokyo, which means Eastern Capital, from a provincial center to major city, particularly following Emperor Meiji’s formal establishment of the city in 1869.
Vietnam Launches Electronic Visa Program for 40 Nationalities
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- Published on 02 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Starting this February, citizens from select countries will be able to apply for their Vietnam visas via an online portal.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam’s Notorious Internet Cable AAG Finally Back Up to Full Speed
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- Published on 02 February 2017
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Lee Starnes.

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Syrian Refugees in Thailand: A Life in Limbo
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- Published on 25 January 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

Instead of heading westward towards Europe – and risk drowning in the Mediterranean during the arduous journey, a slew of Syrian refugees decided to try their luck in Southeast Asia instead. However, for most of them, they escaped death just to step into a life of constant fear and hardship.
[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Outdoor Adventures Abound on Cat Ba Island
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- Published on 25 January 2017
- Written by Michael Tatarski. Photos by Michael Tatarski.

Our smooth ride down the Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway comes to an abrupt end when our bus lurches into Dinh Vu Port, a hopelessly run-down facility beyond the huge factories of the city’s industrial park. A 20-minute express boat ride delivers travelers from the derelict port to Cat Ba Island on the southern edge of Ha Long Bay.
Hanoi Breaks Ground on New 6-Star Four Seasons Hotel
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- Published on 25 January 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

On January 7, Intimex Vietnam commenced the construction of the Four Seasons Hotel, a six-star accommodation overlooking Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake.
[Photos] A Slice of Traditional Tet in Hanoi Village
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- Published on 25 January 2017
- Written by Saigoneer.

To celebrate this year’s Tet, an online collective of history buffs recently held a New Year festival in suburban Hanoi, complete with a variety of traditional Tet rituals and delicacies.
Morning News Roundup: Hanoi to Display ‘Fireworks’ on Giant Screens for Lunar New Year
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- Published on 25 January 2017
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Lee Starnes.

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