[Photos] Saigoneer Getaways: Boracay and Tourism Done Right
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- Published on 08 December 2015
- Written by Brian Letwin. Photos by Brian Letwin.

With picture-perfect beaches, well-organized tourism activities and customer service a cut above its Southeast Asian neighbors, could the Philippines' Boracay be a glimpse into the future of Vietnam's beach destinations?
Saigon's Rifle-Wielding Urban Hunters Are Killing Off the City's Wildlife
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- Published on 08 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

The Ho Chi Minh City Forest Ranging Department is struggling with an unusual issue these days. According to the exasperated forestry arm of Saigon's municipal government, local residents are visiting the city's suburban districts to hunt small animals with high-powered air rifles.
[Images] Construction Starts on Thu Thiem's Fancy New Exhibition Center
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- Published on 07 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Lee Starnes.

If you've taken a drive along the Saigon River lately, you may have noticed some construction on the other side of the water in District 2's Thu Thiem.
Graphic Designer Recreates Saigon's Colorful Concrete Tiles in New Book
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- Published on 07 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

When Giang Nguyen decided to hunt for old typography around Saigon, what began as a personal research project soon grew into an obsession with the city's old-school design.
Saigon’s Famous Streets and Squares: Ham Nghi Boulevard, Part 1
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- Published on 07 December 2015
- Written by Tim Doling.

Once a downtown canal, a breeding ground for crocodiles and the heart of Saigon’s own Chinatown, Hàm Nghi is one of the city’s three widest boulevards.
Maserati Launches in Vietnam
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- Published on 07 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Last Thursday, Italian car maker Maserati arrived in Vietnam with its three signature vehicles: the Quattroporte limousine, the Gran Turismo sports car and the Ghibli sport sedan.
Weekend News Roundup: Tale of Kieu Sets World Record
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- Published on 07 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Triet Thai.

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Mortgages Replace Sacks of Cash in Vietnam as Buyers Seek Loans [Bloomberg]
Vietnam sees 2015 robust growth, maps development by 2020 [Nikkei]
20 Images of Hanoi's Old Quarter in 1896
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- Published on 04 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Even as Hanoi charges into the future with flashy new skyscrapers and brand-new metro lines, the capital manages to hang on to its traditions. Particularly in busy downtown neighborhoods like the Old Quarter, locals have taken a leap into the 21st century and yet old-school storefronts, ancient monuments and bamboo-toting street vendors still remain.
[Photos] 13 Pictures of Vietnamese Locks in the Wild
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- Published on 04 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

When parking your bike for five minutes or simmering your broth for five hours, it’s hard to take stranger’s goodwill for granted. These photos show how some Vietnamese take the necessary steps for protecting belonging deemed worthy of a padlock.
Nobody Likes Tan Son Nhat, Including the Civil Aviation Authority
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- Published on 04 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport has struggled with its image for a while now. Thanks to a host of problems, from passenger overcrowding to flooding issues to regular airport vehicle collisions, the southern hub is not a fun place to fly by most accounts.
Phu Quoc Is Getting a Safari Just in Time for Christmas
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- Published on 04 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Ahead of its December 24 opening, Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc is transporting over 200 animals from different continents to its facility, whose first phase is expected to cover 380 hectares on the island.
Future Saigon: Binh Thanh May Get Another Massive Skyscaper With Sky Tower
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- Published on 04 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Feast your eyes upon this massive skyscraper, dubbed Tan Tao Sky Tower (or not...more on that later), that may soon go up near the intersection of Nguyen Huu Canh and Dien Bien Phu Streets in Binh Thanh District.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Promises to Ease Visa Policy for Australian, US Citizens
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- Published on 04 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Lee Starnes.

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Ho Chi Minh City targets reduced traffic jams, flooding next year [Tuoi Tre]
Vietnam promises change after asked to ease visa policy for Australian, US citizens [Thanh Nien]
[Photos] The Ultimate Guide to Chinese Dumplings
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- Published on 03 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

From savory bowls of sủi cảo and steaming hoành thánh to the delightfully chewy há cảo dispensed by street vendors, Vietnamese have borrowed both the terminology and flavors from a wide array of Chinese dumplings.
[Video] Cop Hugs Suspect’s Leg to Prevent Escape
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- Published on 03 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Given the disrespect that some Vietnamese cops have experienced in the past, it makes sense that police refine their tactics, especially in the face of drunk and stubborn drivers.
Japanese Firm Successfully Tests 5G Network
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- Published on 03 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Japan always seems to get the best stuff first – the cure for Agent Orange, rice paddy art, train cars where you can sleep off a night of sake (or cat wine) drinking and now, 5G internet.
Epic Drone Video Takes You From Saigon to Hanoi
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- Published on 03 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from drone video maker Troy Nguyen, and for good reason. The Youtuber has spend the last few months traveling the length of Vietnam to produce this 1 hour video that lets viewers “Witness the amazeballs landscapes and sickass terrain of this magnificent land from a fresh perspective” in vivid 4k.
Saigon Needs Another $50m+ to Revive Historic Canal
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- Published on 03 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer.

Saigon has been working hard to revive the Hang Bang Canal with the project currently entering its third and final phase. But, like many other large-scale public infrastructure projects in the city, additional funds have been requested to clear residents from the site.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Hopes to Eliminate HIV/AIDS in 2020
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- Published on 03 December 2015
- Written by Saigoneer. Photo by Lee Starnes.

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Ho Chi Minh City needs interconnected public transport system: Swedish official [Tuoi Tre]
Famed DJ Tiesto set to perform in Ho Chi Minh City next week [Thanh Nien]
EU, Vietnam sign free trade deal [Channel News Asia]
December Movies at Saigon's Alternative Film Venues
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- Published on 02 December 2015
- Written by Zelda Rudzitsky.

The awards season has officially started and for once, we welcome the razzle-dazzle that will come in the next three months, after a very dull summer, which was rescued only by independent cinema. The nominations for the Spirit Award, British Independent Awards and the European Awards are out and this week, Gotham handed out its own prizes. In December, Saigon’s alternative film venues will screen many films that are or will be part of the awards season frenzy, which will conclude with the Oscars at the end of February.