Starbucks Confirms Plan To Open 3 Stores In Hanoi
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- Published on 22 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

After speculation began earlier this month about Starbucks opening their first shop in Hanoi, the company has confirmed plans for 3 locations in the capital.
Morning News Roundup: FPT Rejects Rumors Of Being Acquired By Apple
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- Published on 22 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Typhoon Rammasun toll 11 in Vietnam [Business Standard]
In Vietnam, homegrown mushrooms are gaining in popularity [Tuoi Tre]
Proposed ban on late liquor sale sparks controversy among expats in Vietnam [Tuoi Tre]
18 Stunning Photos Of Vietnam In 1989
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- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Lan Tran.

Vietnam’s economy began to open up in 1986 with the adoption of Đổi Mới, starting a meteoric rise in quality of life compared to the preceding years of rationing and an inefficient planning. While these reforms set the stage for huge growth in the 90s and 2000s, the late 80s were still a time of economic hardship.
3 Earthquakes Hit Son La, Aftershocks Felt In Hanoi
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- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

On Saturday night, 3 consecutive earthquakes shook Son La Province, with the most powerful reaching 4.3 on the Richter scale, reports Tuoi Tre.
Old Saigon Building Of The Week: The Second Chambre de Commerce Building
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- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Tim Doling.

Originally founded on 3 November 1867 in temporary accommodation in the compound of the Direction de l’Intérieur, the Chambre de commerce de Saïgon (Saigon Chamber of Commerce) moved into 11 place Rigault de Genouilly (now 11 Mê Linh) on 30 September 1868, where it remained for 60 years – click here for details of the First Chamber of Commerce building.
A Guide To Phu Quoc’s Beaches
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- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Phu Quoc, the popular tourist island and former prison, is set for some major changes between now and 2030. Though many feel that these plans will turn the island into another generic SE Asian resort spot, there’s still time to enjoy the island’s beaches while they’re relatively undeveloped. A recent post on Vietnam Coracle is dedicated to guiding you to some of the country’s best beaches, in order of his personal preference.
Ministry Proposes Ban On Alcohol Sales After 10pm
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- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed banning the sale of liquor and beer between 10pm and 6am in an effort to curb rising consumption rates, according to Tuoi Tre.
Infiniti Makes Vietnam Debut
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- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Yet another luxury brand has set up shop in Vietnam to take advantage if the population’s growing wealth, this time Japanese carmaker Infiniti.
Weekend News Roundup: Typhoon Hammers Northern Vietnam; Another Storm Brewing
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- Published on 21 July 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Chinese tourists abandon Vietnam after oil rig row [Global Post]
Vietnam's petrol prices remain high despite global dip [Thanh Nien]
Qantas, Vietnam Airlines give Jetstar Pacific $38m for its expansion [SMH]
Kiwi Bobby Chinn Named Vietnam Tourism Ambassador To EU
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- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Kiwi chef, Bobby Chinn, has been appointed Vietnam Tourism Ambassador to the EU for the term July 2014 to July 2017.
Lệ Hải: Saigon’s Gangster Queen
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- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.

Before 1975, Saigon’s underground was controlled by gangs and mob bosses. Yet all those criminal minds were vulnerable to the intoxicating smile of one woman, Lệ Hải, whose name fittingly translates to “ocean of tears.”
3 Vietnam Hotels Named “Best In Asia”
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- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

3 Vietnam hotels have made Travel + Leisure’s 2014 “World’s Best Awards,” according to DTI News.
[Photos] 2030 Phu Quoc Master Plan Approved
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- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Saigon isn’t the only place eying a 2030 makeover. The Phu Quoc People’s Committee has approved a master plan that hopes to make the island a center for tourism and commerce.
Morning News Roundup: Exhaust Fumes Take Toll On HCM City Air Quality
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- Published on 18 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Gaza violence does not affect Israel trade ties with Vietnam: envoy [Tuoi Tre]
Vietnam mulls setting up ‘super ministry’ to watch over state firms [Tuoi Tre]
[Updated] Typhoon Rammasun Making Its Way To Vietnam
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- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Vietnam may be getting its first major storm of the rainy season this weekend.
17 Photos Of Royal Life During The Nguyễn Dynasty
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- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Lan Tran.

It’s been more than two centuries since Gia Long unified Vietnam and became the first emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Lasting 143 years, Vietnam’s last dynasty ended in 1945 when Bảo Đại abdicated the throne.
[Photos] Red Tide Hits Mui Ne, Forcing Tourists To Swimming Pools
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- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

A seafoam composed of critter-destroying algae, also known as red tide has hit Mui Ne – Phan Thiet, making the beaches unsafe for swimming and relegating tourists to their swimming pools.
Tan Son Nhat Ordered To Reduce Food Prices
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- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Outside of Burger King and Popeye’s, most of the food sold at Tan Son Nhat Airport is provided by one of two companies Autogrill VFS or Song Viet, both of which think that their prices are fair. But the head of the Southern Airport Authority (SAA) disagrees and has ordered the vendors to reduce the prices of their food.
This Great Annotated Map Shows The Best Route Between Saigon And Hanoi
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- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Intimidated by the prospect of driving from Saigon to Hanoi? While this awesome annotated map from Vietnam Coracle won’t help you with the winding roads full of busses and trucks, it should at least act as a guide for when to schedule your pit stops.
Bill Clinton To Arrive In Vietnam Tomorrow
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- Published on 17 July 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Former US President Bill Clinton will visit Vietnam for the first time since 2000 on July 18 as part of his Asia-Pacific trip which also includes Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia.