Weekend News Roundup: Second McDonald’s Vietnam Restaurant Complete
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- Published on 12 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Second McDonald’s Vietnam restaurant complete [VietNamNet]
Obama sends Vietnam nuclear deal to Congress [Times of India]
Vietnam’s southern province holds int’l kite festival [Tuoi Tre]
Old Pictures of Saigon's Canals
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Canals used to serve as the Saigon's main commercial highway, connecting the city to the Saigon river and in turn the web of rivers that traverse Vietnam.
Sustainable Home Design for Vietnam's Low-Income Earners
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

It’s all about the green. Earlier this week we looked at a sustainability-focused kindergarten by Vo Trong Nghia Architects. While that project seeks to educate Vietnam’s youth, in the same compound, the firm built prototypes of low-cost housing for residents in the Mekong Delta.
Brew Nation: Vietnamese Consume 3bln Liters of Beer Each Year
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

While some raised doubts about a WTO report that found Vietnamese women outdrink Russian (and Vietnamese) men, there’s no question that Vietnam is a country that loves its beer. So much so in fact, that domestic production cannot keep up with demand, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Street Cred: Vo Thi Sau
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Vinh.

Life, like the streets and alleys of Saigon, certainly has its fair share of twists and turns. One moment, you’re comfortably cruising down one direction, and suddenly, you encounter a detour. You try your best to navigate down an unknown path, guessing, turning—hoping—to get back on track.
Vietnam's Fading Black Smile
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.

Contrasting black and white is not a modern aesthetic. For a long time, it was a standard of grace for Vietnamese women for whom traditional beauty was judged by “white skin, black teeth.”
Made in Vietnam: Electric Chopper Bicycles
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Looking to step up your bicycle game? Two mechanics in Nam Dinh Province have made their own electric chopper bicycle and the final product could only be described as baller.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnamese Tycoons Lost Over $85 million Yesterday Morning
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- Published on 09 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Japanese expert to manage Vietnam national football team [Nhan Dan]
Vietnam launches ‘golden spoon’ contest to promote tourism via cuisine [Tuoi Tre]
World Bank approves $106mn credit for Vietnam’s health sector [Tuoi Tre]
39 New Caves Discovered in Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

After discovering Son Doong, the world’s largest known cave in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park 5 years ago, a team of researchers has been scouring the area, measuring, charting and photographing 39 new caverns.
Vietnamese Stocks See Biggest Drop in 13 Years as East Sea Dispute Intensifies
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

By now, you’re probably aware that Vietnam and China are locking horns over a Chinese oil rig which Hanoi says constitutes a gross intrusion into the Vietnam’s territorial waters. As tensions heat up with reports of force being used against Vietnamese ships, today, the Vietnam index saw its largest 1 day drop in 13 years, reports Reuters.
Saigon Urban Legends: The Ghost of the Fine Arts Museum
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.

The Ho Chi Minh Fine Arts Museum, an ornate, colonial-era building at 97 Pho Duc Chinh, District 1 stands elegantly and quietly in the less-traveled area of District 1. Beyond housing some of the country’s best examples of woodcut paintings and Cham kingdom relics, the building seems to be cloaked in mystery, originating with its 1920s owner.
[Video] Stressed? Why Not Try Some Laughing Yoga?
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

There’s a famous phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine.” A group of Hanoians are putting this to the test and mixing it with another highly-touted health booster – yoga.
Vietnam Set to Overtake China as World’s Counterfeit Goods Capital
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Due to rising labor costs in China, many counterfeit goods manufacturers are moving their operations to Vietnam. As the country becomes increasingly intertwined with the global economy via free trade agreements, authorities are hoping to stave off the trend, but so far have had little success.
Morning News Roundup: Toyota to Recall 43,000 Cars in Vietnam
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- Published on 08 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Toyota to recall 43,000 cars in Vietnam [SGGP]
39 new caves found in Vietnam’s Phong Nha-Ke Bang Park [Thanh Nien]
Cluster bomb kills farmer in central Vietnam [Thanh Nien]
Teaser: Meet the Nguyễn's - Part 2
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

After moving to Vietnam, Richie Humphrey, in an attempt to improve his Vietnamese, started a video blog where he posted short, comedic videos. Last year, the Los Angeles, California native released a video called Meet the Nguyễn's, a play on the American film, Meet the Fockers.
Vietnamese Tourists Furious About Thai Customs Procedures
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

At the border gate between Cambodia and Thailand, Vietnamese nationals are required to take photos holding at least $700 in cash. Many Vietnamese said that the procedure made them feel like criminals.
Book Box Vietnam: Encouraging People to Spread and Share the Written Word
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Dang Bui.

Inspired by the Little Free Library project, a group of young Saigon residents has launched a book exchange project called Book Box – placing little boxes of free books in public places.
Green Roofed Kindergarten in Dong Nai Teaches Children How to Save the World
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Vietnam’s rock star Vo Trong Nghia Architects took a break from designing award-winning homes to build something infinitely more special - a large kindergarden which allows children to understand the importance of sustainable farming, design and how to nurture a healthy relationship with the natural world.
Vietnam Tourism Booming in 2014
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Brian Letwin

Even though the country has received criticism for some of its tourism policies, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam welcomed 745,980 international travelers in April, a 21.51% increase over the same month last year.
Morning News Roundup: Vietnam, US Sign Nuclear Agreement
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- Published on 07 May 2014
- Written by Saigoneer.

Vietnam suffers sharp drop in Mothers’ Index [VoV]
Vietnam highlanders have new bridge to stop crossing stream in bags [Thanh Nien]
Vietnam's Remote Sensing Satellite Programme Reviewed After Successful Year [Bernama]