Saigon Metro Line 1 Announces July Launch Date, Free Rides in Phase 1
Will 2024 be the auspicious year when our legs could finally step on the metro platform for the first time?
The Mekong Delta Loses Sand Too Fast Due to Extraction, It's Time for a Sand Budget.
Many people will be familiar with the dread when your income no longer covers your expenses; when you’ve exhausted your savings and are sinking ever deeper into debt. In the Mekong Delta, a similar do...
How Going Digital Could Help Vietnam's Farmers Take Their Produce to the Next Level
In this digital age, farming, especially in developing countries like Vietnam, has maintained a general perception of being an analog, hands-on practice.
Đắk Lắk Receives $2.2m in Financial Support to End Elephant Rides by 2026
To be distributed between now and the end of 2026, the VND55 billion (US$2.2 million) provided by the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF) will be used to help tourism centers in Đắk Lắk Province b...
The Curious Subculture of Vietnamese New Wave
You never know where a story idea is going to come from.
A Study of the Mekong Through Stories Told on the River
Much like humanity, great systems of the natural world rely on connectivity to thrive.
Mangroves: The Everyday Superheroes Protecting Vietnam Against Climate Change
When you think of ways to combat the inevitable ravages of climate change and sea level rise, what comes to mind?
'Madame Pirate,' Short Film Based on History's Greatest Pirate, Screens at SXSW
Do you know who the world's greatest pirate is?
Slugging It Out at Saigon’s Baseball Cage
For much of my adult life, in the months from February to October, my mood was dictated by the results of New York Mets games.
After Initial Success, Saigon's Public Bike Scheme to Expand to 4 More Districts, Hanoi
Pedal power!
Huế's Fantastic Herbs and Where to Find Them, Now in Book Form
Have you ever walked past a plant and wondered "Hey, I wonder what that could do?"
Cầy Vằn Bắc: Caught in the Crossfire of the Cà Phê Chồn Industry
While Saigoneer’s Natural Selection series has already covered a number of iconic species and types of animals, including the tiger, Asian elephant, dogs and cats, there’s a good chance most of the pe...
Vietnam Records Highest-Ever 47,000 New Covid-19 Cases on Sunday
Over the past few days, Vietnam has consistently reported new records in the total number of daily COVID-19 cases, signaling a possible upcoming wave of infections.
Scientists Confirmed 91 New Species in Vietnam in 2020, WWF Report Shows
A new report from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) highlights just how biodiverse the Greater Mekong region remains, even as major threats continue to impact flora and fauna populations.
Finding Fun and Revelation Aboard Saigon's Wayward Waterbus
Cement, clay, clapboard, spackle, rebar, piping, plaster smears, paint drips, pencil scrawlings: to witness the rise of a building, observe its innards, is to marvel at the pretense of an ego, for wha...
Public Bike Service Finally Launches in Saigon After Week of Delay
After an unexplained delay, Saigon's first public bike rental system launched today.
What to Do When You Discover That Your Mom Was a Superstar Singer in 1960s Saigon
In early 1960s Saigon, Phương Tâm was a star singer, performing every day in the city’s busy nightclubs and music venues.
Southern Vietnam to Experience More Cold Spells Until Christmas: Experts
If you’ve enjoyed Saigon’s “wintry” mornings this past week, there’s more to come.
Saigon Proposes 2 New Waterbus Routes Linking Districts 1, 7
Saigoneer's favorite form of transportation has just proposed adding two new routes linking District 7 and District 1.
Saigon Begins Vaccinating Students to Prepare for School Reopening
The city aims to administer Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to approximately 780,000 children aged 12 to 17.
How Social ChangeMakers Brings People Together to Create a Better Future
In this pandemic era, sometimes we need a little help connecting with other people.
Nocturnal Animals Music Livestream Series Unites Artists for Pandemic Relief
While bars and nightclubs remain closed, a special monthly livestream series starting tomorrow will give those of us in Vietnam the chance to experience nightlife without leaving the house.
Chó: The Four National Breeds of Vietnamese Doggos
It’s an inarguable fact that dogs are the purest of animals.
'Đùm Bọc' Uses Vietnamese Food to Raise Funds for Covid-19 Relief in Vietnam
Residents of New York City are in for a treat.
A Wildly Original Intermingling of Tales From Vietnam, Past and Present
In the Saigoneer office — which I haven't actually seen in person for months — a common concern is the prevalence of the war in literature about Vietnam. Even among younger writers, particul...
Meet the Vietnamese Creators of 'Centuries and Still,' a Short Decrying Anti-Asian Racism
How much history are you aware of?
How Local Brand Re.socks Spins Discarded Plastic Bottles Into Comfy Socks
How much thought do you put into socks?
Voọc Cát Bà: The Endangered Primate of Karst Land
Imagine being born one color, and growing up into a very differently hued adult.
Could Phong Nha Be One of Vietnam's Top Sustainable Travel Destinations?
A recent trip to Phong Nha — before this most recent COVID-19 wave — left me wondering whether I had just visited one of Vietnam’s more sustainable travel destinations. Of all the places I have been s...
Emerging From Complete Obscurity, Saigon Roller Derby Storms the Rink
It’s a Tuesday night in Binh Quoi, and a group is lacing up their skates at a skating rink next to a football pitch.
Hẻm Gems: The Pandemic Kept Her in Vietnam, so She Opened a Thai Eatery
One of the joys of Saigon's F&B scene recently has been the expansion of international cuisine beyond the city center.
Vietnam Ranks Near Bottom of New Sustainable Tourism Index
What are you doing to be a sustainable tourist?
Architecture College to Renovate Da Lat's Abandoned Franciscan Mission
Recently, the University of Architecture HCMC (UAHCMC) announced plans to renovate Da Lat’s abandoned Franciscan mission. Due to the popularity of the complex among locals and tourists, the building’s...
Binh Duong, a Surprising Oasis of Taiwanese Snacks and Chinese Dumplings
This is part 2 of our two-part series on Taiwanese and Chinese food in Binh Duong. Read part one here.
Vietnam's Plan to Plant 1 Billion Trees by 2025 Gains Clarity
Here's hoping for a greener future.
A Journey into Binh Duong's Deep Chinese & Taiwanese Flavors
Believe it or not, there is more to Binh Duong than just industrial parks producing your next Uniqlo T-shirt or pair of running shoes.
Tourism Ministry to Pursue World Heritage Status for Cat Ba
It would be Vietnam's ninth UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An Eye-Opening Mushroom Farm in Da Lat for Budding Mycologists
It could be argued that mushrooms are among nature's strangest creations.
Hẻm Gems: Cù Rú, an Old Saigon Bar That Took Root in Da Lat
Editor's note: Cù Rú Bar, the artists' solace, was born in Saigon by a tightknit group of friends and lovers, fueling creative souls with delectable homemade rượu cocktails, the group relocated to Da ...
Vietnam's Textile Industry Exported 1.37bn Face Masks in 2020
During a year when Vietnam’s textile industry was hurt by plummeting demand, local producers found a silver lining in face masks.
At Da Lat's Biological Museum, a Demented Homage to Vietnam's Vanishing Wildlife
Sometimes when traveling, you come across something so utterly odd that you simply don't know what to make of it.
Vietnam's Startup Scene Aims to Build on a Strong 2020
While 2020 will go down as one of the most grueling years in recent human history, there is positivity in Vietnam’s startup industry. In advance of the annual Saigon Startup Year-End Party on Jan...
Grindr Names Vietnam Among Countries With Highest Percentage of Bottoms
Inspired by the clamorous spectacle of Spotify Wrapped, the gay dating app Grindr has come up with their own version of a year-end assessment, with some interesting data.
Thailand Reopens for Tourists From 56 Countries, Albeit With Compulsory Quarantine
It is not confirmed yet whether Vietnam is part of the list of countries eligible for the scheme.
1.1m People Have Left the Mekong Delta in the Past Decade, Report Says
The impacts of climate change, hydroelectric plants, and a faltering economy have resulted in an exodus of people from the Mekong Delta.
Review: 'Monsoon' Peruses the Chasm Between Past and Contemporary Vietnam
Monsoon is Vietnam-shot film directed by Hong Khaou that was released earlier this year. It is spoken by Lee (David Tran) to Kit (Henry Golding) as they have tea on a Saigon sidewalk and referenc...
Japan Plans to Ban Sale of Gasoline Cars by Next Decade
By the mid-2030s, all new cars sold in Japan will need to be hybrid gasoline-electric or fully electric.
Vietnamese Insect Protein Startup Cricket One Gets 7-Figure Funding
That's a lot of crickets!
When Life Gives You Flavorful Vietnamese Cashews, Make Vegan Cheese
“Firstly, I had to find my calling, but in the end, it all came down to creating something and then seeing others enjoy it."
How a Simple Toilet Improved the Life of a Small Ben Tre Family
Do you ever pause for a second when using the toilet?
Hẻm Gems: Korean Comfort Food in Binh Thanh for Hungover Heads
One of the great joys of dining out is coming across the unexpected.
Dak Lak Will End Elephant Rides for Tourists, Official Says
Province officials cite safety concerns and animal welfare as reasons why the tourism activity should be stopped across all of Dak Lak.
Ngõ Nooks: Come for the Dim Sum, Stay for the Dim Sum
As the old saying goes, when in Hanoi, do as your colleagues do.
Vietnam's New Nature Reserve, Khe Nuoc Trong, Is a Sign of Hope for Biodiversity
In a move wildlife conservationists are hailing as a victory, Vietnam has established a new nature reserve encompassing critical habitat for numerous species, several of them threatened globally with ...
Saigoneer Getaways: In Pu Luong, a Verdant Dream Untouched by Development
There are many reasons to be grateful for living in Vietnam during the coronavirus pandemic.
Hẻm Gems: The Case of the Twin Bánh Mì Chảo Switcheroo
In the land of copycat businesses, it always pays to double-check that you're at the right one.
Get Tested or Face Criminal Charges, Saigon Warns 3,000 Da Nang Returnees
If any Saigon resident who visited Da Nang last month fails to complete a health declaration by the end of today, they could face criminal charges.
Saigon Will Fine Citizens for Not Wearing Masks in Public From Tomorrow
Wearing face masks in public in Saigon is not just a safety guideline anymore, as city officials have decided to once again start fining Saigoneers for flouting the rule.
8 Saigon Hotels Approved as Paid Quarantine Facilities for Foreign Experts
They include two five-star hotels, four four-star properties, and one-three star hotel.
Bring Your Own Containers, We're Going Grocery Shopping
Above a peaceful coffee shop on the quiet road of Nguyễn Khắc Nhu lies a small zero-waste refill shop trying to advocate change.
Hẻm Gems: Head to the Airport to Relieve Your Hankering for Thai Food
Insert cliché about this strange year here.
Hẻm Gems: R House, a Haven for Rescued Dogs, Healthy Eats, and Adoption Opportunities
For dogs, dog owners and general fans of man's best friend, living in Saigon can be tough.
'Da 5 Bloods' Review: A Vital Message Lost in a Deeply Flawed Film
This article contains major spoilers for Da 5 Bloods.
Japan Might Reopen for Vietnamese Visitors With Negative Covid-19 Tests
Vietnam's successful containment of the coronavirus outbreak may mean its people will be able to travel abroad sooner, rather than later.
Hẻm Gems: In Praise of D1's Cheap, Dependable Sidewalk Cơm Trưa
In these trying times, the comfort of familiarity goes a long way.
Hẻm Gems: Handmade Noodles Hidden Amid the Mayhem of Hang Xanh
The traffic-choked wastelands of Hang Xanh are one of the last places you'd expect to find an incredible meal of noodles.
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.
Saigon Announces Design Contest for D2's $64m Opera House Project
The massive 1,700-seat theater is estimated to cost VND1.5 trillion (US$64 million).
Kite-Flying in Saigon in the Age of Coronavirus
As normal daily life grinds to a halt, last weekend was the final chance for some Saigoneers to take part in a favorite pastime: flying kites at sunset.
From Nature, Vietnam Slowly Forges Its Own Brand of Contemporary Architecture
When it comes to architecture in Saigon, a tiny fraction of buildings receive the vast majority of attention.
Hẻm Gems: Piquant Thai Noodles in D7 for the Age of Takeout
It's the simple things in life that sometimes bring the greatest pleasure.
Hẻm Gems: A Japanese Bánh Mì to Win Over Fusion Food Skeptics
When it comes to discussions of cuisine, I'd argue that "authentic" is the most overused word in writing and marketing, followed closely by "fusion."
Japan Imposes Stricter Visa Process for Foreign Students, Including Vietnam, From April
Due to the increasing number of visa overstays, Japan's Immigration Services Agency will tighten the issuing process for student visas for dozens of countries from April.
Art Platform S.E.A. Focus Brings Together 20 Galleries From Vietnam, Asia
In its second year, the art platform brought together 20 galleries from across Asia and beyond, highlighting a diverse range of contemporary Asian artists in one space.
Hẻm Gems: The Porcine Pleasure of a D2 Cơm Tấm Outpost
What comes to mind when you hear the words 'District 2'?
Saigoneer Getaways: To a Saigoneer, Phnom Penh Is Same Same, But Different
Is it possible to even recognize everything that has changed after 10 years?
Tarantulas, Scorpions, Crickets Crawl Into Southeast Asia's Mass-Market Edibles
A spade strikes the bone-dry Cambodian dirt with a crunch, and the hunt is on. Chem Wai, a lanky, deeply tanned 53-year-old former soldier, has been collecting wild tarantulas and scorpions for most o...