Paul Christiansen in Saigon
The Origin of the Strange Lights You See Before Landing in Saigon
What are those astonishingly bright lights seen from an airplane window when approaching Saigon at night? I’ve had visitors ask me this on the drive home from the airport, and the question appears on Reddit every few months. I remember being befuddled myself the first time I witnessed the patchwork radiance.
My Mom’s Care Packages Remind Me That Home Can Fit Inside a Box of Food
“What do you guys crave? I’ll send some.”
New 12,000-Year-Old Skeleton Breaks Record of Oldest Human Remains Found in Vietnam
After analysis, scientists believe that a 12,000-year-old set of human remains found in Ninh Bình belonged to a prehistoric man who died from infection after being struck by a quartz-tipped projectile.
As Saigon Moves Forward, Xích Lô Lag Behind as Nostalgic Remnants of a Past Era
Among Bùi Viện's assortment of xe ôm drivers and street food vendors, Bible-toting religious enthusiasts and other colorful personalities, 66-year-old Nghĩa stands out for his kind eyes and walrus-like mustache.
Khôi Phạm in Vietnam
Wipha, Yagi and Luc-Binh: How Are Tropical Storms Named in the Pacific Region?
Wipha was the latest typhoon to batter Vietnam this year, sweeping through northern provinces like Hưng Yên, Ninh Bình, Nghệ An, and Thanh Hóa and causing dangerous floods. It was 2025’s third and probably will not be the last that Vietnam will have to endure this year.
Paul Christiansen in Saigon
The Simple Pleasures of Having Your Hair Washed at the Hairdresser’s
I get my face shaved by sidewalk barbers; stop at every roving laminator I pass to have ticket stubs, photos, and doodles ...
Khôi Phạm in Saigon
Letter to the People I Met as We Hid From the Rain Under a Bridge Together
“Do not be angry with the rain; it simply does not know how to fall upwards.”— Vladimir Nabokov.
Hanoi's Bát Tràng Ceramic Village Turns Historic Craft Into Global Fame
Bát Tràng has been producing ceramics for over 700 years, but it’s the recent decades that interest me most: a period in which this small village has mirrored Vietnam’s rapid economic growth.
Construction Department Requests $2.2m to Repair, Renovate Hồ Con Rùa
The plan calls for water-proofing the lake, fixing cracked walkways and adding a sprinkler system, as well as ornamental flowers and artistic lighting.
Hanoi Announces City's Fourth Pedestrian Zone in Sơn Tây Town
An 820-meter-long, multi-street pedestrian zone surrounding the Sơn Tây Old Fortress in suburban Hanoi is set to open in time for Reunification Day on April 30.
Vietnam Reopens to International Tourists With No Quarantine Requirement
Bring on the elephant pants.
New Survey Ranks Vietnam 1st of 39 in Gender Equality at Home, Work
If you say so.
Saigon's Bạch Đằng Park to Get Trees, Restrooms, Parking Space After Complaints
After a few months under renovation, District 1’s Bạch Đằng Wharf was unveiled as a brand-new park just before Tết last month.
2 Flights to Bring Vietnamese Evacuees Back From Ukraine This Week
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created an enormous refugee crisis, with many Vietnamese fleeing to neighboring countries.
Sun Group Launches Premium Airline With Private Jets for Rich People
Let's hope they still have some money to spend on future cable cars.
Đà Lạt Tourism Site Blasted Online for Hot Pot-Style Color Scheme
It joins the ever-growing list of tourist attractions widely panned by the internet.
Hanoi Zoo to Take Over Care of 8 Tigers Rescued in Nghệ An
After months in temporary custody at an ecotourism complex, eight rescued tigers in Nghệ An will resettle in the Hanoi Zoo.
After Thủ Đức, Củ Chi Might Become Saigon's Next 'City Within a City'
Two years ago, three districts in Saigon were merged to become Thủ Đức City, Saigon’s first municipal city. Experts and city officials are deliberating a decision to give Củ Chi District a similar upg...
Saigon to Renovate Bến Thành Market, Replace Metal Roof With Tiles
The 110-year-old market will receive a new tiled roof, as well as infrastructure and gate upgrades.
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.
Vietnam Purchases New US Embassy in Washington DC for $23.7m
It follows a 2021 deal in which the United States leased land in Hanoi for a new embassy.
Saigon's First Electric Bus Line to Debut This Quarter
The wheels on the (electric) bus go round and round.
Cracked Glass Panel on Tourist Bridge a Feature, Not a Bug, Owner Says
Maybe just don't build glass bridges?
Vietnam to Remove Limits on International Flight Frequency Tomorrow
Another step toward some kind of normal.
Photo of Hanoi Flower Vendor Wins Sony World Photography Award
With a photo of a flower vendor biking on Hanoi’s ceramic road, Nguyễn Phúc Thành was chosen to be a winner in the National Awards program of Sony World Photography Awards 2022.
Hanoi Cinemas Finally Allowed to Reopen After Nine Months
Earlier this week, city authorities gave official permission for all cinemas and art venues to resume operations.
Saigon Records Zero Daily Covid-19 Deaths for First Time in Months
On February 9, 2022, no Saigon resident passed away because of COVID-19.
Nguyễn-Era Fighting Arena in Hue to be Restored
Are you not entertained???
