Paul Christiansen

in Saigon

Loneliness Too Waits for the Bus

We are all in this, but not together.

in Saigon

Thoughts I've Had While Stranded in Murky Floodwater on Saigon's High-Tide Days

I’m willing to forgive nearly everything about Saigon. It’s a sign of a sustainable relationship, as I still wish to coexist in peace with this city. To me, Saigon’s midday, even when the searing sun flares the strongest, is when the trees are the most glorious. The sudden bouts of torrential rain are indeed a nuisance, but I tell myself that at least the streets can get a wash after a dusty day. But there’s one thing that never goes away and that I can never write off; something I can’t, for the life of me, find reasons to romanticize or defend. Those are the infuriating floods that submerge Saigon streets every time the tide is high.

in Saigon

Saigon Sees a 10-Year Low of 18°C. What Are the City’s Highest and Lowest Temperatures?

This January, Saigoneers have been enjoying an unusually pleasant stretch of weather, with daytime temperatures hovering around the mid-20s and dipping to 18–20°C late at night and in the early morning.

in Vietnam

Vietnam Bans Unskippable Ads, Requires Skip Button to Appear After 5 Seconds

If things go our way, YouTube’s notorious unskippable ads might be a thing of the past come this February.

in Vietnam

Grindr Year-End Report Names Vietnam as Country With Biggest Top Shortage

Ever since Spotify launched its first global Wrapped function a few years ago, December has turned into an exciting season of stats-driven year-end reviews. “Wrapping” is now a tradition embraced by numerous apps, such as Strava, Duolingo, YouTube, Reddit, and of course, Grindr.

in Vietnam

When Donations Are All Womenswear, Men in Flood Zones Turn Necessity Into Fashion

Vietnam’s South-Central Coast region is going through an especially grueling time of the year as both the local people and authorities have to deal with the aftermath of historic rainfall and flooding. Still, amid the mourning and strenuous rebuilding efforts, moments of levity shine through — a testament to the resilience, optimism, and incredible humor of the Vietnamese people in the face of hardships.

in Vietnam

Đắk Lắk, Khánh Hòa Are Next Victims of 2025's Historic Flooding. Here's How to Help.

After nearly a week of constant downpour, many provinces of Vietnam’s Central Highlands and South-Central Coast regions have suffered severe flooding and landslides, causing catastrophic damage to local infrastructure, economic activities, and deaths. This has been yet another month of loss and destruction for Vietnam in 2025, which is shaping up to be the most devastating year in recent history due to consecutive powerful typhoons and atypically high rainfall.

in Saigon

After Years in Limbo, Saigon's Metro Line 2 Is Officially Breaking Ground in Jan 2026

After years under development limbo, Saigon’s Metro Line 2 has finally gotten an official date for breaking ground, but will this timeline stick?

Back Stories

in Saigon

Saigon Adds 16 Old Villas in District 1, 3 to List to Be Preserved

After more than a year of work, Saigon authorities have finished assessing the preservation status of 86 old villas within the bounds of the city, though the classification process is still ongoing.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: HCMC’s Industrial Production Rises 7.26%

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Vietnam

As Percentage of People Over 60 Hits 11.9%, Vietnam Prepares for Aging Society

The percentage of people over the age of 60 in Vietnam has hit 11.9% of the population and is expected to rise to 25%, or 27 million people, by 2050.

in Hanoi

Hanoi Pondering Plan to Ban Vehicles Around Hoan Kiem Lake

Officials in Hanoi are considering a radical move to make the city more pedestrian-friendly.

in Saigon

Saigon Welcomes 6.2m International Tourists in First 9 Months of 2019

Compared to the same period last year, the city saw a 14.3% increase in international visitors.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Hanoi Police Arrest 2 for Killing GrabBike Driver

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Vietnam

Severe Flooding Drowns Can Tho as Tides Reach Highest Levels in 30 Years

Other Mekong Delta provinces and Saigon are also affected.

in Asia

Thai Prime Minister Suggests Moving Capital to Help Overcrowded Bangkok

In what seems to be a growing trend among overcrowded Southeast Asian capitals, Thailand's Prime Minister has floated the idea of relocating its capital from Bangkok.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: All Vietnamese to Get New 12-Digit ID at Birth From 2020

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Air Pollution in Hanoi Exceeds Red-Level Warning

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Proposes Heavier Fines for Sexual Harassment. Some Think It's Not Enough.

The current fines for sexual offenses range from VND100,000 to VND300,000.

in Vietnam

Krong No Volcanic Cave System Nominated for UNESCO Global Geopark Status

If accepted, the 2,000-square-kilometer area filled with volcanic caves, waterfalls, mountains and important archeological sites will receive increased conservation resources and support. 

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: Mekong Delta Erosion, High Tide and Fake Fashion

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: Cyber Attacks, Dead Fish and Dog Meat Risks

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: AI Development, AFC U-23 2020 and Online Shopping

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Group Stage Opponents for Vietnam at 2020 AFC U23 Championship Revealed

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Vietnam

Vietnam Has the Fewest Public Holidays in ASEAN, but That Might Change Soon

Vietnamese authorities are debating making changes to the nation's labor law in 2019.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Faces Serious Shortage of Workers' Housing

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from Saigon, the rest of Vietnam and beyond, and digest them...

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietnam Supports Emergency Declaration to Save the World

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook. Each morning, we select some of the most important stories from the capital, the rest of Vietn...

in Asia

Singapore to Demolish Sentosa's Merlion to Make Room for New Development

One of Singapore's most well-known attractions is heading for a date with the wrecking ball.