Xuân Phương

in Hanoi

Every Bánh Chưng Season, Vietnam’s Lá Dong Capital Comes Alive With Harvest Frenzy

On the patches of sandy soil by the river in Kim An Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi, there’s a tiny village named Tràng Cát, where dong leaves have been embedded in local history, memory, and economy for centuries. Right in local courtyard, these broad green leaves were transformed into bánh chưng, ready for Tết feasts across the country.

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.

Back Stories

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Six Teens Nicked for Stabbing, Robbing Foreigners in HCMC

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnam ranked in top ten countries in Cyber Maturity 2015 [Hanoi Times] Icelandic Pre...

in Stories

Civilian Planes Can Now Fly Over Military Areas

Thanks to the army, Vietnam's local aviation industry is about to save a total of 40,000 hours per year, and passengers may soon be able to see sights like these as they arrive in Saigon.

in Asia

Myanmar Is Getting Krispy Kreme

In the area of glorious, calorie-ridden, sugar-fueled donut news, Krispy Kreme will be coming to Myanmar.

in Stories

Thu Thiem Tunnel to Shut Down for 30 Minutes Tomorrow Afternoon

On Friday, drivers heading in to District 1 via the Thu Thiem Tunnel between 2pm and 2:30pm will have to find an alternative route, as the tunnel will be closed for a routine fire drill.

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: New Rule to Leave Half of Tourist Boats in Ha Long Bay Ashore

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Vietnam sends nearly 100,000 labourers to work abroad [Dang Cong San] Northern Vietnam...

in Stories

Hanoi Coffee Chain Gets $5.5m Investment to Dominate Vietnam

One Hanoi-based coffee chain is going nationwide, thanks to a sizable foreign investment.

in Stories

A Look at Saigon’s Interesting Definition of ‘Traffic Jam’

When it comes to Vietnamese traffic management, the fun never ends. Between Hanoian officials telling drivers in the capital to be more like the Saigonese, Saigon officials insisting there are no...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vietnam Province Reports H5N6 Bird Flu Outbreak

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. HCM City circus wins international award [Hanoi Times] Vietnam agreement supports nucl...

in Stories

Saigon to Open Center for Foreign Victims of Street Crime

In an effort to handle Saigon's growing number of street robberies involving foreign tourists, city officials recently announced plans to open a tourist help center in District 3 later this year.

in Stories

Hanoi Wants Fewer Buses During Rush Hour To Reduce Traffic

In the capital's latest installment of unorthodox traffic management – previous chapters include suggesting local drivers learn to drive like the Saigonese – Hanoi officials are planning to take city ...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Vingroup Buys Maximark Chain in Bid to Gain Retail Foothold

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Proper steps for Vietnam's 4G service eyed[Hanoi Times] Gov’t Facebook page faked [Sai...

in Stories

Saigon's Haze Will Stick Around Until Late November

These days, it's pretty much a given that breathing during rush hour is hazardous to your health. What with the exhaust fumes and the standstill traffic, taking in a lungful of that hot, dusty, smog-f...

in Stories

Saigon Proposes 'Trimming' Sidewalks to Address Traffic Woes

In an effort to quell rush hour traffic, city officials are asking the Department of Transportation to reduce the surface area of Saigon's sidewalks.

in Vietnam

Weekend News Roundup: HCMC Shuts Down Gas Station For Cheating Customers

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. HCM City rejects coconut palm planting [DTI] Lasers may ease pain for Vietnam War’s ‘n...

in Stories

The Vietnamese Government Is Now Officially on Facebook

The Vietnamese government is getting hip to the times and joining roughly 25 million of its fellow citizens on the country's favorite social network.

in Asia

Chinese Think It's Cool to Wear Fake Bean Sprouts in Your Hair

While China's environment may be hostile to plant life, the heads of its citizens certainly aren't.

in Stories

Tan Son Nhat Authorities Kill Dog for Trespassing on Airport Property

From stair car collisions to baggage truck accidents, rising floodwaters and less-than-positive passenger feedback, Tan Son Nhat is not the best place to be these days. As of this week,...

in Vietnam

Morning News Roundup: Coca-Cola Vietnam Finally Pays Tax After Claiming Losses For 20 Years

Stay connected with Saigoneer on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Coca-Cola Vietnam finally pays tax after claiming losses for 20 years [Tuoi Tre] Vietn...

in Saigon

Saigon Police are Removing All Ghost Bikes From the Streets

Saigon's army of xe cà tàng, also known as ghost bikes, will soon disappear from the city streets if local police have anything to say about it.

in Saigon

Saigon to Cut Water Supply for 8 Hours This Weekend

It's shaping up to be a shower-free weekend, as Saigon plans to cut its water supply to six entire districts as well as parts of nine others this coming Saturday.