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 Vietnam

As Vietnam's Streets Turn Empty During Pandemic, Traffic Violations Surge

Despite the nation's positive results in containing Covid-19, a grim byproduct of Vietnam’s stay-at-home orders and social distancing campaigns was identified earlier this week.

in Vietnam

Scientists Discover 12 New Caves in Quang Binh During March Expedition

The caves are over 10 kilometers in length when put together.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Vietravel Airlines, Foreign Arrivals, and New Covid-19 Cases

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 Hanoi

Hanoi Announces Heavy Fines for Social Distancing Violations

Though identification of new Covid-19 cases has slowed in recent days, Hanoi authorities are taking steps to halt the threat of community spread by implementing a series of new penalties for those ign...

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: HCMC Establishes 62 Posts for Covid-19 Prevention

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

Vietnam Agrees to Extend Stay of Foreigners Stuck in Country Due to Covid-19

As public attractions close and outbound flights become scarce, a number of foreigners in Vietnam are stuck in limbo.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Metro Line, Satellite City and New Covid-19 Cases

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

Vietnam Enters 15 Days of Nationwide Social Distancing; Citizens Urged to Stay Home

Starting from today, April 1, Vietnam officially entered two weeks of heightened social distancing.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Border Closure, Public Buses, and New Covid-19 Cases

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

Labor Ministry Proposes $843m Bailout Package for Businesses Affected by Covid-19

According to the proposal, workers and businesses are able to borrow money from the government to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on employee livelihood and small business operation.

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: Startups, Con Dao Airport and Rice Exports

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

Airlines in Vietnam Will Scale Down Domestic Flights for 2 Weeks

Due to the rising number of coronavirus patients, the inistry of Transport orders a limit on domestic flight routes.

in Vietnam

Domestic Airlines to Reduce Routes & Flights for 2 Weeks

Due to the rising number of coronavirus cases, the Ministry of Transport has ordered domestic flight routes to be reduced.

in Roundups

Weekend Stories Roundup: Covid-19 Cases, Earth Hour and Air Quality

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: No Meetings, Large Gatherings Allowed for Next 2 Weeks, PM Says

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

Vietnam Moves up 11 Places in UN World Happiness Report

Are you feeling happy today?

in Roundups

Morning Stories Roundup: More Covid-19 Cases, Fee Cuts and Shutdowns

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: Parking Space, Covid-19 Clusters, and Ford Production

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 Saigon

Saigon Orders Closure of Restaurants, Gyms, Barbershops Until End of March

Due to the escalating risk of community transmission, Saigon authorities just decided to shut down more venues to curb the spread of Covid-19.

in Saigon

Uniqlo Is Planning to Open Its 2nd Store in Saigon This Year

Uniqlo Vietnam is reportedly planning a second outlet in Saigon, an abrupt move that comes as a surprise during a time when local shoppers are wary of being out in public places.