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Every newly published Saigoneer article, ordered from newest to oldest across all sections and series.
13174 articles
Development
Why is it that Da Nang keeps getting all the cool toys? As if free, city-wide WIFI weren’t enough, the city has signed a deal with IBM to install a high-tech traffic management system.
![[UPDATED]Plan to Move Saigon's Electrical Wires Underground Facing Major Delays](https://media.urbanistnetwork.com/saigoneer/article-images/legacy/UeduLtHb.jpg)
Development
[Update Below] In an effort to clear Saigon’s skies, in 2009, city authorities signed off on a plan to move messy electrical wires underground. But the project, scheduled to be completed by 2015, is facing a plethora of technical and financial obstacles.
Roundups
Over USD6 billion suggested for five PPP projects [dangcongsan] Vietnamese forest devastated by Agent Orange restored to health [ajw.asahi] Vietnam bid to stop traffic police bribes [Bangkok Post]
Saigon
This is part 2 of our series on Saigon's citadel. You can read part 1 here . Nguyen Anh (AKA Gia Long) would never use his citadel for military action as hostilities only resumed after his death in 1831. Shortly before he expired, Anh selected Minh Mang , his youngest son, as heir to the throne rather than his older son, Prince Canh .
Asia
While many wish that Google Street View were available everywhere, a Village in northern Thailand does not share this opinion. Yesterday morning, A Google Maps car, mounted camera and all, was stopped in Phrae, a small village in northern Thailand.
Development
Vietnam’s North-South Railway has been in need of a major upgrade for a long time. Beyond issues of speed and comfort, the system’s infrastructure is in poor condition, causing chronic delays and inefficiencies. While Vietnam recently put plans for a high-speed rail system on the backburner due to massive costs, the Ministry of Transport has released a blueprint to overhaul the system’s main line.
Roundups
- Binh Chau shipwreck: discovery area to be expanded [Quanhnai] - Price hike to ensure electricity supply [VEN] - Violence, capitalism and dodgy cops... [Thanh Nien]
Saigon
In the time before Ducatis and Yamaha FZ16s were the hottest things on two wheels in Saigon, the Honda Cub 67 reigned supreme with local cool kids. Even though many of the old 67's are still around, the guy in this image not only perfected today's hipster look but made some badass improvements to the bike itself.
Saigon
If you're wondering why emergency crews, including 2 helicopters are running around Dimond Plaza this morning, fear not, for it's only a drill! The city fire, police and health departments along with Military Zone 7 are participating in this simulation to prepare for high-rise fires.
Roundups
- Thirty Russian Firms to take part in Tourism Expo in HCMC [SGGP] - Vietnamese school children are 'years ahead' of Indian pupils [phys.org] - Vietnam to cover costs of bridge delay [Japan Times]
Saigon
Not too long ago, the park across from Ben Thanh Market was the location of the city's main train station. Even though the station moved to District 3 following the American War, remnants of the old station, such as the the former Vietnam Railways headquarters seen above, still remain.
Roundups
- Can Vietnam become a gambling getaway? [Thanh Nien] - Land for industrial parks lies abandoned in Mekong Delta [SGGP] - Foreigners with over-3 month visas can buy houses in VN: Proposal [Tuoi Tre]
Development
To boost investment in the ailing real-estate sector, the Ministry of Construction has proposed that foreigners residing in Vietnam be given the opportunity to purchase property. Thanh Nien reports:
Development
A new urban administration plan proposed by the HCMC People’s Committee would completely reshape the city’s urban structure. Say goodbye to Districts 2 and 7! According to city authorities, Saigon has outgrown its current administration model and needs to be re-organized to better serve its residents. Under the new plan, the city would contain 13 central districts, surrounded by 4 satellite cities.
Travel
Prior to World War II, Shanghai, like Saigon, was a major trading port, controlled by foreign powers. Following communist victory in 1949, most international firms relocated to Hong Kong to protect their assets. With China's move toward globalization in the early 90s, Shanghai returned to its former glory, reaping vast economic benefits.
Travel
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, we all hope for a trouble-free experience either to be able to relax or conduct business as planned. However, experience has taught me that in general, and in Vietnam in particular, this is not usually the case! With very few exceptions, I have had nothing but horror stories when making bookings through Vietnamese travel agencies or even directly through Vietnam-based airlines.
Film & TV
Sunday 5 p.m - I have just finished work and I look outside the window like a child on Christmas morning, hoping that the rain has stopped. No luck. I prepare myself for yet another ride under the rain to District 2 to meet with filmmaker Mudfish aka Davide Domenici for a chat/informal interview.
Vietnam
- Vietnam can’t afford to switch to newer, safer vaccines: official [Thanh Nien] - Vietnam authorities lax over hydrofoil safety [Thanh Nien] - No further dong devaluation, Vietnam central bank assures [Thanh Nien]
Music & Arts
From the Organizer For the 4th installment of Loud Minority, the Saigon based club night will host acclaimed Canadian rock-duo, Japandroids at Cargo Bar.
Roundups
Good morning, Saigon! Here's what's making news around Vietnam today: - Vietnam's auto industry faces crossroads ahead of Asean trade pact [JakartaPost] - Emerging Vietnam: The Big Challenge Regarding Business Education [ValueWalk] - Vietnam's hotspot hotels going for the gold online [Thanh Nien]
Culture
A recent article from NK News examines the slightly awkward relationship between North Korea and Vietnam since the beginning of the Cold War. Starting in the 1950s, Hanoi and Pyonyang became uneasy allies, united by their political ideologies. With the fall of the Soviet Union, the countries began on decidedly different paths: North Korea became completely reliant on Bejing, while Vietnam opened its doors to capitalism and, in turn, South Korean investors.
Music & Arts
PechaKucha is exactly the kind of event Saigon needs - a place for forward thinkers to meet other like-minded indiviguals, share expierences and network.
Travel
Over the last decade, the tourism industry has been learning how to better leverage the internet to provide unique services for customers. First came online reviews and bookings, allowing us to gather information and search for the best available deals. Recently, a number of websites have taken things a step further, throwing traditional models by the wayside, instead relying on locals to guide tours. This not only allows for a more personal experience but ensures that profits go directly to your guide instead of a large company. One such site is WithLocals.com which just recently launched and offers tours across SE Asia.
