Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast

In this exciting episode of the Seven Million Bikes podcast, Adrie and I share our first-ever ride on the long-awaited Saigon Metro, a significant infrastructure development in Vietnam.  We then dive into the electrifying atmosphere of watching the final football match between Vietnam and Thailand in the ASEAN Football Cup.  As Vietnam secures a dramatic win, the episode captures the ensuing Đi bã...

"Efficiency, quality, and guest satisfaction—those should always come before flair." – Tyler Saigon’s cocktail scene truly opened my eyes to see how dynamic and underrated it is. It’s fascinating to see how the city has evolved from humble street-side setups with plastic stools to becoming a budding hotspot for world-class mixology.  Saigon’s charm lies in this juxtaposition of old and n...

"Send me a message!" Book a free call with me here if you want to start your own podcast! Support the show 🎙️ Recorded at Saigon Podcast Studio! 👉  www.saigonpodcaststudio.com 🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!  🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:  🔒 Prot...

I embark on a challenge to find a satisfying, delicious lunch in Saigon for just $1—or 25,000 Vietnamese Dong.  This episode is more than just a food hunt; it’s a snapshot of life in Vietnam, from the quirks of local health and safety practices to the enduring charm of friendly vendors. Along the way, I reflect on cultural differences and why Vietnam’s food scene is unbeatable—even when working wi...

“Vietnam isn’t becoming Western; it’s becoming modern—on its own terms.” Cedric’s journey is one of the most unique and inspiring stories I’ve ever had on the podcast. This episode completely blew me away.  From being adopted by a French family and growing up across continents to returning to Vietnam and building his own business, Cedric embodies what it means to embrace every part of your identit...

“Dating in Vietnam? Be prepared—sometimes you show up for a date, and she brings five friends. And yes, you’re expected to pay the bill.” I’m joined by Rochelle Nguyen at 86 Proof to uncover an unwritten rule every expat in Vietnam should know. From navigating the quirks of dating apps to the cultural nuances of Vietnamese family gatherings and countryside weddings, this episode is packed with fun...

"I wasn’t Vietnamese enough for the locals and not white enough for the expats. It took time to find my place in Saigon." It was an absolute joy to record this episode. Rochelle's journey is the epitome of courage, adaptability, and humor. Her ability to share deeply personal stories—like her parents meeting on a refugee boat—alongside lighthearted anecdotes about perfecting cocktai...

“My tongue is on fire right now… Holy sh*t, it’s still burning. Is it going to get worse? It’s getting worse.” In this special edition of Saigon Sunday Sessions, we turn up the heat—literally! Join me at Brick and Barrel for the ultimate hot sauce and taco-eating competition, where local chili aficionados battle it out for bragging rights and fiery glory. From tasting sauces like the infamous Viet...

"I never understood I was different until the world told me I was." This episode Linda's story is an incredible journey through culture, identity, and compassion. It is not just unique—it's deeply inspiring and thought-provoking. Hearing about her experiences navigating dual identities as someone seen as Asian in the West and white in Asia really made me appreciate the complexi...

"In the past I compared myself a lot with the people around me. And I felt, with all my German friends, like less German, but also having low values." I sat down with Trang Nguyen, a food scientist and aspiring content creator who recently moved to Vietnam from Germany. Trang shares her complex journey growing up as a Vietnamese-German, grappling with cultural identity, and her evolving...

One of the things I've loved documenting through our Saigon Sunday Sessions is watching this city embrace its river. When we first arrived, so much of the waterfront was just walled off or wasted space.  Now, whether you're in District 1 or here at Binh Canh by Night, you can see how Saigon is transforming these spaces into something special. Sure, there are still challenges with polluti...

"In the West, we say hospitality; in Vietnam, it’s still just F&B. Bridging that gap is everything to me." – Jason Pham This episode with Jason was truly inspiring. Jason’s journey from Australia to Saigon, rooted in his family’s refugee story, brings so much depth to what he does in the hospitality industry here in Vietnam.  He’s not only a skilled mixologist but also an incredible...

"There is this special energy about Saigon that you gotta love. I'm risking my life on the back of a stranger's bike, but somehow, it just works." Riding through Saigon on the back of a Grab bike I felt different, raw, and uniquely special in this episode, with a mic in one hand and a camera in the other was equal parts exhilarating and nerve-wracking.  There's a chaotic m...

“Vietnamese culture values relationships deeply; we believe in kindness as a way of life, not a strategy.” - Jessie Nguyen Join Niall Mackay as he interviews Jessie Nguyen, a marketing manager at NFQ, about the rapidly changing image of Vietnam. In this episode of A Vietnam Podcast, Jessie sheds light on Vietnam’s rising generation, the power of Gen Z, and their role in reshaping the country’s glo...

"We’re taught in the U.S. that we are the pillars of the world. But living abroad, you realize how untrue that is." – James Niall Mackay, Adrie, Mischa, James, Will and Shelly gather at East West Brewing Company to celebrate Vietnam Women’s Day and reflect on what it means to live as expats in Vietnam. The conversation weaves through cultural observations, from the special significance o...

"All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises—just like not all who wander are lost." Niall Mackay sits down with James Hunt, an American expat in Vietnam known for his restaurant ventures like Brick and Barrel and Big Boss Bistro. However, James's story extends far beyond the world of fried chicken and culinary pursuits. He delves into his passion for wildlife photo...

In Vietnam, they love Americans—even with all the history. Niall Mackay sits down with Tyler, an American expat and bar owner in Saigon, who shares his colorful experiences adjusting to life in Vietnam and the journey that led him there. From his early days pretending to be Canadian in Australia to avoid stereotypes, to his later years in Vietnam navigating the complexities of cross-cultural livin...

"The best part of Vietnam isn't just the stunning landscapes—it's the people, whose kindness and generosity leave a lasting impact." – Thao Nguyen Niall Mackay welcomes Thao Nguyen, a passionate advocate for Vietnam's culture, history, and the genuine connections that make the country special. Thao, who hails from the Mekong Delta and has over nine years of experience in t...

“The air in Hanoi was so polluted that some days, we couldn’t even see the mountains. Then COVID hit, and suddenly we had blue skies.” In this episode of The Saigon Sunday Sessions , Niall Mackay dives deep into the age-old debate between Vietnam’s two major cities: Saigon and Hanoi. Joined by guests Paul Villanova and Krista Bernard with Adrie Lopez Mackay, they explore their personal experiences...

"It’s not about defying my family—it’s about choosing a life that fits who I am." Niall Mackay sits down with Thinh Dang, a young personal trainer from Vietnam with a fascinating story. Thinh shares his journey from growing up in Dak Lak, moving to Da Nang for education, and ultimately ending up in Saigon, where he has built a successful career as a personal trainer—despite his family’s...

“It’s a relief living in a place where I don’t have to worry about guns on a daily basis. In the U.S., there’s always that undercurrent of fear, but here in Vietnam, it’s not something I ever have to think about.” In this inaugural episode of Saigon Sunday Sessions, Niall Mackay sits down with his wife, Adrie Lopez Mackay, to explore what it’s like living in Vietnam as an American. The conversatio...

"I absolutely love living in Saigon, I love living in Vietnam. The people are amazing." In this comprehensive episode of the Vietnam Podcast, host Niall Mackay blends personal experiences of living in Saigon with the journey and success of creating a globally recognized podcast.  The episode is an 'Ask Me Anything' session where Niall answers listener questions, reflects on the...

“Living in South Korea… my eyes were bugging out of my head on vacation in Saigon.” Mischa Smith was one of the first guests on A Vietnam Podcast in 2019! Niall and Mischa revisit the dramatic changes in Saigon over the past eight years, highlighting the city's evolution from swamps to modern buildings. Mischa, a long-term resident of Saigon and former sales director of Pasteur Street Brewing...

I want to do an Ask Me Anything, but I need your help! Send me your questions about my life in Vietnam, life in Vietnam in general or anything Vietnam related! I'll use your answers to create a special AMA episode. Send your questions by October 11th to; Email: niall@sevenmillionbikes.com Instagram Facebook "Send me a message!" Book a free call with me here if you want to start your...

Adrie Lopez-Mackay joins host and husband, Niall Mackay, as they venture out for a brunch in Thao Dien, Saigon and as recommended by Mischa Smith, the Oriental Snapper They discuss the major infrastructural changes in the city over the past few years. From the transformation of roads and tunnels to improved traffic systems, they reflect on how the city's charm has evolved.  The episode also f...