Discover Vietnam: A Vietnam Podcast

"So those bastards bumped the bridge down so that nobody could use it, and the locals got pissed off at that 'cause they enjoyed having a bridge. So they rebuilt it." This trip was one of the most fun and immersive ones we’ve recorded so far. Pai has this laid-back charm and unexpected beauty that really took us by surprise. Adrie and I take you along as we explore some of Pai’s mus...

"I think the Scottish accent's been voted one of the sexiest, but it's also, some of them, one of the most disgusting" - Craig This bonus episode was a hilarious trip down memory lane. Craig and I just let loose with our Scottish accents, sharing stories about growing up in Glasgow that we've never really talked about on the main show. The cultural differences, the misunde...

In this special extra episode of A Vietnam Podcast, I take you through a day filled with various adventures.  Starting with a cold sunrise bike ride where the stunning beauty of the dawn was well worth the early wake-up.  Then, I recount our challenging yet exhilarating hike to a waterfall, where we navigated through icy waters and tricky paths.  Along the way, I share some interesting local quirk...

"I planned to do six months. I planned to do like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, that kind of bit of Southeast Asia and never left Vietnam.... It's so unlike any other place I've ever been." - Craig Haggart This episode was a long time coming, and it was more than worth the wait. I've been trying to get Craig on the show for over six months, and sitting down with someone who no...

"My mouth is on fire. My tongue is totally burned, but I want another one… ’cause it’s so good." This episode was such a wild mix of adventure, confusion, and food. It’s one of those travel days where you don’t really know what’s going to happen next, and I loved every second of it. From riding a half-broken bike through the hills of Northern Thailand to accidentally sitting in duck poo...

“I love Thai food… but Vietnamese food just hits different—it’s the balance, the freshness, the herbs. It’s something else.” This episode was a fun, spicy, and slightly controversial one: Thai food vs. Vietnamese food. As someone who’s lived in Vietnam for years and has also spent time traveling through Thailand, I get this question all the time—which cuisine is better? Thai food is bold, fiery, a...

“I can always return and do the same thing here, but I need to go somewhere and experience a different culture.” This episode with Alenka Moze was a beautiful journey across cultures, creativity, and finding purpose. Alenka is a Slovenian actor, singer, writer, and teacher who has made Vietnam her home. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and following your artistic calling—even when it mean...

"Don't get too mad at strangers touching your small children. Wait, wait, wait. Are you gonna clarify touching before we go any further." Along with my guests Krista, James, and Paul, share a fun and insightful discussion on the dos and don'ts for tourists in Vietnam.  We delve into local customs, highlight necessary behavioral adjustments for foreigners, and provide practical...

"Gen Z in Vietnam are so driven. They’re baristas in the morning, creators by night, and students in between." - Adele Doan This conversation with Adele Doan was full of energy, insight, and plenty of laughs. Adele’s a TEDx speaker, community builder at Workflow, founder of Career Lab, and LinkedIn influencer with over 80,000 followers—and it’s clear she’s leading the charge in how young...

 "Why do Vietnamese people love seafood pizza? 'Cause it's disgusting." - Niall Mackay Find out in this episode why Vietnamese people love seafood pizza! You may be surprised to find out why. With Krista Hope and Adrie Lopez Mackay, we delve into this curious culinary choice and how pizza in Vietnam has changed with a bit of humor and a lot of curiosity.  Sharing personal takes...

“ Drag, I think, is also just a form of art that it doesn't really require you to have any experience in art.” - Gia Nguyen Gia’s story is one of resilience, self-expression, and community-building, and I think that really shines through in our discussion. It was insightful, energetic, and, most importantly, a conversation that truly needed to be had.  We talked about everything from craft be...

“We are up at the crack of dawn. It's so early in the morning that the fish are still asleep.”  This video captures our early morning adventure in Da Lat, filled with various activities and hidden gems. Our day begins at dawn and involves cloud hunting—a unique activity of watching clouds roll over the hills. We drive through town, witnessing the quiet before the city awakens and humorously c...

"Vietnam is becoming more open, more expressive, and more accepting. It’s exciting to see." This was such a fascinating conversation with Phuong Truong, the owner of Twist Coffee Bar, one of Saigon’s best LGBTQ+ friendly spaces. We talked about the evolution of queer spaces in Vietnam, how attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community are shifting, and why sex education in Vietnam still has a lo...

Join Adrie and I (and Biscuit) on an adventure through Da Lat as we uncover hidden gems and more!  We started with a trek that Google Maps recommended but were blocked by security, leading us to Happy Hill Café with stunning views and Instagram-worthy spots.  While there, we observed the excessive use of plastic in such a natural setting. We then ventured to the Crazy House, a Gaudi-esque marvel d...

"We don’t always take a straight path in life. Sometimes, the detours lead to the most exciting places." This conversation with Ben Nguyen was an inspiring discovery into the creative journey of someone who has truly embraced change. From growing up in Hanoi to studying in Japan and working with global brands like IKEA and Trunk Hotel, Ben’s story is a testament to following your passion...

“Dalat is full of hidden gems—you just have to know where to look.” Dalat has always had a special charm, but this trip was all about discovering the lesser-known spots that make it truly unique. From scenic coffee farms to quiet nature trails, we set out to uncover places that offer something beyond the usual tourist stops. And of course, Biscuit came along for the adventure—because if anyone lov...

“ Vietnam is the number two producer of coffee in the world, which blew my mind because I didn't know that as a Vietnamese American.” - Sarah Nguyen Revisiting this conversation reminded me why I started this podcast—to amplify powerful stories, and Sarah Nguyen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for reshaping the global coffee industry, advocating for Vietnamese coffee farm...

"We can’t be creative all the time. We have to be like a vegetable on the couch sometimes." - Chris Nguyen Chris’s story is one of adaptability, creativity, and carving out your own space in a world that often demands labels. I loved this conversation because it really encapsulated what it means to be a third culture kid—straddling different worlds, blending influences, and figuring out...

Hang Tien 1 is part of a vast cave system in Phong Nha, connected by a river and featuring around 30 individual caves. In this episode, we explore the challenges of making these caves accessible for tourism and uncover fascinating details about their discovery and naming history. With an entrance measuring a massive 90 meters high and 50 meters wide, Hang Tien 1’s entrance is even larger than the...

Join me, Niall Mackay, and my guests Misha Smith, Adria Lopez Mackay, and Ben in a lively debate on the Vietnamese dish, Phở, in this episode of Saigon Sunday Sessions. We discuss the pronunciation, different types (Phở Gà and Phở Bò), and our personal experiences with the dish.  Opinions vary, with arguments ranging from Phở being labeled as 'dirty dishwater with noodles' to it being co...

“I keep forgetting that I'm in Vietnam, the country that I live in.”  This episode was one of the most exciting and adventurous ones we’ve done so far.  Exploring the caves in Phong Nha truly felt like stepping into another world—massive chambers, stunning rock formations, and even a bit of a Lord of the Rings vibe. The trek itself was no joke either—river crossings, steep climbs, and the con...

Click here for Adventure Travel inspiration from our friends at Explore Worldwide . Don’t Just Travel, Explore. " Hanoi is this magical blend of chaos and serenity—you’ll never want to leave."  - Claire Simpson Having this episode with Clair was an absolute delight—a perfect blend of nostalgia and discovery.  Hearing Clair's unique journey, from arriving in Hanoi on a whim to becomi...

"I can't imagine how massive the cave is... it could be fit one Boeing airplane in the cave, or four 50 Building Floors." -  Hoàng Văn Hữu This trek through Phong Nha with Hoàng Văn Hữu offered an incredible glimpse into how tourism has transformed this region of Vietnam. What struck me most was the stark contrast between past and present - where locals once had to resort to dangero...

"Our traffic jams are herds of ducks and families of water buffaloes." - Faryl Hoang Talking with Faryl about her journey, her experiences as a Vietnamese-American rediscovering her roots, and what it’s really like to live in a place as magical as Hoi An was fascinating. Her perspective offered a really balanced view—yes, it’s paradise, but it also has its challenges. That’s something I...

"If you want to come to see some of Vietnam that's a little bit of a hidden gem, then I would definitely get yourself to Phong Nha." Niall Join us on an unforgettable journey from Saigon to Phong Nha Farmstay, where the excitement builds as we prepare to meet Ben Mitchell and explore the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha. Our adventure kicks off with caving at Phong Nha and Tien Son...