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 living, Tyler provides a blend of humor and insight into the expatriate life.

The conversation touches on Tyler’s decision to give up drinking while still running a bar and the unexpected challenges this brings in an industry where camaraderie often involves sharing a drink. He reflects on cultural differences, like Vietnam's forgiving attitude toward Americans despite past conflicts, and contrasts his life in Saigon with his experiences in the U.S. The episode is both lighthearted and thought-provoking, providing listeners with a unique perspective on expatriate life in Southeast Asia.

Key Takeaways:

• Pretending to Be Canadian – Tyler shares why he initially hid his American identity abroad.
• Navigating Sobriety in the Bar Scene – The challenges and growth he’s experienced as a sober bar owner.
• American Perceptions in Vietnam – Tyler’s surprise at Vietnamese people's positive view of America.
• Living Locally in Saigon – How Tyler’s lifestyle in Vietnam differs dramatically from his life in the U.S.
• Advice for Americans Coming to Vietnam – Tyler’s top tips for Americans thinking of moving to Vietnam.

Chapters:

01:00 - Debating Free Flow Alcohol
02:00 - Reflections on Drinking Habits
05:00 - Cultural Adjustments in Vietnam
06:00 - Experiences in Australia as 'Captain Canada'
10:00 - Perceptions of America Abroad
14:00 - Living Locally in Vietnam
16:00 - Cultural Differences and Adjustments
17:00 - Driving and Traffic Experiences
19:00 - Advice for Americans Moving to Vietnam

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

The full list of winners is here.

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"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 the tourism industry, shares her journey from studying business administration to starting her own tour company. She emphasizes the importance of providing authentic experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, helping visitors connect deeply with Vietnam's culture and people.

Together, Niall and Thao explore the rapid changes Vietnam has undergone over the past few decades, as well as the unique cultural values that continue to thrive despite modernization. Thao talks about the joy of sharing her country's traditions through personal stories, fostering a sense of belonging among her tour guests. The episode also delves into her charitable efforts, including creating opportunities for local Vietnamese to practice English with foreigners and supporting underprivileged communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Thao shares the importance of authentic storytelling in tourism: "We share Vietnam’s culture not through books, but through our own stories and experiences."
• Vietnamese kindness and generosity: Even those with little are willing to help others, a reflection of the country’s Buddhist values.
• The role of karma in Vietnamese culture helps create a positive, non-confrontational attitude, even in chaotic situations like traffic.
• Thao's unique approach to tourism focuses on connecting travelers with hidden gems and non-tourist destinations, fostering real cultural exchange.
• Thao's commitment to giving back: "Sometimes helping others is a way for us to grow and become better people."

Chapters and Timestamps:

02:00 -Thao's Background: Growing up in the Mekong Delta and discovering her passion for tourism.
05:00 - Rapid Change and Modernization in Vietnam
12:00 - The Heart of Vietnamese Culture: Kindness, generosity, and the influence of Buddhism.
16:00 - Navigating Vietnam’s Traffic: The surprising calm in the chaos.
22:00 - Creating Meaningful Connections through Tourism: Thao’s unique approach to tours.
25:00 - Giving Back to the Community: Thao’s charity work and English clubs.
31:00 - Challenging Stereotypes: Understanding poverty, tourism, and genuine help.
35:00 - Reflections on Giving and Rece

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

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The full list of winners is here.

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“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 living in both cities, sharing everything from lifestyle differences to humorous anecdotes about motorbike adventures and the impact of pollution on daily life.

Key Highlights:

1.Moving from Hanoi to Saigon: Krista reflects on the decision to move from Hanoi after five years, citing job opportunities and life circumstances that led the couple to embrace Saigon’s vibrancy.

2.Cultural Differences: The group discusses the contrasting personalities of the two cities, with Hanoi’s slower-paced, community-centered life versus the fast-paced, cosmopolitan vibe of Saigon.

3.Traffic Chaos: The panel shares their often-comical motorbike experiences, navigating the chaotic traffic of both cities, and Krista describes her journey of learning to ride in Vietnam’s unpredictable streets.

4.Pollution Concerns: Air quality is a significant topic, with the guests comparing the smog-filled skies of Hanoi to the relatively clearer air in Saigon, particularly after COVID lockdowns.

5.Bia Hoi Culture: A quintessential part of Hanoi life, the discussion highlights the local tradition of Bia Hoi, inexpensive fresh beer that fosters community gatherings in Hanoi, and the noticeable absence of this in Saigon’s upscale bar scene.

Episode Breakdown:

[00:01:00] Moving from Hanoi to Saigon: Paul and Krista’s story

[00:07:00] Motorbike Adventures: Learning to ride in Vietnam

[00:11:00] Cultural Differences between the North and South

[00:18:00] Air Pollution: Living with the haze in Hanoi and Saigon

[00:26:00] Bia Hoi vs. Saigon’s bar scene: Social life in both cities

"Send me a message!"

Episode Sponsors:

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.

You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.

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