Vietnam Podcast: Culture, Community & Conversations

“In the south it's always more dynamic. Everyone is just moving around all the time. In the north, it's slower. People are a bit meaner.” - Viet Anh
For nearly ten years now, I've called Vietnam home, and while I've experienced the incredible energy and warmth of the south, Viet Anh's perspective on the north offered a viewpoint I hadn't fully considered. It's fascinating how regional differences can shape the experience of living in the same country.
We touched on the sometimes-surprising toxicity that can bubble up online, both within expat communities and among Vietnamese internet users. It's a stark contrast to the welcoming spirit I've largely encountered here. We also reflected on how things change over time – from cinema etiquette to the increasing polarization of opinions, it feels like the Vietnam I first encountered is constantly evolving.
Key Takeaways:
- There are perceived significant differences in pace and demeanor between the north and south of Vietnam.
- Online toxicity is a notable issue within expat and Vietnamese online communities.
- Cultural norms and perspectives are constantly evolving in Vietnam.
- Stereotypes about foreigners in Vietnam, particularly English teachers, exist and need to be addressed.
- The economic contribution of foreigners in Vietnam is often misunderstood, with many filling roles that locals don't typically pursue.
Chapters and Timestamps:
05:59: Discussion on Online Toxicity
10:59: Changing Perspectives and Behaviors Over Time
14:59: Stereotypes of Foreigners in Vietnam
24:00: Economic Contributions of Foreign Workers

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

The full list of winners is here.

Support the show

🎙️ 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:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

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 becoming a local expert and food influencer, was both inspiring and eye-opening. Her insights into how Hanoi’s culture, tourism, and food scene have evolved over the years gave me a fresh perspective on a city I thought I already knew so well.

It reminded me of the magic that Hanoi holds, from the chaotic charm of Train Street to the serenity of Halong Bay, and how it continues to captivate both newcomers and long-term residents alike. Clair’s passion for sharing her love of Hanoi is infectious, and it made me fall in love with the city all over again. - Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:

Train Street Magic - A thrilling combination of local charm and tourist allure, where a train rushes through narrow streets lined with cozy cafes.

Hanoi’s Foodie Paradise - Discover Hanoi’s culinary gems, from the famous Bun Cha to the divisive Bun Dao Mam Tom.

The Allure of Halong Bay - Why this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a must-see, even after multiple visits.

Cultural Evolution Post-COVID - The shift in Hanoi’s tourism demographic from backpackers to families and older travelers.

Bia Hoi Culture - The unique experience of enjoying freshly brewed, ultra-affordable beer while mingling with locals.

Chapters & Timestamps:

04:30 – Clair’s journey: From the UK to Hanoi.
13:00 – The timeless beauty of Halong Bay.
21:30 – Post-COVID tourism in Hanoi: What’s changed?
26:10 – Train Street: Controversy and charm.
30:20 – Foodie Heaven: Must-try dishes in Hanoi.
34:00 – The Bia Hoi experience: Hanoi’s beer culture.
41:00 – Exploring Hanoi: Unique neighborhoods and cultural gems.

"Send me a message!"

Support the show

🎙️ 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:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Did That Really Happen? From Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. Book your tickets to see Korey David.
Ever heard a joke and asked, “Did That Really Happen?”
My name’s Niall Mackay from Seven Million Bikes Podcasts and a comedian... long before I ever started comedy, when I heard comedians tell the craziest, funniest stories I would always wonder just that. And if I got a chance to meet them after the show I would always ask “Did That Really Happen?”
... and 9 times out of 10 the answer was “Yes!”
But the difference between sharing a story with friends and telling it on stage is a comedian’s ability to take those moments and craft them into a well worked joke.
In each episode of this podcast I talk to comedians from around the world, play you one of their jokes, then ask them, “Did That Really Happen?”
Today I am with a special guest who is performing at Seven Million Bikes Comedy Show, One Night In Saigon this Saturday, Feb 11th at Eddie’s Diner in District 1.. If you haven’t already make sure you go book your tickets for the show, the link is in the show notes.
This psychedelic loving ex-Mormon Is a stand up comedian and actor based in Denver, CO who works out his angst on stage from growing up as the black sheep in an ultraconservative household.
He has performed at High Plains Comedy Festival, Alaska b4 u die Fest, Vail Comedy Festival, is a regular at the world famous Comedy Works in Denver, and appeared on Netflix and Adult Swim.
My guest today is Korey David.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ 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:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

“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 identity while carving out your own path. His perspective on Vietnam’s rapid development, cultural pride, and the future of this incredible country left me reflecting deeply.

It’s conversations like this that remind me why I started this podcast—to share stories that challenge perspectives and inspire listeners.

• Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:

Cedric’s Adoption Story – Growing up as a Vietnamese adoptee in a French family shaped Cedric’s perspective on culture, identity, and belonging.
Vietnam’s Rapid Development – From motorbikes to malls, Cedric details how infrastructure and societal shifts have transformed Vietnam since 2016.
The Cultural Pride of Vietnam – Despite modernization, Cedric highlights how Vietnam retains its cultural roots and blends them with global influences.
The Work Ethic in Vietnam – Cedric and Niall discuss how Vietnamese people balance their hard work with a love for life and learning.
Vietnam’s Future Identity – Cedric shares his thoughts on Vietnam’s need to define its global role, whether as a tech hub, manufacturing center, or tourist destination.

Chapters & Timestamps:

01:00 - Adoption and Early Life – Cedric shares his adoption story, growing up with a French family, and living in Africa and Europe.
09:00 - Cultural Identity as a Third-Culture Kid – Cedric reflects on being a third-culture kid and navigating identity across cultures.
18:00 - Work Ethic and Culture – [00:18:00]
Niall and Cedric explore the hard-working yet fun-loving spirit of Vietnamese people.
22:00 - Returning to Vietnam – Why Cedric moved back to Vietnam in 2016 and his experience working in his family’s business.
28:00 -

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

The full list of winners is here.

Support the show

🎙️ 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:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

Join the Seven Million Army on Facebook and tell us your answer!
Join the Seven Million Bikes Community.
Thank you for listening to A Vietnam Podcast by Seven Million Bikes. We share the stories of people with a love for Vietnam. Host, Niall Mackay, has lived in Vietnam since 2016. As the show has grown we now talk to people from all over the world who have a Vietnam story to share. At the end of every episode we ask our guests the same set of questions each time, so enjoy this bonus compilation episode.
-------------------
Theme music composed by Lewis Wright.
A Vietnam Podcast is made using these digital tools. We 100% recommend them. Any questions send us an email or message on the socials.
These are affiliate links so they will give us a small commission, only if you sign up , and at no extra cost to you! You'll be directly supporting A Vietnam Podcast too.
Episode Edited with Descript
Episode art designed by Niall Mackay using Canva
Podcast Hosting Platform Buzzsprout
Clean Your Mac by MacPaw
Keep your privacy safe with NordVPN
www.sevenmillionbikes.com Hosted on 10Web

If you order before the end of November Masqd are giving A Vietnam Podcast listeners 20% off orders over 330k. Click the link in the notes to their Instagram or Facebook and message them directly with the code 7MB to get your discount!
In 2020, 2,900 disposable masks were thrown away every minute! Protect the environment, yourself and others.

Have you thought about starting your own podcast, but don't know where to begin or have the time. Seven Million Bikes can help you with this.
Read our Free Blog Post here - 10 Tips To Start Your podcast​

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ 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:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!