Explore Hanoi & Ha Long Bay with Claire Simpson
02/12/25 • 45 min
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"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.
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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.
🎙️ 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:
🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?
👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!
👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!
📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!
Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!
These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
💬 Comments & Community:
I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.
✅ 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 ...
Previous Episode
Discover Caving in Phong Nha with Hoàng Văn Hữu - Day 1 | On The Road with Niall and Adrie #3
"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 dangerous activities like logging and collecting unexploded bombs for metal, they now have opportunities in the growing tourism sector. Hữu's personal journey from learning English to becoming a cave guide perfectly exemplifies this transformation.
The most fascinating aspect was learning about Son Doong Cave and how carefully they're managing its tourism. Limiting visitors to just 1,000 per year shows remarkable foresight in preservation, especially considering the cave's massive size - being able to fit a Boeing airplane or a 50-story building inside is mind-boggling. The detailed organization of the tours, from fitness checks to the high guide-to-tourist ratio, demonstrates their commitment to both safety and conservation.
5 Key Takeaways
The Life-Changing Power of Learning English – Huu shares how learning English transformed his opportunities in Phong Nha, shifting his career from farming to becoming a tour guide.
The Danger of Unexploded Bombs – Many villagers still risk their lives collecting scrap metal from unexploded bombs, a remnant of past wars in Vietnam.
The Conservation Efforts Behind Son Doong Cave – Tourism in Son Doong Cave is highly restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem, allowing only 1,000 visitors per year.
The Toughest Challenges of the Trek – From river crossings to steep jungle climbs, this adventure demands serious fitness a
7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!
Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!
🎙️ 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:
🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?
👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!
👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!
📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!
Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!
These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
💬 Comments & Community:
I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.
✅ Subscribe for More!
If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.
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Next Episode
Discover The World’s Most Incredible Caves in Vietnam! | On The Road with Niall and Adrie #4
“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 constant challenge of staying warm and dry made it a real test of endurance. But that’s what made it so rewarding.
Pushing ourselves physically and getting to experience such a breathtaking environment was absolutely worth it.
Niall Mackay
Key Takeaways:
- Hang Tien Cave is part of the world's largest cave system
- Huu explains how the tour supports local employment
- Detailed explanation of limestone cave formation process
- Riverside campsite with sauna facilities
- Evening meal featuring local Vietnamese cuisine prepared by porters
Chapters & Timestamps:
01:00 – What’s Ahead: Trekking, River Crossings & Cave Exploring
02:00 – The Brutal Climb Out of the Cave
04:00 – Inside the Hang Tien Cave: A Geological Wonder
06:00 – A Proper Lord of the Rings Experience
07:00 – The Freezing River Challenge: To Swim or Not to Swim?
08:00 – Camping by the River & Sauna Time
09:00 – Local Food & Stories from the Porters
10:00 – The Haunting Sounds of the Cave: A Ghost Story
7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!
Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!
🎙️ 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:
🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?
👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!
🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!
👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!
📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!
Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!
These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
💬 Comments & Community:
I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.
✅ 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 ...
Vietnam Podcast: Culture, Community & Conversations - Explore Hanoi & Ha Long Bay with Claire Simpson
Transcript
I spent like a week in Hanoi, absolutely loved it. Then I went home and I was like, "No! I'm done with the UK." Booked a one way flight back, with no savings.
Niall MackayThere is just something about this place that you come as a tourist and you're just blown away by it.
Niall MackayWelcome to another episode of a Vietnam podcast with me, your host, Niall Macka
If you like this episode you’ll love
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