Vietnam Is Awesome: Discover Awesome Experiences

Niall Mackay is joined by Natalya Wissink, the founder of Secret Experiences, to talk about the thriving cocktail scene and hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). They discuss the modern side of Vietnam, the use of local ingredients in craft cocktails and beer, and Natalya's company, which offers unique experiences like the Secret Cocktail Experience.Key Takeaways:1. Vietnam, especially Saigon, has a surprisingly modern and vibrant cocktail and culinary scene that often goes unnoticed...

In this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast, host Niall Mackay, an expat in Vietnam since 2016, and guest Shane Dillon, who has spent 17 years in Vietnam and founded an insurance brokerage firm, discuss the importance of insurance for tourists to Vietnam. They debunk common insurance myths, discuss the necessity of having insurance for healthcare, travel, and accidents, and share personal anecdotes to illustrate the consequences of being uninsured. The conversation covers the ...

"The authenticity and the genuineness and the cheekiness of Vietnamese people is still coming through. And I really like seeing that repeat guest coming back. It's a healthy sign for a destination." - Pieter Van Der HoevenIn this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome Podcast, host Niall Mackay is joined by Pieter Van Der Hoeven, the Managing Director of the Waifafo Resort and Spa in Hoi An. Pieter shares his insights and recommendations on the best things to do, see, and experience in the Ho...

"It's never a dull moment in Vietnam. Things are going so fast, things are changing, and, It's really interesting to document this contrast." - Adrien on the ever-changing nature of Saigon's streets.In this episode, host Niall Mackay welcomes Adrien, a French photographer who has been living in Vietnam for nearly 10 years. Adrien shares his journey of falling in love with the country's vibrant street life and culture, leading him to become a street photography tour guide in Saigon. They ...

Exploring the Beauty of Vietnam's Halong Bay: A Conversation with Local Guide, QuanIn this episode host Niall Mackay invites special guest Quan, a local tour guide from Ha Long Bay, who shares his wealth of knowledge and experience regarding this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The conversation covers various aspects of the Halong Bay experience from the types of tours available to historical significance and environmental concerns. A thorough understanding of why Halong Bay cruises, in...

In the heart of Vietnam, there are hidden gems that beckon travelers seeking authentic adventures and unforgettable experiences. Join Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy, as he uncovers the magic of these destinations in this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast.Niall's guest for this episode is Ben Mitchell, the visionary behind Phong Nha Farm State and the luxurious Victory Road Villas. Ben's journey in transforming these locations into must-visit spots on the tourist map is nothing short of...

Welcome to the Vietnam is awesome podcast. We'll help you discover the real Vietnam with awesome experiences.My guest today is Canadian Vietnamese, and also worked in the nightlife scene there for over 10 years. He moved to Vietnam in 2019 and has since then opened up three food and beverage businesses. The latest one is in Thao Dien which has changed dramatically post COVID and now a destination for tourists who want to see a different side of Saigon. I'm Niall Mackay, your host. I've lived ...

The Vietnam Is Awesome Podcast will help you discover the real Vietnam with awesome experiences.In this episode, we’ll share our recommendations for boutique hotels across Vietnam.My guest today is Lauren Pienaar. She has been in Vietnam now for 7 years, she's from South Africa originally. She's a singer-songwriter with Moon Rise City and is now the Head of Communications for Vietnam Is Awesome. The very maker of this podcast, she has traveled all over Vietnam to many different luxury and eco...

Uncover the Unique Aspects of Saigon's Underground Art SceneIn this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast, host Niall Mackay takes us on a journey into the vibrant underground art scene of Saigon. He introduces us to two extraordinary individuals who are at the forefront of this creative movement: Truong Que Phuong, the owner of Twist Cafe and Barzinga, and Sabra Johnson, the creator of the Jackfruit Cabaret Show.Guests:- Truong Que Phuong is the owner of Twist Cafe and Barzinga, two prem...

Welcome to the Vietnam Is Awesome podcast. We’ll help you discover the real Vietnam with Awesome experiences.I interviewed Mischa Smith who has lived in Vietnam for 10 years now. He's worked at Pasteur Street Brewing Company for eight and a half, most of those as the sales director spreading amazing craft beer across Vietnam.In our main interview we both starting reminiscing about "old" Saigon. Which isn't that old but vastly different from 10 years ago. We talk about;What Saigon looked ...

Welcome to the Vietnam Is Awesome podcast. We’ll help you discover the real Vietnam with Awesome experiences. In this episode my guest, Mischa Smith, has lived in Vietnam for 10 years now. He's worked at Pasteur Street Brewing Company for eight and a half, most of those as the sales director spreading amazing craft beer across Vietnam. And he's also the co-host of the Beer Stories podcast, which is produced by myself and Seven Million Bikes podcast and shares stories of craft beer, highlighti...

Welcome to the Vietnam Is Awesome podcast. We’ll help you discover the real Vietnam with Awesome experiences. In this episode my guest, Oscar Wright, has studied various religions in India and Istanbul… practices and teaches hatha yoga and meditation and tai chi... and facilitates Zen Tango workshops that turn tango dance into meditation.He is a film maker originally from El Paso, Texas, but after spending the last 22 years in Italy he is now making a film series in Hanoi where he has be...

Welcome to the Vietnam Is Awesome Podcast. We'll help you discover the real Vietnam with awesome experiences.I'm Niall Mackay, your host. I've lived in Vietnam since 2016, and I'm the host of a Vietnam podcast, A comedian, and now a brand ambassador for Vietnam Is Awesome.I came to Vietnam for a two-week vacation and was immediately taken by the beauty, friendliness, energy, and even all the quirks of Vietnam. I came back in 2016 with my wife for just six weeks, and six years later we're stil...

Welcome to the Vietnam Is Awesome Podcast. We'll help you discover the real Vietnam with awesome experiences. I'm Niall Mackay, your host. I've lived in Vietnam since 2016, and I'm the host of a Vietnam podcast, A comedian, and now a brand ambassador for Vietnam Is Awesome. I came to Vietnam for a two-week vacation and was immediately taken by the beauty, friendliness, energy, and even all the quirks of Vietnam. I came back in 2016 with my wife for just six weeks, and six years later we're st...

This is the brand new Vietnam Is Awesome podcast. We will help you discover the real Vietnam with awesome experiences. I'm Niall Mackay your host and I've lived in Vietnam since 2016. I'm the host of the well-known show, A Vietnam Podcast, comedian and brand ambassador for Vietnam Is Awesome. I came to Vietnam for a two week vacation in 2015 and was immediately taken by the beauty, friendliness, energy, and even the quirks of Vietnam. I came back in 2016 with my wife for just six weeks. And m...