In this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast, host Niall Mackay, an expat in Vietnam since 2016, and guest Shane Dylan, 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 types of insurance available, tips for selecting policies, and guidance on handling insurance claims, especially in emergency situations. Additionally, they touch on legal considerations for riding motorbikes in Vietnam, the risks of sports and adventurous activities, and navigating the Vietnamese healthcare system. 

The podcast aims to educate and encourage expats and travelers to prioritize insurance as a key component of their preparation for living or traveling in Vietnam.

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"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 delve into the allure of Vietnam for photographers, the art of respectfully capturing candid moments, and the ever-changing landscape of the city. Adrien offers insights into his approach to street photography and the authentic experiences he aims to provide through his tours.

Adrien's love for Vietnam blossomed unexpectedly after initially visiting for a short trip in 2014. As he immersed himself in the country's culture, he discovered a passion for street photography, drawn to the dynamic contrasts and constant flux of Saigon's streets. Adrien emphasizes the importance of respectful and genuine interactions with subjects, often returning to the same neighborhoods to build connections over time.

Takeaways:

• Vietnam, particularly Saigon, offers a unique and constantly evolving canvas for street photographers, with its blend of traditional and modern elements.
• Approaching street photography requires respect, genuine curiosity about people's lives, and an authentic exchange rather than staging or intruding.
• Adrien's tours aim to provide an off-the-beaten-path experience, taking clients to lesser-known neighborhoods where interactions with locals are more natural and welcoming.
• Capturing the essence of a place goes beyond just scenic landscapes; street photography freezes fragments of time that may soon disappear due to rapid development.
• Building trust and returning to the same locations allow for deeper connections and more candid photographic opportunities.

"When you photograph people doing a lot of things in the street, there are many angles, there are many ways to compose your images, and that just makes it a lot more exciting." - Adrien on the appeal of street photography in Saigon.

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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 Hoeven

In 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 Hoi An region, from immersive food tours and world-class golfing to the burgeoning craft cocktail scene. They also discuss the rapidly improving service standards in Vietnam's hospitality industry and Pieter's vision for his upcoming resort that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An.

Pieter highlights the importance of repeat visitors for Vietnam's tourism industry, which lags behind neighboring countries like Thailand. He believes addressing visa requirements, improving infrastructure, and preserving authenticity will help attract more return guests. 

The episode offers a glimpse into Hoi An's vibrant food, drink, and wellness scenes, showcasing the destination's evolution while retaining its charming character.

Key Takeaways:

• Hoi An offers immersive food tours, allowing visitors to dine in local homes and experience regional specialties like cao lau and bahn mi.
• The region boasts seven world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects like Greg Norman and Nick Faldo, with better value than Thailand.
• Hoi An's burgeoning craft cocktail scene features trendy spots like Hill Station, Mango Rooms, and Market Bar, offering unique Vietnamese-inspired drinks.
• Vietnam's hospitality industry has rapidly improved, with major brands providing training, and locals embracing it as a career path after gaining overseas experience.
• Pieter's upcoming Waifafo Resort aims to celebrate Hoi An's culture through modern and ancient elements, including innovative wellness concepts.

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"As soon as you start doing something for money, whether you like it or not. It's gonna change."

Podcasting expert and host of A Vietnam Podcast and Smarter Podcasting, Niall Mackay, is interviewed by Samantha an AI Voice powered by ChatGPT.

Niall shares his journey from being an avid podcast listener to becoming a successful podcaster himself. He candidly discusses the challenges of podcasting, strategies for attracting and retaining an audience, and the future of the industry. 

Niall's wealth of experience and practical advice make this a must-listen for aspiring and experienced podcasters alike.

Niall delves into the transition from hobby to profession, emphasizing how money changes the dynamics of podcasting. He also explores the importance of consistency, authenticity, and community-building in establishing a dedicated following. 

Additionally, Niall shares his thoughts on the impact of video integration and offers monetization strategies for podcasters.

Key Takeaways:
- Appreciate the time commitment required for podcasting, and consider outsourcing tasks like editing to save time.
- Consistency and being true to yourself are crucial for building a dedicated audience.
- Engage with your audience where they are, and provide value beyond just promoting your episodes.
- Sponsorships and Patreon are viable monetization strategies, but don't expect quick riches from podcasting.
- Video integration is the future of podcasting, but audio should remain the primary focus.

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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 inspiring. With Niall's lively interview style, you'll get to know Ben and his incredible achievements.

Why Ben Mitchell is a Phong Nha Expert:

• Founder of Phong Nha Farm Stay and Victory Road Villas.
• Champion of responsible tourism in remote rural Vietnam.
• Combining contemporary elegance with traditional Vietnamese architecture.
• Impacting the Vietnamese tourism landscape.

Topics Discussed:

• The inspiration behind Phong Nha Farm Stay and Victory Road Villas.
• The unforgettable experiences these destinations offer.
• Responsible tourism and its impact on the beautiful regions of Vietnam.
• Ben Mitchell's personal journey in Vietnam.

Discover the real Vietnam in Phong Nha through the eyes of Ben Mitchell and learn about the authentic adventures and hidden gems waiting to be explored in this captivating episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast.

Places To Visit

• Phong Ke Bang National Park 
• Phong Nha Loop
• Easy Riders
• Jungle Treks
  • Oxalis Adventure
  • Jungle Boss Tours
  • Greenland Tours
• Phong Nha Cave
• Bong Lai Valley
• Dark Cave 
• Paradise Cave
• Eight Lady Cave
• Nuk Mok Eco Trail
• Botanical Gardens.
• Victory Road Villas Restaurant
• Pub with cold beer
• Phong Nha Funky Beach

Nearby:

• Hue
• Hoi An
• Da Nang
• Ho Chi Minh Trail

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Exploring the Beauty of Vietnam's Halong Bay: A Conversation with Local Guide, Quan

In 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, including the traditional 'junk' boats and luxury boats, are a must-visit is presented. 

Additional highlights include a brief foray into the changes brought about by COVID-19, efforts towards environmental conservation, and fascinating insights into life on a Halong Bay cruise.

00:11 Introduction and Host Background
00:44 Guest Introduction: Local Tour Guide
01:04 Guest's Journey to Becoming a Tour Guide
02:14 Understanding Junk Boats
05:01 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay
06:56 Tour Options in Halong Bay
07:59 Experience of Overnight Tours
08:58 Recommendations for Tour Duration
10:04 Exploring Caves in Halong Bay
22:43 Impact of COVID-19 on Tourism
25:25 Environmental Protection in Halong Bay
28:29 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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Earlier this year, I responded to a Facebook post on an ex-pat group. There were looking for someone to be on their YouTube video as they were traveling through Vietnam. So I reached out and then I kind of forgot about it.

I didn't really expect the response. But luckily I did, and I was happy to make arrangements to meet Tal Oran, the host of the wildly successful Travelling Clatt YouTube channel.

This is what I messaged him,

"I'd love to take your own town on the back of my bike and show you the craziness of the traffic firsthand and some food spots that are off the beaten track. And also show you the insane developments here. I've been here for nearly eight years. The amount of new buildings that go up is crazy and there's even a new bridge in downtown. That makes sense silly, but seeing a bridge being built in the middle of a major city was cool."

And I still think that's cool.

So we arranged to meet at 7:00 AM on a Monday morning. And I did exactly that. I took him around Saigon on the back of my bike. Tal has generously allowed me to share the audio from his YouTube video with you. So enjoy the episode and here's some of my story. If you don't know already. And some of my thoughts on life and Saigon and Vietnam as an expat.

 I'd love to hear any comments or questions, and then I can feature them on a future episode. Leave me a voice message here!

Thank you so much for choosing to listen to my podcast, whatever you're doing right now, wherever you are in the world. 

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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 in Vietnam since 2016, and I'm the host of A Vietnam Podcast, A comedian, and now 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 all the quirks of Vietnam.

Venues to visit

Cocktails and cool vibe

• Brix
• Clay
• 86 Proof
• Zumwhere
• Le Cafe des Stagiaires
• Racha Room
• Dram

Pizza/Pasta

• Pendolasco
• Pasta Fresca

Craft Beer

• Pasteur Street Brewing Co.
• BiaCraft
• Belgo

Sports Bar

• The Avenue

Great Food

• Okra HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
• Ut Ut
• Bep Vo
• Tinto

Craft Chocolate

• Marou

Nightclub

• Indigo

Activities

• Ice Skating at Vincom Mega Mall
• Yoga Pod
• Skating at Outcast
• Rock Climbing at Outcast
• Festivals at Outcast

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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-friendly boutiques.

Hotels and activities mentioned.

Phu Quoc

• Mango Bay
• Fusion Resorts
• Premier Village

Saigon

• Myst
• An Lam Retreat
• Mia Resort
• Villa Song

Mui Ne

• 
  
• Clown Car
• Minh On Hotel
• Cargo Remote
• The Cliff
• Joe’s Cafe
• Bo Khe
• Mini Golf

Da Lat

• Twin Lam Lake (sic
• Lavender Valley
• Mo Stay
• Lang Biang Peak

Phong Nha

• Victory Villas
• Phong Nha Homestay

Da Nang

• La Salle de Mer

Hoi An

• An Bang Beach
• Royal Riverside Hotel
• Cao Lau
• Nem
• Mi Quang

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Elizabeth Nguyen is from Honolulu, Hawaii, and is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who arrived in 1975. 

She has a background in Human Biology and Psychiatry, which gives her a unique perspective on the cross-cultural aspects of mental health.

Her career in community mental health and her interests in spirituality and psychiatry led her to write her first book, Aloha Vietnam.

Elizabeth reached out to me a while ago and shared her book with me. I am a notoriously slow reader so this interview has been a long time in the making but I’m so excited to talk to share her story with you today. 

In this episode we discuss the gap between mental health needs in Vietnam versus the reality, and compare the perspective of mental health in Vietnam to Western outlooks in countries like the USA and UK.

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