"Our traffic jams are herds of ducks and families of water buffaloes." - Faryl Hoang

Talking with Faryl about her journey, her experiences as a Vietnamese-American rediscovering her roots, and what it’s really like to live in a place as magical as Hoi An was fascinating. Her perspective offered a really balanced view—yes, it’s paradise, but it also has its challenges. That’s something I always try to emphasize when we romanticize a place. Hoi An isn’t just lanterns and slow riverboat rides; it’s also a living, breathing community that’s evolving in real time.

One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation was how we, as expats, often view progress differently from locals. The discussion about KFC and Starbucks coming to Hoi An was a perfect example. While foreigners might resist these changes, the local community celebrates them. It’s a reminder that we’re guests in these places, and our nostalgia for an "untouched" Vietnam doesn’t necessarily align with what people living there actually want.

Also, I just loved the moment when Faryl’s dog started barking because a family of buffalo was walking by her house! That’s the kind of real-life, unfiltered Vietnam I love capturing on this podcast. It was a great episode that blended travel, history, and a bit of cultural reality check all in one.
- Niall Mackay

Key Takeaways:
- The Reality of Living in Hoi An – Hoi An is stunning but lacks Western conveniences. No shopping malls, no major grocery stores—life here requires a slower pace.
- The Changing Face of Vietnam – The arrival of big chains like KFC and Starbucks sparked debates among expats, but locals were thrilled. It’s a sign of progress and accessibility, not just commercialization.
- The Complexity of the Vietnamese Language – Even for someone with Vietnamese heritage like Faryl, learning the language is incredibly challenging due to regional dialects and pronunciation differences.
- Hidden Gems Near Hoi An – Bac Ma National Park between Da Nang and Hue is an under-the-radar spot for hiking, wildlife conservation, and stunning landscapes.
- Hoi An’s Nightlife is Underrated – From backpacker chaos at Tiger Tiger to refined cocktails at Market Bar, Hoi An has a surprisingly diverse nightlife scene.

Chapters & Timestamps

01:30 - Faryl’s Journey: From San Francisco to Vietnam
06:00Debating Development: KFC, Starbucks, and Western Influence 
11:30 - Hoi An: A Dream Destination, But Not Without Challenges 
15:10 - The Vietnamese Language Struggle 
19:20 - Hidden Gems & Must-Do Activities in Hoi An
31:00 -Nightlife in Hoi An: From Ba

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