“The air in Hanoi was so polluted that some days, we couldn’t even see the mountains. Then COVID hit, and suddenly we had blue skies.”

In this episode of The Saigon Sunday Sessions, Niall Mackay dives deep into the age-old debate between Vietnam’s two major cities: Saigon and Hanoi. Joined by guests Paul Villanova and Krista Bernard with Adrie Lopez Mackay, they explore their personal experiences living in both cities, sharing everything from lifestyle differences to humorous anecdotes about motorbike adventures and the impact of pollution on daily life.

Key Highlights:

1.Moving from Hanoi to Saigon: Krista reflects on the decision to move from Hanoi after five years, citing job opportunities and life circumstances that led the couple to embrace Saigon’s vibrancy.

2.Cultural Differences: The group discusses the contrasting personalities of the two cities, with Hanoi’s slower-paced, community-centered life versus the fast-paced, cosmopolitan vibe of Saigon.

3.Traffic Chaos: The panel shares their often-comical motorbike experiences, navigating the chaotic traffic of both cities, and Krista describes her journey of learning to ride in Vietnam’s unpredictable streets.

4.Pollution Concerns: Air quality is a significant topic, with the guests comparing the smog-filled skies of Hanoi to the relatively clearer air in Saigon, particularly after COVID lockdowns.

5.Bia Hoi Culture: A quintessential part of Hanoi life, the discussion highlights the local tradition of Bia Hoi, inexpensive fresh beer that fosters community gatherings in Hanoi, and the noticeable absence of this in Saigon’s upscale bar scene.

Episode Breakdown:

[00:01:00] Moving from Hanoi to Saigon: Paul and Krista’s story

[00:07:00] Motorbike Adventures: Learning to ride in Vietnam

[00:11:00] Cultural Differences between the North and South

[00:18:00] Air Pollution: Living with the haze in Hanoi and Saigon

[00:26:00] Bia Hoi vs. Saigon’s bar scene: Social life in both cities

"Send me a message!"

Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today!

Try Descript for free here!

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!