"We don’t always take a straight path in life. Sometimes, the detours lead to the most exciting places."

This conversation with Ben Nguyen was an inspiring discovery into the creative journey of someone who has truly embraced change. From growing up in Hanoi to studying in Japan and working with global brands like IKEA and Trunk Hotel, Ben’s story is a testament to following your passions—even when it means taking unexpected turns.

One of my favorite parts of this episode was discussing the power of saying yes to opportunities. Ben didn’t plan to work in social media, but thanks to a viral Instagram post of his dog, he found himself managing digital content for a luxury boutique hotel in Tokyo.

Key Takeaways

• Saying yes to unexpected opportunities can change your career—Ben’s social media success started with a dog video.
• Work-life balance in Japan is intense, but international companies operate differently. 
• The cultural differences between Hanoi and Saigon are more than just accents—each city has its own unique vibe.
• Creativity isn’t always a straight path. Sometimes, your career zigzags into something unexpected.
• NFTs and digital art are redefining how artists can monetize their work. 

Chapters & Timestamps

• 02:00 – Ben Nguyen’s Background: From Hanoi to Japan
• 09:00 – Cultural Differences Between Hanoi and Saigon
• 16:00 – Transitioning from Business to Interior Design & Creativity
• 21:00 – The Reality of Work-Life Balance in Japan
• 30:00 – The Rise of NFTs & How Dig

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“Dalat is full of hidden gems—you just have to know where to look.”

Dalat has always had a special charm, but this trip was all about discovering the lesser-known spots that make it truly unique. From scenic coffee farms to quiet nature trails, we set out to uncover places that offer something beyond the usual tourist stops. And of course, Biscuit came along for the adventure—because if anyone loves the cool mountain air, it’s her.

One thing I love about Dalat is how easy it is to explore. We hopped on a motorbike and within minutes, we were riding past pine-covered hills, flower farms, and roadside cafés that felt like they belonged in a movie. Along the way, we met locals, tasted some interesting drinks (cheese coffee, anyone?), and enjoyed the kind of fresh air you just don’t get in Saigon.

If you’re looking for the real Dalat beyond the usual tourist spots, this episode is for you. Get ready for scenic views, local flavors, and a few unexpected twists along the way!

Key Takeaways

• Dalat’s cool climate makes it perfect for growing strawberries, flowers, and wine
• Renting a motorbike in Vietnam is unbelievably easy—just show up, pay, and ride.
• Dalat Eden is a must-visit café with fresh local produce, beautiful gardens, and Instagram-worthy drinks. 
• The town is packed with dog-friendly spots—Biscuit had just as much fun as we did. 
• Hidden bars exist in Dalat—we found one disguised as a video game shop. 

Chapters and Timestamps:
01:00 – The French Influence & Climate of Dalat
04:00 – Hidden Gem #1: Dalat Eden Café & Gardens
09:00 – Hidden Gem #2: Roadside Viewpoints & Dog-Friendly Stops
12:00 – Exploring Dalat’s Northern Side & Finding Local Gems
19:00 – Hidden Gem

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“ Vietnam is the number two producer of coffee in the world, which blew my mind because I didn't know that as a Vietnamese American.” - Sarah Nguyen

Revisiting this conversation reminded me why I started this podcast—to amplify powerful stories, and Sarah Nguyen’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for reshaping the global coffee industry, advocating for Vietnamese coffee farmers, and pushing for diversity and transparency is exactly the kind of discussion that makes podcasting so rewarding.

What stood out most was Sarah’s deep connection to her heritage and her unwavering commitment to redefining the perception of Vietnamese coffee in the U.S. She broke down long-held misconceptions about Robusta beans and exposed how "Vietnamese coffee" is often misrepresented in specialty cafés. But her mission extends beyond coffee—it’s about cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and challenging industry biases.

Beyond the coffee industry, we explored themes of identity, language, and the Asian American experience. Sarah’s openness about her family’s refugee journey and the broader challenges facing the AAPI community added an important layer of depth to our conversation. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or revisiting it in this remastered edition, this episode remains just as powerful. From her surreal Drew Barrymore moment to her insights on sustainability and ethical sourcing, this conversation is packed with energy, authenticity, and game-changing ideas.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vietnam’s Coffee Industry is Vastly

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"We can’t be creative all the time. We have to be like a vegetable on the couch sometimes." - Chris Nguyen

Chris’s story is one of adaptability, creativity, and carving out your own space in a world that often demands labels. I loved this conversation because it really encapsulated what it means to be a third culture kid—straddling different worlds, blending influences, and figuring out where you truly belong.

We talked about everything from UX design to content creation, and what really stood out to me was Chris’s perspective on finding a niche—or rather, not having one. He’s embraced a philosophy of creative exploration, which is refreshing in a world that constantly pushes us to specialize.

Another highlight for me was our discussion on the expat experience in Vietnam. Chris has a unique vantage point as someone with Vietnamese heritage but a Western upbringing, and he shed light on how that shapes his interactions with both locals and other expats. His insights into the fast-growing creative and tech scene in Vietnam were fascinating, especially for anyone looking to start a business or build a career here.

It was a conversation full of laughs, deep insights, and, most importantly, a real look at what it means to build a life across cultures. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Key Takeaways:

• The idea of a "niche" is overrated—authenticity matters more.
• Creativity comes in waves, and that’s okay. You don’t have to be productive all the time.
• Expats in Vietnam often get pigeonholed into certain labels, but everyone has a unique story.

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Hang Tien 1 is part of a vast cave system in Phong Nha, connected by a river and featuring around 30 individual caves. In this episode, we explore the challenges of making these caves accessible for tourism and uncover fascinating details about their discovery and naming history.

With an entrance measuring a massive 90 meters high and 50 meters wide, Hang Tien 1’s entrance is even larger than the world-famous Son Doong Cave. However, Son Doong holds the title of the world's largest cave by volume, spanning an incredible 38.4 million cubic meters.

Join me as we dive into the wonders of this incredible cave system and the unique geological features that make it such an awe-inspiring destination.

04:46 Cave System Naming and Structure
05:01 Tourism and Accessibility
05:11 Cave Dimensions and Comparisons
05:23 Song Doong Cave vs. Other Caves
05:36 Volume Recognition of Caves

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Join me, Niall Mackay, and my guests Misha Smith, Adria Lopez Mackay, and Ben in a lively debate on the Vietnamese dish, Phở, in this episode of Saigon Sunday Sessions. We discuss the pronunciation, different types (Phở Gà and Phở Bò), and our personal experiences with the dish. 

Opinions vary, with arguments ranging from Phở being labeled as 'dirty dishwater with noodles' to it being considered an underrated culinary gem. 

We delve into the cultural significance of Phở, addressing misconceptions and contrasting it with other Vietnamese foods. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join the Seven Million Bikes community on Patreon.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:26 Setting the Scene: Saigon Sunday Sessions
00:41 Segment Introduction: Underrated, Overrated, Properly Rated
01:21 Pho: The Great Debate Begins
02:06 Pho: Personal Experiences and Opinions
04:18 Pho: Cultural and Culinary Insights
09:56 Pho: Final Thoughts and Ratings
17:02 Conclusion and Farewell

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“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

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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.

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"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

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"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 r

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