If you have the chance to spend a little extra time in Saigon (aka Ho Chi Minh City), you're in for far more than just the usual sightseeing—it’s a whole new adventure! 

Join me In this lively episode, as I chat with Matt Cowan, an expat of 15 years, travel aficionado, and fellow podcaster, as we uncover the hidden gems that only reveal themselves to those willing to go off the beaten path.

Saigon is a city of contrasts, and we recorded this episode in one of its iconic French restaurants, The Refinery. Amidst laughs and our Aussie kinship, Matt shares what casual visitors often miss: the charm of historical cafes, the character of local bars, and the richness of local districts. Beyond the motorbikes and bustling streets lies a city with a unique rhythm and soul.

Join us for a humorous and insightful journey that shows Saigon is more than a stopover—it’s a city worth savoring.

Please enjoy some of the topics we managed to cover during the show.

 00:07:03 - Exploring Saigon's Hidden Gems
 00:12:47 - Nightlife and Expat Hangouts
 00:14:06 - Saigon's Evolution and Modernization
 00:18:10 - French Colonial Influence in Modern Cafes and Bars
 00:20:05 - Exploring Historic Apartment Buildings
 00:25:28 - The Opera House
 00:27:47 - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
 00:31:04 - Exploring Japantown and Chinatown
 00:40:04 - Motorbike Tours in Saigon
 00:41:08 - Historic Dining Locations
 00:45:06 - Best Time to Visit Saigon
 
Links as mentioned for you to explore further:-

Continental Hotel video  (The Bureau Asia YouTube Channel)

https://youtu.be/YBqwIGvOuXw?si=lYVTgbhtjT5kRTR_

 Cho Lon Self-Guided Walk 

https://thebureauasia.substack.com/p/cho-lon-self-guided-morning-walk

 The best places to EAT, PLAY, LOVE in HCMC in 2024 - 25 Things to Do in HCMC video

https://thebureauasia.com/2024/03/30/the-best-places-to-eat-play-love-in-ho-chi-minh-city-in-2024/

 Then & Now - Saigon 20 Years On (The Bureau Asia Podcast)

https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/then-now-saigon-20-years-on/id1478396971?i=1000656875461

 The Bureau Asia Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebureauasiagroup

Opera House shows 

http

The best way to connect with me is not via text, it is through the website www.whataboutvietnam.com website and email.

Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected]
Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTok

Let me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam - See our Travel Services

Do you need a #Dental Procedure? Why not find out what’s possible through our Dental and #Cosmetic Medical partner Worldwide Beauty Hospital. Mention #whataboutvietnam to receive 5% discount at Worldwide Beauty Hospital