In this special episode of 'A Vietnam Podcast,' host Niall Mackay discusses the transformative two-year journey of living through the pandemic in Vietnam with his wife, Adrie. From their initial excitement over new jobs, a new dog, and a new apartment, to navigating a stringent lockdown in 2021, they share a candid look at their unique challenges and experiences. The episode covers their successful efforts in building a school for underprivileged children, the early days of the COVI...

Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awards 2024 for the best interview podcast. So I am absolutely buzzing right now. There are 61 finalists in total that they've whittled down from hundreds of entries.We are up against 9 podcasts in our category and it's People's Choice SO WE NEED OUR HELP!Please vote today and make sure to let me ...

Have you ever wondered how a short vacation can turn into a life-changing adventure? Niall Mackay shares the incredible story of how he and his wife Adrie ended up living in Vietnam for over eight years. What started as a brief six-week trip to complete an English teaching certification course turned into a multi-year adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.Niall takes listeners on a journey through their initial travels in Southeast Asia, their decision to teach English in Vie...

Comments & Community:I love hearing from you! Drop a message below and let me know your favorite Vietnamese dishes or any places you recommend I try next. Have you had similar experiences with Vietnamese food? Let's chat!Subscribe:If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow/subscribe for more episodes about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and insightful conversations.Follow Me: https://www.instagram.com/seven_million_bikes_podcasts/Podcast: avietnampodcast.comSupport the Podcast:If...

"You discover everything you want by bike. It's easier."Niall Mackay sits down with Mihai Constantinescu, a long-time expat and passionate motorbike enthusiast known for his YouTube channel "The Vietnam Rider". With 16 years of experience living in Vietnam and fluency in Vietnamese, Mihai shares invaluable insights into the world of motorbiking in Vietnam.The conversation covers everything from choosing the right bike and essential safety tips to navigating the bustling city traffic and embar...

"Send me a message!"Save Frustration. And time!Let my team and I save you the time and frustration it takes to edit a podcast. From start to finish, we can help you share your story with the world with minimum fuss and cost. – Niall Mackay, The Podcast GuyAudio Episodes Edited for ONLY $27! Save $127!! Please vote for A Vietnam Podcast here!I have some crazy, exciting, unbelievable news to share with you. I have just found out that A Vietnam Podcast has been nominated in the Asia Podcast Awar...

"Vietnam is 20, 30 years behind most countries. So being here right now, though, and watching it catch up so quickly is just really, really exciting." Niall Mackay reconnects with Nhi Mai, a former guest who moved to Vietnam in 2019 to discover her heritage. Nhi, a third-culture kid born to Vietnamese immigrants in Switzerland, shares her experiences of living in Vietnam for three years and her decision to return to Switzerland during the COVID-19 pandemic.The conversation explores the s...

"Your life like 80 years, 90 years max, you are old sickly if you get to 90. So if you are 30, you are 1 third there. What have you done with that 30?"Niall Mackay reconnects with Nam Den, a Nigerian YouTuber and content creator based in Vietnam. Nam reflects on his journey since their last conversation, sharing how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped his perspective on life and work-life balance.Nam discusses the challenges of maintaining his YouTube channel while juggling multiple responsibiliti...

"Vietnam is a massive beer drinking country. Per capita it's top ten ." - Mischa SmithIn this special episode of the Vietnam podcast, host Niall takes listeners on an epic craft beer crawl through Ho Chi Minh City. Joined by a rotating cast of friends and beer industry insiders, Niall visits his seven favorite craft beer bars in Saigon over the course of 8 hours. The crawl begins at Two Guys Belgian Fries in Thanh My Loi and winds its way through popular spots like Mixtape, Brick and Barrel, ...

"There's a lot of controversy about Michelin Guide coming here. But for me, I look at it as an opportunity for Vietnam to attract more tourists."​​In this episode of A Vietnam Podcast, host Niall Mackay welcomes back Thuyen Vo, a renowned food influencer and KOL (Key Opinion Leader), who previously appeared in Season 6. Thuyen discusses her journey over the past three years, sharing insights into her life, her passion for Vietnamese cuisine, and her current endeavors. The conversation touches...

"There are misconceptions about Vietnam, People just think of water buffaloes, rice paddies and lanterns if you live in the big city, like Saigon, it's just like any other big city." Ever wondered where to find the best cocktails in Saigon? Join Niall Mackay as he takes you on a tour through the city's top cocktail bars, sharing insider tips and personal favorites. Whether you're a Saigon local or planning a visit, this episode is your ultimate guide to the best drinks and hidden gems in...

"When you're at rock bottom as a drug addict, you'll know. Cause, as I explained it, there is that choice that you have to make. And when you're ready to look up, then I have plenty of advice." - Tue-Si on reaching the turning point in addiction.In this powerful episode, Niall revisits the story of Tue-Si, a recovering crystal meth addict who shares his journey from addiction to recovery. Tue-Si candidly discusses his relapse experiences, health scares, and the importance of taking responsibi...

On the Vietnam Is Awesome Podcast Niall Mackay is joined by Natalya Wissink, the founder of Secret Experiences, to talk about the thriving cocktail scene and hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). They discuss the modern side of Vietnam, the use of local ingredients in craft cocktails and beer, and Natalya's company, which offers unique experiences like the Secret Cocktail Experience.Key Takeaways:1. Vietnam, especially Saigon, has a surprisingly modern and vibrant cocktail and culina...

"Who likes to spend money though? If you can save money, you want to do it, right?"Niall shares his top 7 favorite happy hour spots in Saigon, the bustling city he now calls home. As a self-professed happy hour enthusiast, Niall has strong opinions on what makes a true "happy hour" deal, favoring bars that offer 50% off drinks over the dreaded "buy 2 get 1 free" promotions. He highlights spots like the expertly-crafted cocktails at 86 Proof, the stylish ambiance of Mami, and the unbeatable su...

"COVID really affected me that by the time the pandemic was over, I felt rusty as a performer and in my whole adult life, I'd never, ever experienced that."In this heartwarming episode, Niall is reunited with his friend Ella Beth, who first appeared on the podcast back in Season 2. They reminisce about their friendship, revisiting Ella Beth's journey from being a singer in Vietnam to navigating the challenges of the pandemic and ultimately finding love and a new life in America.5 key takeaway...

In his first solo episode of A Vietnam Podcast, host Niall Mackay shares his top seven places to enjoy craft beer in Saigon, Vietnam. From long-standing establishments to newcomers, Niall provides an insider's perspective on the city's vibrant craft beer scene.1. Malt Saigon on Mac Thi Buoi is an OG craft beer bar in Saigon, known for its shuffleboard table and Fuzzy Logic Pale Ale on draft.2. MixTape Drinks offers unique brews like Peaches and Cream Pale Ale and the green tea seltzer Partea....

Niall sits down with Thuyen Vo, a former host on the Best Ever Food Review Show and the founder of Easy English and Easy Vietnamese language centers. Thuyen opens up about her experiences navigating the post-pandemic world, content creation, and her newfound passion for the fine dining industry.Thuyen reflects on her time with the Best Ever Food Review Show, sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes and the challenges of unscripted on-camera moments. She also delves into the magic of editing and ho...

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 t...

"Send me a message!""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...

Send us a Text Message. 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,...

"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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...