This trip was one of the most fun and immersive ones we’ve recorded so far. Pai has this laid-back charm and unexpected beauty that really took us by surprise.

Adrie and I take you along as we explore some of Pai’s must-see spots — and wow, what a day. We started with the National Park Hot Springs, where the water gets hot enough to boil eggs (or a human, seriously). Then we checked out the WWII Memorial Bridge (Nara Bridge), which has a surprisingly cool history behind it. After that, we made our way across the Bamboo Bridge (NAME), a nearly 1-kilometer-long structure built for the ‘Gram, complete with swings, hearts, and even a ladder to nowhere.

Finally, we wrapped things up at the breathtaking — and slightly terrifying — Pai Canyon for sunset. It was beautiful, hilarious, a bit slippery, and definitely memorable. If you’re heading to Pai or just want to know what it’s really like, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

Pai Hot Springs are natural and beautiful, but can be dangerous — always check temperatures and wear grippy shoes.
Respect local customs — the hot springs are used by locals, so be clean and mindful (no peeing, no weed, no booze!).
Tha Pai Memorial Bridge has a rich WWII history — rebuilt multiple times and now a perfect selfie stop.
Bamboo Bridge is a modern tourist gem, filled with photo ops — hearts, swings, and “ladder to nowhere” included.
Pai Canyon offers stunning views, but be prepared for narrow paths, sheer drops, and zero handrails — not for the faint-hearted.

Chapters & Timestamps
[00:02:00] Cultural Tips + Slippery Rocks
Local etiquette, weed laws in Thailand, and practical warnings.
[00:04:00] WWII Memorial Bridge History
A Japanese-built war bridge turned tourist stop — and a lesson in resilience.
[00:06:00] Bamboo Bridge Adventures
815 meters of Instagram heaven, odd photo props, and a sandy, bouncy stroll.
[00:10:00] Sunset at Pai Canyon
Stunning views, sketchy ledges, and why alcohol is not sold up there.
[00:17:00] Final Thoughts and Laughs
Slipping, climbing, joking, and refl

"Send me a message!"

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...

“In the south it's always more dynamic. Everyone is just moving around all the time. In the north, it's slower. People are a bit meaner.” - Viet Anh

For nearly ten years now, I've called Vietnam home, and while I've experienced the incredible energy and warmth of the south, Viet Anh's perspective on the north offered a viewpoint I hadn't fully considered. It's fascinating how regional differences can shape the experience of living in the same country.

We touched on the sometimes-surprising toxicity that can bubble up online, both within expat communities and among Vietnamese internet users. It's a stark contrast to the welcoming spirit I've largely encountered here. We also reflected on how things change over time – from cinema etiquette to the increasing polarization of opinions, it feels like the Vietnam I first encountered is constantly evolving.

Key Takeaways:
- There are perceived significant differences in pace and demeanor between the north and south of Vietnam.
- Online toxicity is a notable issue within expat and Vietnamese online communities.
- Cultural norms and perspectives are constantly evolving in Vietnam.
- Stereotypes about foreigners in Vietnam, particularly English teachers, exist and need to be addressed.
- The economic contribution of foreigners in Vietnam is often misunderstood, with many filling roles that locals don't typically pursue.

Chapters and Timestamps:
05:59: Discussion on Online Toxicity
10:59: Changing Perspectives and Behaviors Over Time
14:59: Stereotypes of Foreigners in Vietnam
24:00

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

The Podcast Launch Lab

The Podcast Makeover

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...

"So those bastards bumped the bridge down so that nobody could use it, and the locals got pissed off at that 'cause they enjoyed having a bridge. So they rebuilt it."

This trip was one of the most fun and immersive ones we’ve recorded so far. Pai has this laid-back charm and unexpected beauty that really took us by surprise.

Adrie and I take you along as we explore some of Pai’s must-see spots — and wow, what a day. We started with the National Park Hot Springs, where the water gets hot enough to boil eggs (or a human, seriously). Then we checked out the WWII Memorial Bridge (Nara Bridge), which has a surprisingly cool history behind it. After that, we made our way across the Bamboo Bridge, a nearly 1-kilometer-long structure built for the ‘Gram, complete with swings, hearts, and even a ladder to nowhere.

Finally, we wrapped things up at the breathtaking — and slightly terrifying — Pai Canyon for sunset. It was beautiful, hilarious, a bit slippery, and definitely memorable. If you’re heading to Pai or just want to know what it’s really like, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

Pai Hot Springs are natural and beautiful, but can be dangerous — always check temperatures and wear grippy shoes.
Respect local customs — the hot springs are used by locals, so be clean and mindful (no peeing, no weed, no booze!).
Tha Pai Memorial Bridge has a rich WWII history — rebuilt multiple times and now a perfect selfie stop.
Bamboo Bridge is a modern tourist gem, filled with photo ops — hearts, swings, and “ladder to nowhere” included.
Pai Canyon offers stunning views, but be prepared for narrow paths, sheer drops, and zero handrails — not for the faint-hearted.

Chapters & Timestamps
[00:02:00] Cultural Tips + Slippery Rocks
Lo

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...

"I think the Scottish accent's been voted one of the sexiest, but it's also, some of them, one of the most disgusting" - Craig

This bonus episode was a hilarious trip down memory lane. Craig and I just let loose with our Scottish accents, sharing stories about growing up in Glasgow that we've never really talked about on the main show. The cultural differences, the misunderstandings with Americans, and the unique character of Glasgow compared to the rest of Scotland - it all came pouring out in our natural voices. I think listeners will get a real kick out of hearing us in our element, not holding back on the Scottish slang and experiences that shaped us before we moved abroad. It's raw, it's authentic, and it's Glasgow through and through.

What's fascinating is how our identities are still so tied to Scotland even though we've both been away for decades. The way we slip in and out of our accents, the experiences that only make sense to other Scots - it's like carrying a piece of home with you that never quite fades, even when you have no plans to move back. This episode really captures that weird space of being proudly Scottish while also acknowledging why we chose to build our lives elsewhere.

Key Takeaways:
- The difficulties of being understood with a Scottish accent in America and how Niall had to adapt his speech to be understood
- How Americans have particular difficulty understanding Scottish accents, especially with words like "bottle of water"
- Discussion of Scottish comedy (Kevin Bridges, Still Game) and how specific cultural references don't translate well internationally
- Stories about Glasgow culture and public confrontations that illustrate the city's rough-around-the-edges character
- Comparisons between Glasgow and Edinburgh and why tourists tend to visit Edinburgh while missing Glasgow's character

Chapters and Timestamps:
03:35 - American Reactions to

"Send me a message!"

The Podcast Launch Lab

The Podcast Makeover

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...

In this special extra episode of A Vietnam Podcast, I take you through a day filled with various adventures.

Starting with a cold sunrise bike ride where the stunning beauty of the dawn was well worth the early wake-up.

Then, I recount our challenging yet exhilarating hike to a waterfall, where we navigated through icy waters and tricky paths.

Along the way, I share some interesting local quirks, such as the abundance of weed shops and Friday laundry closures.

We opted to skip a wild tubing event due to our 'mature' age and instead enjoyed a fun, albeit slightly murky, poolside hangout.

Join us on this journey and get a glimpse of the highs and lows of our travels.

00:00 Introduction to the Extra Episode
00:26 Exploring the Pool and Surroundings
01:07 Sunrise Adventure
03:54 Waterfall Hike Challenges
08:14 Poolside Relaxation and Tipsy Tubing
09:48 Sunset Bar and Local Discoveries
11:36 Reflections on Pai
13:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...

"I planned to do six months. I planned to do like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, that kind of bit of Southeast Asia and never left Vietnam.... It's so unlike any other place I've ever been." - Craig Haggart

This episode was a long time coming, and it was more than worth the wait. I've been trying to get Craig on the show for over six months, and sitting down with someone who not only shares my hometown but also so many formative experiences was something truly special. As two Glaswegians in Saigon, the nostalgia and humor flowed naturally—and maybe a bit too much football chat!

What struck me most was Craig’s vulnerability and openness. From his journey as a gay man in Glasgow to finding community in Vietnam, and navigating love, culture, and identity—he told it all with humility and a cracking sense of humor. I know listeners will take something valuable from this episode, whether it’s a laugh, a moment of reflection, or simply a reminder of how far we can come when we step into the unknown.

Key Takeaways:
The chaotic beauty of Vietnam – “It’s so unlike any other place… the smells, the lights, the busyness—it’s sensory overload.”

Coming out in Glasgow at 14 – Craig candidly shares what it was like to come out young and navigate high school as a gay teen.

Vietnamese culture and family acceptance – Insight into being part of a liberal Vietnamese family and his relationship with his Northern-born boyfriend.

Scottish identity and sectarianism abroad – A raw discussion on how football-related sectarianism follows Scots globally, and how i

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

The Podcast Launch Lab

The Podcast Makeover

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...

"My mouth is on fire. My tongue is totally burned, but I want another one… ’cause it’s so good."

This episode was such a wild mix of adventure, confusion, and food. It’s one of those travel days where you don’t really know what’s going to happen next, and I loved every second of it.

From riding a half-broken bike through the hills of Northern Thailand to accidentally sitting in duck poo and stumbling upon a garden full of phallic statues, this day had it all. Pai totally surprised me—it was way more lively and international than I expected, and the street food scene was on another level.

This episode is all about leaning into the chaos of travel, trying weird and wonderful things, and laughing along the way.

Key Talking Points:

• The wild road trip from Chiang Mai to Pai – 762 turns and a lemon of a bike.
• The Erotic Garden – a totally unexpected and hilarious stop filled with art, innuendo, and surprise wisdom.
• Hopping on a bike - Riding experience in Thailand was different from that of Vietnam
• Eating everything – from gyoza and halal dumplings to coconut pancakes, and even lasagna made with macaroni.
• First impressions of Pai – hippie vibes, Gen Z fashion, TikTok-famous “banh mi,” and a whole lot of fun.

Chapters and Timestamps

• 01:30 – First stop: a totally unexpected Erotic Garden
• 06:00 – Waterfalls, steep hills, and a near-death motorbike experience
• 17:30 – Finally in Pai: weird fashion, hippie energy, and international food
• 22:00 – The wild night market: Gen Z, food, and weed shops
• 26:00 – More food: stuffed peppers, halal dumplings, and fake banh mi
• 32:00 – A lasagna bar in Thailand (yes, really)
• 34:30 – Pesto’s not the best, but the spinach-mac

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...

“I love Thai food… but Vietnamese food just hits different—it’s the balance, the freshness, the herbs. It’s something else.”

This episode was a fun, spicy, and slightly controversial one: Thai food vs. Vietnamese food. As someone who’s lived in Vietnam for years and has also spent time traveling through Thailand, I get this question all the time—which cuisine is better?

Thai food is bold, fiery, and unforgettable. Vietnamese food is fresh, light, and deeply balanced. Both have their own magic. In this episode, I break down the differences in flavor, ingredients, regional styles, and even cultural eating habits. Whether it's pho vs. pad Thai, green curry vs. bun bo Hue, or sticky rice mango vs. chè, we dive into what makes each cuisine special—and why Vietnamese food deserves more global recognition.

Join Adrie and me to find out which is better!

Key Talking Points

• Why Vietnam is one of the best home bases for travel in Southeast Asia.
• Honest thoughts on Tan Son Nhat Airport, including how to navigate it smoothly, what to expect from immigration and check-in
• From temples to night markets to foot massages, I give you a mini-guide to getting the most out of a single day in this chilled-out northern city.
• Street food journey—highlighting spicy curries, grilled meats, and (my personal favorite) mango sticky rice.
• Thai food vs. Vietnamese food, from bold flavors and spice levels to freshness and balance.
• Muay Thai—Thailand’s national sport. Whether you're a fighter or just curious, it's a cultural experience that’ll definitely get your heart rate up.

Chapters and Timestamps

• [00:02:05] Living in Vietnam: A Travel Hub
• [00:03:10] Tan Son Nhat Airport Tips
• [00:05:50] Chi

"Send me a message!"

7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!

Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!

Try Descript for free 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:

🎨 Need a New Logo or Animation?

👉 Fiverr is my go-to platform for YouTube thumbnails, translations, SEO articles, and more. Whatever you need, Fiverr has you covered!

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

📈 Boost Your YouTube Channel!

Get the tools I use to grow my channel and improve my videos with VidIQ!

👉 https://vidiq.com/refer

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

💬 Comments & Community:

I love hearing from you! Drop a comment and let me know your thoughts on this episode.

✅ 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 ...