What About Vietnam– S5- E20 – Saigon Unseen: The Sights You Didn’t Know You Were Missing

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 videohttps://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 Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/thebureauasiagroupOpera House shows https://www.luneproduction.com/ Follow on your favourite pod channel, email directly to [email protected] Keep abreast of news on our social pages on FB, IG,LinkedIn and TikTokLet me design your #customised #private tour of Vietnam  - See our Travel ServicesDo 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