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

Support the show

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💬 Comments & Community:

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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.

"Send me a message!"

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:

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