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!
In this lively episode, 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
00:10:33 - French Colonial Architecture in Saigon
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 - Cultural Shows at the Opera House
00:27:47 - Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
00:30:01 - Saigon as a Night City
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 with architect Hoanh Tran (The Bureau Asia YouTube Channel)
https://youtu.be/YBqwIGvOuXw?si=lYVTgbhtjT5kRTR_

Cho Lon Self-Guided Walk (The Bureau Asia Substack Mailing List)
https://thebureauasia.substack.com/p/cho-lon-self-guided-morning-walk

The best places to EAT, PLAY, LOVE in HCMC in 2024 (links out to the 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
https://www.luneproduction.com/