Recording this episode felt very different. It wasn’t just another guest or another chat — it was my first podcast in the brand-new Saigon Podcast Studio, and even better, it was with family. My wife’s uncle, George, had just spent two weeks traveling with us across Vietnam for the first time with his wife, Betty.
Seeing Vietnam through George’s eyes reminded me of everything I fell in love with when I first arrived.
His Expectations Were Low — And Then Vietnam Blew Him Away
George wasn’t just visiting. He was experiencing Vietnam for the first time — the food, the people, the motorbikes, the organized chaos, and even a thunderstorm at a bia hoi in Hanoi. It was fun, but also emotional. We talked about what he expected before he got here, and how different things actually were.
George admitted it himself — he didn’t know much about Vietnam before arriving. Most of what he knew came from American media, war documentaries, or old perceptions. And to be honest, he was worried for my wife Adrie when we first moved here.
He told me he was concerned for her safety. Not because of anything specific, but because Vietnam felt far away, unfamiliar, and different. There were language and cultural barriers. And as someone who served in the U.S. military, Vietnam still held a certain weight.
But that changed almost immediately after he landed. Within 30 minutes of arriving, he told me those fears disappeared. The friendly faces, the welcoming people, and the feeling of safety helped him relax. His old expectations didn’t match the reality he saw here.
What Stood Out the Most: Firsts, Food, and a Beer Hoi Moment
Their whole trip was full of firsts, and George was proud to share them.
It was his first time in Vietnam. His first time riding a motorbike. His first time trying local food like bánh mì, chả cá, cơm gà, and bún thịt nướng. And, of course, his first podcast ever.
One of the most beautiful moments for me was at a bia hoi in Hanoi. We were sitting under a small cover while a storm rolled in. I encouraged George to go over and say “Một, hai, ba, dô!” to the table next to us — and he did. That small moment turned into something big.
A man from the next table came over and, using Google Translate, started chatting with George. He turned out to be a soldier in the Vietnamese army. George is also ex-military, and even though they didn’t speak the same language, there was an instant bond. George said it was emotional. They understood each other, as soldiers, no matter the country. That stayed with him — and with me too.
Perception vs. Reality: What Changed for George
When we think about Vietnam in the West — especially in America — the first word that comes to many minds is “war.” That’s still a huge part of the country’s identity in the eyes of outsiders. And George, like many, had a version of that in his head before coming.
But that image got completely rewritten. He told me that Vietnam is a country looking forward, not back. That the people here are kind, forgiving, and full of life. As someone with a family member who served in Vietnam during the war, this trip was meaningful on a different level for him.
He also mentioned that, before coming, he had looked at other places to retire: the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Vietnam wasn’t even on the list.
But after this trip? He’s seriously considering moving here.
Motorbikes, Chaos, and Calm
I’ll never forget watching George try to cross the street in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. Like most visitors, he was shocked by the seemingly endless motorbike traffic. He called it “organized chaos” — and it really is. But after a few tries, he got the hang of it.
Riding on the back of a bike, zipping through the streets, eating street food, and adapting to the rhythm of daily life here — George embraced it all. It reminded me just how much Vietnam challenges you at first, but rewards you if you lean in.
Food Highlights: Too Many to Name
We ate a lot on this trip. I wanted to make sure they tried as many regional dishes as possible — from the South to the North.
Some of George’s favorites included:
- Bò né – sizzling beef on a skillet with eggs
- Bún thịt nướng – vermicelli noodles with grilled pork
- Cơm gà – chicken rice in Hội An
- Bánh mì and Cơm tam in Saigon
- And of course, bia hoi with locals
He said everything was amazing, but the bò né stood out just a little more. “That one was 10.1 out of 10,” he said. I couldn’t argue.
Will He Be Back?
We asked George before the end of the episode if he thought he would return. His answer was simple: “I love it. I really do. To the 10th degree.”
He even joked with Betty, saying, “Don’t unpack.”
And honestly, that’s what I’ve heard from so many people. They come to Vietnam thinking it’s a short trip. A one-off. And then… it sticks. It gets into you. They fall in love with the food, the people, the pace, and the kindness.
It was amazing to see that happen with George, in real-time, over two weeks.
Final Thoughts: See Vietnam For Yourself
This episode reminded me of how far I’ve come and how much this country has given me. It also reminded me how many people still misunderstand Vietnam, or don’t even consider it a place worth visiting.
George’s story is a perfect example of what happens when you let go of assumptions and experience a place with an open mind. He expected one thing and got something completely different — something better.
So if you’ve ever wondered what Vietnam is really like, or if you have family and friends still unsure about it, I hope you’ll share this story with them. And maybe one day, like George, they’ll be here too, crossing the streets of Saigon, sipping beer hoi in Hanoi, and learning that Vietnam is so much more than anyone expects.