I’m your host of A Vietnam Podcast, Niall Mackay, and this episode is a bit of a random one, which, honestly, is exactly the vibe I want for these Sunday sessions. If you’ve been tuning in, you’ve already known these are meant to be informal, spontaneous conversations – the type that just happens when I’m out and about with my microphone, sharing what life in Saigon is truly like.
For those who prefer video, this episode is also up on YouTube, if you’d like to see Saigon from the back of a motorbike while I narrate the experience, go check out the video!
Motorbike Experience: A Must-try For Visitors
This particular episode is probably the most random session I’ve recorded. I was heading from An Phu to District 7 on a motorbike, planning to meet up with friends. It was quite a distance on a bike, and somewhere along the way, I thought, Why not just grab the mic and record while I’m on the road? It’s not something I do often, but I figured, Let’s just go for it.
Recording on the back of a bike comes with some sound issues. There’s wind, background noise, and even with some post-production, the sound quality isn’t perfect. I tried to improve it, but there’s still a bit of crackle here and there. I’m sorry about that, but trust me, it’s a lot better than the raw version.
Instead of taking us through the usual tunnel into Districts 1 and 4, my driver veered onto Ton Duc Thang, one of the busiest streets in Saigon, especially at night. As I rode past iconic spots like the Meridian Hotel, VP Bank, and the new Ba Son Bridge, I took in the high-rise lights, bustling roadside cafes, and the sheer vibrancy of the Saturday night crowd.
I’d be lying if I said riding around Saigon on the back of a bike didn’t come with some risks, and my helmet was about as effective as a baseball cap. But that’s part of the experience here—you trust the flow, you trust the driver, and you just go with it.
It would be a bit chaotic, but somehow, it worked. I was there, capturing every second with my camera and mic, just soaking in this lively city as we weaved through lanes, dodged pedestrians, and kept up with the unspoken rhythm of Saigon’s traffic.
For More Experiences: Vietnam’s National Day – Fireworks on the Saigon Water Front
Life and Safety on Saigon’s Streets
If you’ve lived in Saigon, visited, or even thought of visiting, you probably understand what I was talking about. There was an energy in Saigon that was hard to find elsewhere. As I passed through areas that were once swamps, now transformed by skyscrapers and flashy billboards, I saw the city’s growth and the enthusiasm it radiates every day. This was my way of sharing Saigon’s pulse with you—right from the back of a motorbike.
And there’s something special about Saigon’s social scene. Here, friendliness was the default setting. As I recorded, locals waved, shouted friendly hellos, and kept riding along to appear on my camera. There was no threat, no tension—just genuine kindness.
It was so different from other Western countries. Last year, I came back to Scotland and had a bad experience with violence. Adrie and I went out to a local bar in Glasgow’s city center to watch a football match—Scotland versus Georgia. It was supposed to be a simple night out, just watching a game with fellow fans, but the bar closed earlier than we expected. A man didn’t want to leave and he started acting aggressively with the staff there. Even just last week, I came across a reel on Instagram showing a fight outside that same pub—this time, between two women.
In Saigon, it’s a completely different story. People here are warm, curious, and friendly. Strangers strike up conversations, shout cheerful greetings, and wave as they pass. It’s a level of friendliness and openness I never expected in such a big, busy city.
The longer I live here, the more I come to appreciate this peaceful and welcoming energy. I realize how rare and refreshing it is to feel so safe in a place, surrounded by people who make an effort to connect and make you feel at ease.
You may also be interested in: Thao Nguyen Shares Vietnam’s BEST Kept Secrets
Challenges and Charms of Expat Life
Living in Saigon as an expat has been a journey of contrasts, full of highs and lows. This city has a rhythm of its own—fast, noisy, chaotic, and somehow still beautiful. The constant hum of motorbikes, the never-ending flow of traffic, and the periodic waves of pollution can all feel like obstacles at first.
One of the big draws of Saigon, especially for expats, is the relatively low cost of living. Here, you can enjoy a great quality of life on a modest income. Things like rent, food, and transportation are all affordable compared to Western countries, which allows many of us to live comfortably without constantly worrying about money.
Yet, there’s something about this community of foreigners here that goes beyond just economics. I’ve seen expats come together in remarkable ways, contributing to local causes, supporting each other, and giving back to the city that’s become home. Just recently, I attended a charity event where expats gathered to raise money for a local organization. It was inspiring to see people not just enjoying the benefits of living here but also stepping up to support Vietnam, with the group raising over 56 million VND (roughly $2,200 US)in one night. It’s clear that while expats here might enjoy a lower cost of living, there’s a sense of duty and a genuine community spirit that keeps us all connected.
For anyone planning to visit Saigon, I have one piece of advice: experience this city from the back of a bike. There’s something about riding through these streets, feeling the energy of the place, that’s both thrilling and humbling. Whether you’re winding through tiny alleyways or cruising down wide boulevards, a motorbike ride here gives you an authentic, up-close perspective of life in Saigon.
Riding a motorbike through the city allows you to see it from the inside, to be a part of its movement rather than just an observer. So, for those who make the trip, hop on the back of a bike and let Saigon show you its heart.
Another way to observe Saigon from above is by trying the Hop On Hop Off Bus, you can watch the whole city and enjoy its unique atmosphere.
Conclusion
Finally, I arrived at my destination, ready to catch up with friends after quite the journey. I thanked the driver, and he gave me a V-sign for my camera—a small gesture but one that perfectly captured the friendliness I’ve come to love about Saigon.
Living here, every trip through the city feels like its own adventure, with new sights, sounds, and stories around every corner. If you’re curious about more stories, insights, and day-to-day experiences from life in Vietnam, follow for future episodes!