Saigon Traffic: The Unique Experience

Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTubePodcast AddictAmazon MusiciHeartRadio

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!

403 thoughts on “Saigon Traffic: The Unique Experience”

  5. medicijnen online [url=http://zorgpakket.com/#]Medicijn Punt[/url] online medicijnen kopen zonder recept

  9. apotheek recept [url=https://zorgpakket.com/#]apteka internetowa holandia[/url] online medicijnen bestellen

  18. online apotheek zonder recept [url=https://zorgpakket.shop/#]pillen bestellen[/url] online apotheek zonder recept ervaringen

  24. blodtrycksmätare apotek [url=http://snabbapoteket.com/#]läkemedelsverket solskydd lista[/url] apotek självtest

  33. reputable indian online pharmacy [url=https://indiamedshub.com/#]IndiaMedsHub[/url] mail order pharmacy india

  37. ExpressCareRx [url=https://expresscarerx.org/#]mail order pharmacy viagra[/url] sky pharmacy online

  45. pharmacy assistant course online [url=https://expresscarerx.online/#]24 store pharmacy reviews[/url] Doxazosin

  60. online pharmacy furosemide [url=https://expresscarerx.org/#]ExpressCareRx[/url] online pharmacy prescription

  76. Lexapro for depression online [url=https://lexapro.pro/#]lexapro price comparison[/url] Lexapro for depression online

  82. Zoloft Company [url=https://zoloft.company/#]Zoloft for sale[/url] Zoloft online pharmacy USA

  88. where can i buy generic lexapro [url=https://lexapro.pro/#]lexapro price comparison[/url] Lexapro for depression online

  92. cheap Propecia Canada [url=http://finasteridefromcanada.com/#]generic Finasteride without prescription[/url] generic Finasteride without prescription

  97. sertraline online [url=https://zoloft.company/#]Zoloft online pharmacy USA[/url] purchase generic Zoloft online discreetly

  101. cheap Accutane [url=http://isotretinoinfromcanada.com/#]cheap Accutane[/url] Accutane for sale

  106. Tadalafil From India [url=https://tadalafilfromindia.shop/#]generic Cialis from India[/url] buy Cialis online cheap

  110. purchase generic Accutane online discreetly [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.shop/#]generic isotretinoin[/url] Accutane for sale

  115. Lexapro for depression online [url=https://lexapro.pro/#]Lexapro for depression online[/url] Lexapro for depression online

  119. Isotretinoin From Canada [url=http://isotretinoinfromcanada.com/#]buy Accutane online[/url] USA-safe Accutane sourcing

  124. Accutane for sale [url=https://isotretinoinfromcanada.com/#]generic isotretinoin[/url] isotretinoin online

  126. tadalafil online no rx [url=https://tadalafilfromindia.com/#]buy Cialis online cheap[/url] generic Cialis from India

  129. generic Finasteride without prescription [url=https://finasteridefromcanada.shop/#]Propecia for hair loss online[/url] get propecia price

  133. generic Finasteride without prescription [url=https://finasteridefromcanada.com/#]cheap Propecia Canada[/url] cheap Propecia Canada

  136. generic Finasteride without prescription [url=http://finasteridefromcanada.com/#]generic Finasteride without prescription[/url] cheap Propecia Canada

  146. anti-inflammatory steroids online [url=https://reliefmedsusa.shop/#]Relief Meds USA[/url] Relief Meds USA

  155. where to buy Modafinil legally in the US [url=http://wakemedsrx.com/#]WakeMeds RX[/url] buy Modafinil online USA

  159. gabapentin acute pain management [url=https://neuroreliefrx.shop/#]NeuroRelief Rx[/url] NeuroRelief Rx

  163. clomid brand name [url=http://clomidhubpharmacy.com/#]Clomid Hub Pharmacy[/url] where to buy generic clomid online

  167. Clear Meds Direct [url=https://clearmedsdirect.com/#]Clear Meds Direct[/url] low-cost antibiotics delivered in USA

  169. can you buy prednisone in canada [url=https://reliefmedsusa.shop/#]ReliefMeds USA[/url] 1 mg prednisone daily

  174. order corticosteroids without prescription [url=https://reliefmedsusa.com/#]order corticosteroids without prescription[/url] buy prednisone online uk

  178. order corticosteroids without prescription [url=http://reliefmedsusa.com/#]prednisone 20 mg prices[/url] india buy prednisone online

  183. price of amoxicillin without insurance [url=https://clearmedsdirect.shop/#]low-cost antibiotics delivered in USA[/url] low-cost antibiotics delivered in USA

  187. NeuroRelief Rx [url=https://neuroreliefrx.shop/#]gabapentin overdose uptodate[/url] NeuroRelief Rx

  196. WakeMedsRX [url=https://wakemedsrx.shop/#]order Provigil without prescription[/url] order Provigil without prescription

  201. mexican pharmacy for americans [url=https://mexicarerxhub.shop/#]п»їmexican pharmacy[/url] MexiCare Rx Hub

  205. low cost mexico pharmacy online [url=https://mexicarerxhub.shop/#]order azithromycin mexico[/url] MexiCare Rx Hub

  210. best online pharmacy india [url=https://indigenixpharm.com/#]indian pharmacy paypal[/url] IndiGenix Pharmacy

  214. IndiGenix Pharmacy [url=https://indigenixpharm.com/#]IndiGenix Pharmacy[/url] best india pharmacy

  222. п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india [url=https://indigenixpharm.com/#]IndiGenix Pharmacy[/url] IndiGenix Pharmacy

  227. canadian drugs online [url=http://canadrxnexus.com/#]canadian online pharmacy[/url] pharmacy canadian

  231. online pharmacy india [url=https://indigenixpharm.shop/#]cheapest online pharmacy india[/url] online shopping pharmacy india

  235. world pharmacy india [url=https://indigenixpharm.com/#]reputable indian pharmacies[/url] india online pharmacy

  240. mail order pharmacy india [url=http://indigenixpharm.com/#]IndiGenix Pharmacy[/url] IndiGenix Pharmacy

  244. CanadRx Nexus [url=https://canadrxnexus.shop/#]precription drugs from canada[/url] legitimate canadian online pharmacies

  261. ivermectin sheep drench for goats [url=http://ivercarepharmacy.com/#]ivermectin tablets[/url] stromectol for chickens

  270. RelaxMedsUSA [url=https://relaxmedsusa.com/#]muscle relaxants online no Rx[/url] safe online source for Tizanidine

  274. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://asthmafreepharmacy.com/#]buy ventolin without prescription[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  280. Zanaflex medication fast delivery [url=https://relaxmedsusa.com/#]Tizanidine tablets shipped to USA[/url] trusted pharmacy Zanaflex USA

  286. muscle relaxants online no Rx [url=https://relaxmedsusa.shop/#]affordable Zanaflex online pharmacy[/url] affordable Zanaflex online pharmacy

  289. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://glucosmartrx.com/#]rybelsus and januvia together[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  293. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=http://asthmafreepharmacy.com/#]buy ventolin tablets uk[/url] ventolin otc usa

  296. cheap muscle relaxer online USA [url=https://relaxmedsusa.shop/#]RelaxMedsUSA[/url] buy Zanaflex online USA

  299. AsthmaFree Pharmacy [url=https://glucosmartrx.shop/#]how to get insurance to cover rybelsus[/url] AsthmaFree Pharmacy

  303. IverCare Pharmacy [url=https://ivercarepharmacy.shop/#]ivermectin apple paste[/url] is ivomec the same as ivermectin

  306. buy Zanaflex online USA [url=https://relaxmedsusa.shop/#]trusted pharmacy Zanaflex USA[/url] buy Zanaflex online USA

  309. Mandiribet login [url=https://mandiwinindo.site/#]Bonus new member 100% Mandiribet[/url] Bonus new member 100% Mandiribet

  324. Link alternatif Mandiribet [url=https://mandiwinindo.site/#]Live casino Mandiribet[/url] Bonus new member 100% Mandiribet

  331. Jiliko slots [url=https://jilwin.pro/#]Jiliko casino walang deposit bonus para sa Pinoy[/url] maglaro ng Jiliko online sa Pilipinas

  336. jollibet casino [url=https://1winphili.company/#]Online betting Philippines[/url] Online casino Jollibet Philippines

  354. buy medicines online in india [url=https://indianmedsone.com/#]Indian Meds One[/url] best india pharmacy

  361. Mexican Pharmacy Hub [url=http://mexicanpharmacyhub.com/#]Mexican Pharmacy Hub[/url] Mexican Pharmacy Hub

  381. Indian Meds One [url=https://indianmedsone.com/#]Indian Meds One[/url] reputable indian pharmacies

  387. online pharmacy india [url=https://indianmedsone.com/#]Indian Meds One[/url] п»їlegitimate online pharmacies india

  397. how to buy sildenafil without a prescription [url=https://sildenapeak.com/#]sildenafil tablet brand name in india[/url] SildenaPeak

Leave a Comment