"You discover everything you want by bike. It's easier."

Niall Mackay sits down with Mihai Constantinescu, a long-time expat and passionate motorbike enthusiast known for his YouTube channel "The Vietnam Rider". With 16 years of experience living in Vietnam and fluency in Vietnamese, Mihai shares invaluable insights into the world of motorbiking in Vietnam.

The conversation covers everything from choosing the right bike and essential safety tips to navigating the bustling city traffic and embarking on epic cross-country journeys. Mihai and Niall discuss the freedom and adventure that comes with exploring Vietnam by motorbike, as well as the cultural experiences and interactions with locals that make such trips unforgettable. They also delve into the practicalities of motorbiking in Vietnam, including licensing laws, bike maintenance, and how to stay safe on the roads.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose a common bike model for easy repairs and parts availability
• Always wear a properly fitted and securely fastened helmet
• Stay away from trucks and buses for safety
• Take smaller, less crowded roads for a better experience
• Familiarize yourself with your bike before embarking on long trips

Chapters and Timestamps:

01:40 Getting into motorbiking in Vietnam
04:40 First motorbiking experiences
09:10 The appeal of motorbiking in Vietnam
15:40 Choosing the right bike
22:10 Electric bikes in Vietnam
29:40 Traffic safety in Vietnam
35:50 Final tips for motorbiking in Vietnam
38:20 Where to find Mihai's content

Quotes:

1. "You discover everything you want by bike. It's easier." [09:40]
2. "The ride is the destination." [32:30]
3. "It really annoys me when you see people wearing a helmet and they don't clip it. Do these people go home and have sex with a partner and just hold the condom?" [33:50]
4. "The speed that you're at always seems less dangerous than it actually is." [36:20]
5. "20's plenty." [37:30]

Niall Mackay is joined by Natalya Wissink, the founder of Secret Experiences, to talk about the thriving cocktail scene and hidden gems in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

They discuss the modern side of Vietnam, the use of local ingredients in craft cocktails and beer, and Natalya's company, which offers unique experiences like the Secret Cocktail Experience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Vietnam, especially Saigon, has a surprisingly modern and vibrant cocktail and culinary scene that often goes unnoticed by tourists.
2. Local ingredients like spices, herbs, and fruits are being used in innovative ways to create craft cocktails, gins, and beers, showcasing a fusion of traditional and modern Vietnamese culture.
3. Secret Experiences offers unique tours like the Secret Cocktail Experience, where guests are taken to hidden bars and venues, allowing them to explore Saigon's nightlife scene in a truly immersive way.
4. Vietnam's food and beverage industry is not just catering to expats and tourists but is driven by the young, affluent Vietnamese population.
5. Saigon is full of hidden gems and speakeasy-style bars that are often difficult to find unless you know where to look, making guided experiences like those offered by Secret Experiences valuable for visitors.

"What I love is... how surprising Saigon is to a lot of people. So when you come here, there's so much to do that you wouldn't expect, which I think is really exciting." - Niall Mackay

"We don't want our guests to, although we support our partners, but we don't want them to discover places too early. We want them to be surprised and not know where we're going exactly." - Natalya Wisnick

In this episode of the Vietnam is Awesome podcast, host Niall Mackay, an expat in Vietnam since 2016, and guest Shane Dillon, who has spent 17 years in Vietnam and founded an insurance brokerage firm, discuss the importance of insurance for tourists to Vietnam.

They debunk common insurance myths, discuss the necessity of having insurance for healthcare, travel, and accidents, and share personal anecdotes to illustrate the consequences of being uninsured.

The conversation covers the types of insurance available, tips for selecting policies, and guidance on handling insurance claims, especially in emergency situations. Additionally, they touch on legal considerations for riding motorbikes in Vietnam, the risks of sports and adventurous activities, and navigating the Vietnamese healthcare system.

The podcast aims to educate and encourage expats and travelers to prioritize insurance as a key component of their preparation for living or traveling in Vietnam.