“Vietnam isn’t just somewhere people come for a cheap holiday anymore — it’s where creators, entrepreneurs, and dreamers are choosing to build a life.”That line sums up what this episode is all about.

For our first-ever live-streamed episode of Discover Vietnam, I sat down with Dana Bradley, co-founder of Where in HCMC, to talk about how Vietnam — especially Saigon — has evolved into one of the most exciting lifestyle destinations in Asia.

Dana first arrived in Vietnam by accident during the COVID lockdowns… and ended up staying five years (and counting). Her story mirrors so many of ours: we came for a short time, fell in love with the energy, and somehow built a life here.

What I loved most about this conversation is how naturally it flowed between personal stories, cultural observations, and genuine admiration for what makes Saigon Saigon. We dug into everything from why foreigners can’t seem to leave, to how Vietnamese creatives are shaping the city’s future.

Key Talking Points

• Vietnam’s evolution – from a backpacker stop to a global lifestyle and creative hub.
• Why people stay – Saigon’s spontaneity, community, and energy make it impossible to leave.
• Dana’s story – from being “stuck” during COVID to building Where in Vietnam, a platform connecting people and local businesses.
• Authenticity redefined – the real Vietnam isn’t just pho and war museums; it’s also cocktail bars, design studios, and Gen Z creatives.
• Empowering small businesses – how Where in Vietnam’s new website and People’s Picks Awards are spotlighting modern Vietnam.

Chapters & Timestamps

• 02:45 – Dana’s accidental arrival and decision to stay
• 06:30 – What makes Saigon special
• 13:40 – The birth of Where in HCMC
• 23:00 – Vietnam’s new generation and creative boom
• 31:00 – The future of lifestyle in Vietnam

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Niall talks to Ilse Zoerb. They instantly click and are both super goofy, joking about her name, accent and even Niall's dead grandmother. We even find a mutual appreciation for the TLC channel. Check out her favourite TLC show here.

Ilse helped her parents move to Vietnam at the end of 2016 while Trump was taking office. She got caught in the Saigon vortex and is grateful for it.

Ilse is a creator of things, having studied Movement in her native US. Since moving to Saigon she tried out stand up comedy before exploring Drag as the character Colonel Hai Minh, performing in several shows and also works with Dragonfly Theatre.

Instead of talking about the arts scene in Saigon that they are both a part of, for some unknown reason Niall and Ilse get very excited to talk about urban planning in Saigon and the improved road network! It's a way more interesting conversation than it sounds!

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

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👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

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These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

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“You can live in Vietnam for $1,000 a month… but will you be happy, healthy, and secure doing it?”

Adrie and I are gonna be here again, but in different roles - she’s the host and interviews me. Adrie asks me about the real cost of living in Vietnam after nine years as expats in Ho Chi Minh City. When we first arrived, we thought everything would be dirt cheap — almost free. But as we settled into long-term life, we learned that costs depend entirely on the lifestyle you want to live.

This conversation was a fun mix of stories from our early days, lessons we’ve learned the hard way, and advice I wish someone had told me when we first moved here. It’s not just about whether you can survive on a backpacker budget — it’s about whether you can thrive here long-term with savings, health insurance, and a lifestyle you actually enjoy.

Key Talking Points

1. First impressions vs. reality – Vietnam feels cheap at first, but costs add up quickly.
2. Wide price ranges – from 10k coffees to 110k Starbucks, lifestyle choices shape your budget.
3. Can you live on $1,000/month?
4. Long-term essentials – pensions, health insurance, transportation, and gym memberships are often overlooked.
5. Simple but rich lifestyle – Vietnam makes it easier to spend less on consumer goods, but temptations (international food, travel, shopping) are always there.

Chapters

• [00:00] Arriving in Vietnam – first impressions and naïve expectations.
• [07:00] The shock of real rent prices in Ho Chi Minh City.
• [13:00] Street food vs. Western comforts: how your lifestyle changes your budget.
• [19:00] Hidden costs expats forget: pensions, insurance, gyms, and groceries.
• [29:00] Big question: Can you live on $1,000/month in Saigon?

[45:00] Why a simpler life in Vietnam can actually feel richer.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!